Page 105 - Special Topic Session (STS) - Volume 1

STS407 Minerva Eloisa P. E. et al.
the compilation of the production and expenditure accounts, including of
agriculture sector, on a quarterly and annual basis.
In 2008, Special Committee of experts who conducted an external review
of the PSS reported that there are a number of structural limitations in the
previous setup of the PSS. These limitations, coupled with constraints on
financial, physical, human, and other resources, have hindered the PSS from
responding quickly to users’ requirements and criticisms, especially regarding
the vast need for statistics for local development planning. This led to the
recommendation of reorganization of the PSS so that there will be a central
statistical authority in charge of coordinating the country’s data activities.
Financial limitation was evident in BAS which had a centralized budget from
the Department of Agriculture (DA) allocated to the Technical Divisions and
Regional/Provincial Operation Centers for the agricultural surveys and other
statistical activities. Statistical programs of BAS used to compete with DA
programmes and projects, that were higher in priority and resulted to resource
constraints.
Current Agricultural Statistical System in the Philippines
On September 12, 2013, Republic Act 10625 or the “Philippine Statistical
Act of 2013” created the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) through a merger
of the following four major statistical agencies in the government:
 Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS)
 National Statistics Office (NSO)
 Bureau of Labor and Employment Statistics (BLES)
 National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB)
The PSA is at the forefront in providing quality statistics on agriculture,
livestock and fishery sector. As mandated by RA 10625, the PSA conducts
censuses, surveys, special studies and other statistical activities, generates key
indicators and serve as the source of official agricultural statistics.
Considering that the sector is a dynamic one where new developmental
concerns continue to emerge, statistical development programs are proposed
to be implemented in the medium term by the PSA. The statistical programs
and activities are designed to provide vital information support for the
Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP) thereby putting an
orderly direction towards sustained improvement in the agricultural statistical
system. The plans were crafted in consultation with the Inter-Agency
Committee on Agriculture and Fishery Statistics (IACAFS) which is represented
by the key institutions with stake in the agriculture, livestock and fishery sector.
Primarily, it serves as a forum for the exchange of views and expertise to
resolve technical issues and problems arising from the production,
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dissemination, and use of agriculture and fishery statistics.

4 Philippine Statistical Development Program 2018-2023

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