The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) hosted the 15th National Convention on Statistics (NCS) last October 3-5, 2022, at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria.
The 33rd NSM theme, "Boosting the Country's Recovery with Informed Decisions, Better Policies," was shared by the 15th NCS, emphasizing the critical role of statistics in crafting the most appropriate decisions and policies needed to boost recovery efforts.
The three-day Convention featured 67 concurrent sessions, 177 paper presentations, two plenary sessions, and three poster sessions. The event was attended by 1,107 people from government agencies, local governments, the commercial sector, the media, development partners, and the academy.
PSA Undersecretary Claire Dennis S. Mapa, together with Officer-in-Charge-Deputy National Statistician (OIC-DNS) Minerva Eloisa P. Esquivias, OIC-DNS Divina Gracia L. del Prado, and OIC-Assistant National Statistician Severa B. de Costo, cut the ribbon on the Statistical Information and Management Exhibit (SIMEX).
With the 33rd NSM, PSA Undersecretary Mapa also opened the Convention. In his welcome remarks, he stated that everyone has a role to play in the country's recovery, particularly in producing accurate data and making informed decisions based on relevant information.
The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan expressed hope that statisticians and others in the government, private sector, and academia will work together to make rapid significant progress and advancements to lessen the pandemic's impact and achieve a "matatag, maginhawa, and panatag na buhay."
Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian, a staunch supporter of statistics, served as Keynote Speaker at the joint opening ceremonies. In his message, Senator Gatchalian emphasized the importance of statistics in making the best decisions and policies to aid the country's recovery. He also expressed his unwavering support for the Philippine Statistical System's numerous initiatives (PSS).
Rosemarie G. Edillon, Undersecretary of the NEDA, also participated in the event as a presenter in the NCS Plenary Session 1 - Boosting the Country's Recovery. In her presentation, she emphasized the importance of nuanced planning to achieve economic transformation for a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient Philippines.
The winners of the 11th NSM Media Awards were also announced. The NSM Media Awards honor individuals and organizations who use news and features to promote and popularize PSS statistics.
In addition, 19 groups from across the country competed in the 33rd NSM Jingle Dance Contest.
The 33rd NSM will be commemorated in October 2022 with national and subnational interagency activities.
The PSA expressed its appreciation to those participating in the 15th NCS.