by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM
October is National Statistics month. Hence, resource speakers in the weekly Kapehan on September 26, 2009 came from offices concerned with compiling/gathering socio-economic data. They are Engr. Roger M. Esto, Provincial Planning & Development Officer (PPDO), Blas M. Solidum, National Statistics Office (NSO), Noli V. Delegencia, Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS), and Ms. Rodelyn R. Panadero, Statistician, NSO.
The theme for this 20th year observance is "Enhancing Security Statistics Sector for Good Governance, Peace and Sustainable Develop-ment." The Department of National Defense is tasked to spearhead the celebration featuring among others quiz contest on Philippine statistics and Mathematics on October 27, 2009. This is open to all first year college students with cash prizes at stake.
Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino cited invaluable contribution of statistics to economic policy formulation and as a gauge of government performance. He cited the late Sen. Blas Ople who underscored reliability and quality of statistics. Otherwise, it would tantamount to economic sabotage.
According to Atty. Allen S. Quimpo statistics is a tool for searching the truth and can only be supported by data and other pertinent information. Rather than remain cold numbers, they could be dynamic springboard to intelligent discussion on any issue and concern.
Mr. Blas Solidum said that the mandate of the NSO is in the generation of statistics for socio-economic development, feasibility studies, and research. It also compiles civil registry documents, building permits, marine and air transport manifest documents.
In gathering statistical data, Solidum said that there are two methods used 1.) general – where everyone is covered and scientific surveys where representative samples of the total population is taken for processing.
Ms. Panadero said that in 2007, Aklan had a population of 495,122 with a growth rate of 1.29 percent. This is way down the figure in 1995 – 2000 which posted 2.05 percent. Consumer price index (CPI) was 164.3 in Sept. 2009 brought about by increase in prices of fuel, light, and water utilities, services and all others which is quite normal for the period.
The purchasing power of the peso reckoned from the year 2000 stood at 0.61 and inflation rate of 3.1 percent.
Mr. Delegencia said that the BAS as a branch of the DA is tasked to generate statistics on cereals (rice and corn), poultry and livestock (backyard and commercial), fisheries (commercial, municipal fisheries and aquaculture) and vegetable production. While Aklan is a net rice exporter from 17,120 hectares farmland, there is acute shortage of poultry and livestock. Deficit runs from 200-300 heads per month and this is filled in by enterprising farmers of Iloilo.
While our fisheries supply from marine and aquaculture appears to be unstable, production is barely sufficient to meet the needs of a growing population, stressed the BAS chief Solidum. Meanwhile, fruits and vegetables, not to mention cutflowers are heavily imported from neighboring provinces like Iloilo, Baguio, Cebu, and Davao.
Issue and concern are the lackluster performance of the Department of Agriculture in its mission to achieve food security and productivity despite favorable soil and climatic condition and the comparative advantage for our tourism industry. Self sufficiency in food covers not only rice but other prime commodities like meat, eggs, fish, fruits and vegetables.
Apparently, much of Gov. Carlito S. Marquez’ gains on agriculture development is just empty rhetoric. Aklan with its rich natural resources and motivated manpower must become the breadbasket rather than a basket case in this part of the region.
This is the reason why Aklan CPI of 164.3 for the month of September 2009 is much higher than the national average data of 155. CPI covers food, beverages, tobacco, clothing, housing and repair, utilities, services, and miscellaneous expenses.
It should be under-scored that our annual growth rate of rice produc-tion is limited to 1.0 percent while population grows exponentially to 1.29 percent. Considering the limited area covered with irrigation system and the unabated land conversion of rice lands into residential, industrial, and commercial uses, Aklan may become a net rice importer before 2020.
Based on 2008 provincial budget, only one per cent of P800 million is allotted for agriculture development where UN recommends an optimum of 10 percent. Obviously, DA is devolved agency to LGU but Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) fund can be problematic for impoverished 3rd and 4th class municipalities like Libacao and Madalag.
Engr. Esto’s suggestion that the Office of the Governor through PPDO actively collaborates with NSO, DA-BAS, NFA and other line agencies drew unanimous support from members of the tri-media. He said that conflicting data could easily be resolved, refined and be made available to the public any time. Meanwhile, Esto said that updated Provincial Profile funded by Asian Development Bank will be off the press before the end of this year.
Lack of pertinent data and information at the Municipal and barangay levels can be daunting problem for researchers and people doing feasibility studies. Developmental initiative of LGU’s assisted by DILG should focus on updating socio-economic profile in all 17 municipalities and 327 barangays of Aklan. /MP
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