NSO conducts Income and Expenditures, Labor Force Surveys

By Edna A. Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, July 11 (PIA)- The National Statistics Office (NSO), Catanduanes will be undertaking the July 2012 Labor Force Survey (LFS) together with the 2012 Family Income and Expenditures Survey (FIES).

The Labor Force Survey (LFS) is a nationwide survey of households conducted regularly to gather data on the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the population.

It is primarily geared towards the estimation of the levels of employment and unemployment in the country. The survey is designed to provide statistics on levels and trends of employment, unemployment, and underemployment of the country as a whole, and for each of the regions.

The Labor Force Survey aims to provide a quantitative framework for the preparation of plans and formulation of policies affecting labor market towards creation and generation of gainful employment, reduction of unemployment and promotion of employment, improvement of working conditions, and enhancement of the welfare of a working person.

It will also provide statistics on levels and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment for the country and regions.

It is used for the projection of future human resource, which, when compared with the future manpower requirements, will help identify employment and training needs.

The LFS helps in the assessment of the potential human resource available for economic development; and identifies the difference in employment, unemployment, and underemployment according to the different economic, social, and ethnic groups existing within the population.

The 2012 FIES meanwhile, a nationwide survey, is the main source of data on family income and expenditures. From 1957 to 1975, the FIES was conducted every five years, however starting 1985, this was conducted every three years. This is the 16th FIES since March 1957.

The FIES provides data needed in the different aspects of the country’s economic conditions. Especifically, it is the basic source of information to the following: (a) updates of the weights used in the construction of the Consumer Price Index; (b) estimation of the household account in the System of National Accounts and balances; (c) measurement of the human development; and (d) measurement of poverty.

In the province, nine sample barangays will be visited. The municipalities with sample barangays to be visited are Baras, (two barangays), Caramoran (one barangay), Pandan (one barangay), San Andres (two barangays), and Virac (three barangays).

The reporting unit is the household which means that statistics emanating from this will refer to the characteristics of the population residing in private households. Persons residing in convents and such are excluded in this survey.

Actual interview of sample households will take 20 days. Authority for the survey is Commonwealth Act 591 which authorizes NSO to conduct censuses and surveys. Pursuant to the provision of Section 4 of this Act, information obtained from the respondents shall be held strictly confidential and shall not be divulged to any person except authorized NSO personnel acting in the performance of their duties. (EAB-PIA 5/NSO Catanduanes)


DSWD to meet media on promotion of 4Ps

By Edna A. Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, July 11 (PIA) -- The Department of Social welfare and Development (DSWD) regional office will dialogue with media on July 11 to strengthen promotion of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

According to DSWD regional director Remia T. Tapispisan, a strong support and commitment from media is essential in the attainment of the goal of the 4Ps.

She also added that the coordination and constant engagement with press people through forum, dialogue, briefing, and the like will strengthen its partnership with media and will serve as a venue in sharing and learning experiences which could help in coming up with a course and sustained plan of action.

According to DSWD, 4Ps is working towards, “Keeping the children in school and making them healthy,” which ensures that no child is deprived of their right to have better opportunities in the future.

At present there are about 474,000 children in Bicol who are benefiting from the program. (MAL/EAB-PIA 5, Catanduanes)