PSA-BARMM OIC-Regional Director Engr. Akan Tula (left) leads the Press Launch during the presentation of Population Census and Community-Based Monitoring System to media and other sectors in Bangsamoro region on July 11, 2024. (Marhom Ibrahim/BIO)
COTABATO CITY—Bangsamoro region’s Philippine Statistics Authority – Regional Statistics Services Office (PSA-RSSO-BARMM) has started the conduct of the 2024 Census of Population and Community-Based Monitoring System (2024 POPCEN-CBMS) on July 15, that will run until Sept. 16, 2024.
This year’s census carries the slogan: “Sa POPCEN at CBMS, Kasama ka sa Pag-Unlad Tungo sa Makabagong Pilipinas,” aiming to update the population to reflect the current demography and streamline the list of beneficiaries of government social protection programs.
PSA-BARMM Officer-in-Charge Regional Director Engr. Akan Tula said the gathered data will shape the future of communities, municipalities, provinces, regions, and the nation as a whole.
“The 2024 census of population is more than just a headcount. It is a comprehensive endeavor that aims to capture the dynamic and diverse nature of our population. May kasabihan nga tayo na everything that goes up must come down, except population,” Tula said.
He said data collected will also provide instruction on what we are as a region, reflecting our demographics, socio-economic status, and living conditions.
“This information is crucial in effective policymaking, resource allocation, and the development of programs that address the needs of all segments of our society.”
The Regional Director urged the Bangsamoro to participate in the census while ensuring the public that the data collected would be used responsibly and ethically, bounded by the “Data Privacy Act.”
The PSA is set to deploy at least 70,000 enumerators across the country to conduct a simultaneous nationwide total enumeration of Filipino households, with each interview estimated to take 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Accordingly, the data derived from the 2024 POPCEN-CBMS will form the basis for formulating policies, programs, and projects in various sectors such as health, education, employment, housing, and infrastructure.
The census also provides information on the distribution of shares of local government units in the National Tax Allocation, aids in implementing Republic Act No. 11964 (the “Automatic Income Classification of Local Government Units Act”), and guides the efficient use of government resources.
Key officials and representatives from BARMM’s ministries, offices, and agencies, including media, NGOs, and private and business sectors, graced the launch of 2024 POPCEN-CBMS. (Kasan Usop, Jr./BIO)
