FOREWORD

In the Philippine Statistical System (PSS), the use of standard statistical classification systems is essential to harmonize the statistics generated and presented by different agencies. With the common adoption of such standard statistical classification systems, data elements from one agency can be compared or correlated with and/or integrated into data systems maintained by other agencies. Toward this end, the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) develops and/or maintains standard classification systems for adoption by agencies, both in government and in the private sector. One of these is the Philippine Standard Geographic Code (PSGC).

The 1996 Philippine Standard Geographic Code is a sequel to the first PSGC published and prescribed in 1977. It has many uses such as:

• in local development planning;
• in gathering, compilation and presentation of statistics with regional and subregional disaggregation;
• in the assignment of code numbers on Voter’s Registration Records (VRR) and identification cards;
• in the development of Geographic Information Systems and establishment of databases and
• as a control list of local government units (LGUs) in granting internal revenue allotment (IRA).

It also serves as a comprehensive frame in the conduct of sample surveys and censuses, and in updating maps.

The universal adoption of the 1996 PSGC will enhance the comparability and consistency of various statistics independently gathered and presented by different agencies and promote the establishment of data banks, thus maximizing the benefits to data users. Pursuant, therefore, to NSCB Resolution No. 6-97, Series of 1997, all concerned government agencies are enjoined to adopt the 1996 PSGC.