PSA 2020 census of population kicks off

CEBU, Philippines — The Philippine Statistics Authority yesterday started the 2020 Census of Population and Housing (CPH) Pilot Census.

The 2020 CPH is a nationwide government undertaking that involves the collection, compilation, evaluation, analysis, publication, and dissemination of data on population count, demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the population, housing characteristics, household characteristics, and barangay characteristics in each barangay, city/municipality, province and region in the country.

The census, which would run until June 17, 2019, also aims to provide government executives, policymakers, and planners with population and housing data to help them in their social and economic development plans, policies and programs.

In reference to the first Philippine census conducted in 1903, the 2020 CPH is the 15th Census of Population and 7th Census of Housing in the Philippines. This will also be the first census undertaking that will adopt the Computer-Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI) technique that will involve gathering of information with the use of an electronic questionnaire contained in tablets.

PSA-7 regional director Ariel Florendo said that the pilot census will be conducted in Barangays Banilad and Talamban, Cebu City.

The Pilot Census was reviewed and cleared for conduct under the Statistical Survey Review  and Clearance System (SSRCS), a mechanism being implemented by the PSA by virtue of Rule 28 of Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) No. 10625 to ensure sound design for data collection; minimize the burden placed upon respondents; effect economy in statistical data collection efforts; eliminate unnecessary duplication of statistical data collection efforts; and achieve better coordination of government statistical activities.

Florendo is asking the public to support the undertaking. (FREEMAN)