Tacloban city: The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in Eastern Visayas announced the importance of maximizing data use to measure progress in the region's attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This announcement was made during the conclusion of the 36th National Statistics Month in Tacloban City.

According to Philippines News Agency, PSA Eastern Visayas regional director Wilma Perante emphasized the need for continuous data utilization throughout the year to drive sustainable development and ensure inclusivity. She stated that statistics should be accessible and understandable to all, highlighting the role of data in tracking progress and identifying areas requiring additional efforts to achieve the SDGs.

As the month-long event concluded, Perante urged the public to continue promoting statistical literacy and sustainable progress. She noted that each data point represents stories of progress and aspirations, advocating for the use of statistics to build a more equitable future for all Filipinos.

The National Statistics Month celebrated under the theme "Accelerating the SDG Pace of Progress: Mobilizing Data for All," showcased how data-driven insights can enhance decision-making in education, environment, health, and economic development, which are crucial components of the SDG framework.

The PSA previously reported declines in progress for five out of 17 SDG goals, namely Gender Equality, Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, Reduced Inequalities, Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Climate Action. The SDGs, established in 2015 by United Nations members including the Philippines, outline 17 goals, 169 targets, and 232 indicators aimed at addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change over a 15-year period.