Photo by Hamdan Badrudin / BIO
COTABATO CITY—Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA-BARMM) has officially started the conduct of the region-wide 2022 Census of Agriculture and Fisheries (CAF) on Monday, September 4, to acquire accurate and up-to-date data necessary for informed decision-making, resource allocation, and policy formulation in the Bangsamoro region.
CAF is a large-scale government undertaking that centers on gathering essential data about the Philippines’ agricultural and fishery sectors. The collected data will play a crucial role in making plans, fostering economic growth, securing food supply, and championing sustainable practices, essential for the welfare of communities and local development progress.
PSA-BARMM’s Officer-in-Charge Regional Director, Engr. Akan G. Tula, stated that agriculture and fisheries are the lifeblood of the nation. He added that the launch is a pivotal moment in their commitment to understanding, advancing, and sustaining these sectors, which in turn, sustains communities and drives the economy.
“This is a testament to our dedication to comprehensive data collection, informed decision-making, and the sustainable growth of these crucial industries,” Tula emphasized during Monday’s launch of CAF in this city.
BARMM Senior Minister Abunawas Maslamama, represented by Attorney V Ariff Lao, shared the significance of the agriculture and fisheries sectors in ensuring food security, providing livelihoods, and serving as the foundation of the local economy.
“The data gathered will be significant, particularly in promoting sustainable farming and fishing methods […] creating opportunities for agricultural and fisheries products to reach a broader market, mitigating the impact of climate change in agriculture and fisheries sectors, among others,” he added.
Bangsamoro Information Office (BIO) Executive Director Ameen Andrew Alonto mentioned that this relevant undertaking serves as an attestation to their commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and decision-making within the Bangsamoro region.
“These data, once gathered, will not only help us formulate targeted policies but also enable us to access much-needed resources and support from the national government and even international agencies,” he stressed.
BPDA Director-General Engr. Mohajirin Ali, represented by BPDA Deputy Director-General Engr. Amil Abubakar, emphasized that the census is essential in policymaking and processes to ensure the sustainable growth and development of the agriculture and fisheries sectors in BARMM and the entire country.
He believes that the challenges of an aging population of farmers, high poverty incidence, and food insecurity must be recognized.
“The Census of Agriculture and Fisheries will provide valuable data to address these issues and help develop targeted interventions and policies to improve the livelihoods of farmers, fisherfolk, and their communities,” he highlighted.
In BARMM, 803 census personnel will be deployed, consisting of 595 statistical researchers, 122 team supervisors, 43 census area supervisors, and 43 assistant census area supervisors.
Target respondents for households will include operators of crops, livestock, poultry, insects/worm culturing, and aquaculture. At the barangay level, the barangay chairmen or any incumbent barangay officials will be the participants.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform’s (MAFAR) Bangsamoro Director-General for Agriculture Dr. Daud Lagasi expressed their commitment to rendering assistance and guidance to enumerators in visiting far-flung provinces and municipalities. He also reiterated the importance of gathering valid and reliable data.
“Wrong data are equal to wrong solutions; real data are keys to real solutions,” he said.
The Government of the Day’s effort in executing CAF aligns with Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim’s Enhanced 12-Point Priority Agenda, ensuring a stronger BARMM bureaucracy, increased agri-fishery productivity, and improved food security. (Johamin Inok/BIO)
