RP, Australia forge tie-up

The Philippine government, represented by the National Statistics Office (NSO), the primary statistical arm of the government has entered into an activity agreement with the Australian government through the Philippines-Australia Governance Facility (PAGF) recently for the improvement of the methodology for the Annual Survey of Philippine Business and Industry (ASPBI). The signing ceremony was held at the Statistical Research and Training Center (SRTC) in Kalayaan Ave., Quezon City.

Dr. Ross Worthington, PAGF facility director, lauded the Philippine government’s efforts in its fight against poverty to achieve economic development in his speech prior to the ceremony. He gave assurance of support from the Australia Agency for International Development (AusAID) through the PAGF to help promote better governance in the Philippines which is an avowed goal of their organization.

In response, NSO OIC-Administrator Carmelita Ericta expressed her appreciation for the partnership forged between the two countries to have finally come into a reality after more than a year of negotiations. According to her, the undertaking is a "big boost to NSO’s capability in support of the major thrust of the government by providing the right tools and information" for policy and decision making related to economic development. She added that the assistance is timely considering the financial constraints faced by the Philippine government. She further commended Janee Crane, activity design specialist, and Natasha Davis, facility manager-Manila, both from PAGF, for their assistance in conceptualizing the project.

Prior to the signing of the activity agreement, a memorandum of agreement (MOA) was also entered into between the NSO and the SRTC, represented by its executive director Gervacio Solda.