PSA conducts mid-decade population survey

MANILA, Philippines – In time for the National Census Month, The Philippine Statistics Authority began roaming around the country to conduct the mid-decade nationwide population survey on Monday morning.

PSA set the conduct of mid-decade survey to update the population figures down to the villages.

According to Interim Assistant National Statistician Socorro Abejo, around 93,000 enumerators of PSA are scheduled to conduct the survey seven days-a-week until September 6. However, she the survey may be extended beyond September 6 deadline in Metro Manila.

“It has been proven in the past that it is hard to conduct surveys in Metro Manila, Metro Davao and Metro Cebu. One reason for this is the unavailability of people living in condominium units,” Abejo said.

Abejo said people who fail to declare information will face penalties under the law but she said that this is not stressed during conduct of surveys since respondents; especially those in the lower class of society have high cooperation rates.

As for people from the higher class of society living in exclusive villages and condominiums, Abejo said they find it hard to get information from them. The housing association officials and building administrators however already addressed this by coordinating with their residents.

Abejo disclosed that the survey activity has been provided with about P2.5 billion budget initially used in 2014 for planning in preparations.

The implementation and preliminary processing of the collected date will be done this year while its tabulation will be conducted next year. The preliminary results of the survey will be announced by the latter part of 2016.

Presidential Communications Herminio Coloma Jr Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary said the survey and correct population figures will help the government to determine how much should be allocated to social protection programs.

"We have proven that correct analysis leads to correct solution. This has helped us in the implementation of our programs in the last five years," Coloma added.

The survey will also ensure effectivity of the government programs implemented and identify the areas where high poverty incidence is rampant. This would also help lawmakers in setting up Congressional districts.