NSO to conduct labor force, income-expenditure surveys

By Edna A. Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Jan. 3 (PIA) -- The National Statistics Office (NSO) Catanduanes office will be undertaking the January 2013 Labor Force Survey (LFS) conjointly with the 2012 Family Income and Expenditures Survey (FIES).

NSO Catanduanes provincial chief Elisa Solares said that the 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.

Solares added that the survey is designed to provide statistics on levels and trends of employment, unemployment, and underemployment for the country as a whole, and for each of the administrative regions.

She explained that it also 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

The 2012 FIES, according to Solares, is a nationwide survey on the main source of data of 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, she explained, provides data needed in the different aspects of the country’s economic conditions. Specifically, it is the basic source of information to the following: updates of the weights used in the construction of the Consumer Price Index; estimation of the household account in the System of National Accounts and balances; measurement of the human development; and measurement of poverty.

Solares elaborated that 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 the statistics emanating from this undertaking will refer to the characteristics of the population residing in private households. Persons residing in institutions like convents, sanitaria, etc. are excluded in this survey.

The survey is pursuant to Commonwealth Act 591 which authorizes NSO to conduct censuses and surveys. Information obtained from the respondents will be held strictly confidential and will not be divulged to any person except authorized NSO personnel acting in the performance of their duties.

Actual interview of sample households will take 18 days from January 10-31, 2013. (EAB-PIA 5/NSO Catanduanes)