By Argyll Cyrus Geducos
Malacañang has urged all sectors to support, cooperate with, and provide assistance to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to ensure the successful conduct of this year's census of population and housing.
Malacañang Palace (Photo by Richard V. Viñas / File Photo / Manila Bulletin)
Under Memorandum Circular No. 76 released Thursday, the Palace ordered the PSA Board to act as the National Census Coordinating Board (NCCB) which shall issue rules and regulations necessary for the successful undertaking and completion of the May 2020 census.
The agency is also tasked to spearhead all steps for the conduct of the census and provide full-time support in planning and implementing activities. It will also ensure that the gathering, consolidation, and analysis of census data shall be done in the most truthful and credible manner.
All national government agencies, departments, offices, and instrumentalities, including state universities and colleges, are enjoined to render prompt and necessary support to the PSA in the conduct of the census.
These offices are urged to take part in the promotion, information dissemination, and program coordination.
Data collectors and processors are expected to perform their duties and responsibilities with utmost integrity and commitment.
Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said in the memorandum that he signed the document to provide government executives, policymakers, and planners with updated population and housing data on which to base their social and local community policies.
"It is imperative for the government to obtain a complete and accurate census count," he said in the memorandum.
Meanwhile, President Duterte signed Proclamation No. 928 declaring the month of May this year as National Census Month.
Under the proclamation, all government agencies, departments, offices, and instrumentalities, including state universities and colleges, are enjoined to provide the necessary support to the PSA to ensure the effective commemoration of the National Census Month. The private sector is likewise encouraged to do the same.
All citizens and residents of the Philippines are also enjoined to cooperate with the PSA and its census enumerators in the conduct of the census, providing truthful and complete information in response to census questions.
All administrators, authorities, and residents in condominiums, exclusive villages, and other areas with special concerns are also enjoined to extend their support to the PSA.