Gov’t consolidates statistics agencies

The country’s statistical agencies are now consolidated into one body called the Philippine Statistical Authority (PSA).

The PSA will absorb the National Statistics Office (NSO), National Statistical Coordination Board (NSBC), Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) and Bureau of Labor and Employment Statistics (BLES).

The PSA will be responsible for the conduct of national censuses and surveys; gathering and publication of sector statistics; consolidation of selected administrative recording systems, and compilation of national accounts.

The PSA will be headed by a national statistician and will be an attached agency of the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda).

Neda is taking the lead in the selection process for the country’s first national statistician. In the meantime, Neda Director General Arsenio Balisacan is helping oversee the PSA together with the heads of the former NSO, NSCB, BAS and BLES.

The law aims to streamline statistical operations for better delivery of public service.

The consolidation came after the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act No. 10625, otherwise known as the Philippine Statistical Act of 2013, took effect on Dec. 29, 2013.

The law was signed by President Aquino on Sept. 12, 2013.

“Thus, the NSO, the primary statistical arm of the government, along with the three other major statistical agencies engaged in the collection and compilation of data for planning and policy purposes will now be known as the Philippine Statistical Authority,” a statement read.

Officials earlier said the consolidation of the statistical agencies into one body would not automatically lead to the displacement of employees. It may, however, require changes in the functions of some employees.

Prior to the consolidation, the NSO had about 2,000 employees, the NSCB had 49, the BAS had about 1,000, and BLES had about 50.

The law also mandated the creation of the Philippine Statistical Research and Training Institute (PSRTI), which will be responsible for the conduct of research and training on statistical theories, concepts and methodologies.

Like the PSA, PSRTI will be an attached agency of the Neda. Michelle V. Remo