NSCB - Press Release - NSO conducted Informal Sector Survey in April 2008

NSO conducted Informal Sector Survey in April 2008
(PR-200805-PP1-03, Posted 27 May 2008)

The National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), through its Statistical Survey Review and Clearance System (SSRCS), granted clearance for the conduct of the 2008 Informal Sector Survey (ISS) of the National Statistical Office (NSO). The ISS is a one-shot survey, conducted by the NSO in April 2008, aimed at: (a) improving the availability of reliable and sound data on informal employment and informal sector and (b) providing indicators that will contribute to evidence-based policy-making. The results of this survey can also be used for the estimation of Gross Value Added (GVA) of the informal sector. This survey, a rider of the Labor Force Survey, is also a component of the Interregional Cooperation on the Measurement of Informal Sector and Informal Employment Project under the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP). Survey results are expected to be available in March 2009.

Personal interviews of employed members of households who were respondents to the 2006 Family Income and Expenditures Survey (FIES) were done to identify the proprietors/employers in the households. Subsequently, the household proprietors/employers were interviewed to collect data on total gross sales/revenues and total expenditure for the past month, as well as the capital expenditure and employment in the past 12 months. The survey had two questionnaires: ISS Form 1 (Listing of Employed Persons) and ISS Form 2 (Informal Sector Operator). The former covered about 51,000 households as respondents, while the latter had about 7,500 informal sector enterprises forming its sample.

The total cost of the survey is estimated at Php18.35 million. Personal Services will amount to Php0.5 million, while Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses will total Php17.9 million. Forming part of the MOOE are: traveling expenses (Php12.9 million), supplies (Php0.4 million), printing expenses (Php0.4 million), and other expenses (Php4.2 million). Aside from the Philippine government, UNESCAP funded part of the 2008 ISS. Survey cost per respondent amounts to Php359.80.

The SSRCS, under which the survey clearance was granted, is a mechanism instituted by the NSCB through Memorandum Circular Nos. 4-88 and 04-95. It aims to: (1) ensure sound design for data collection, (2) minimize the burden placed upon respondents, (3) effect economy in statistical data collection, (4) achieve better coordination of government statistical activities, and (5) inform the private sector and the public in general that a government survey operation has passed clearance and enjoin their cooperation in the conduct of the survey.

ROMULO A. VIROLA
Secretary General

Contact Persons:

Ms. Fe Vida N. Dyliacco/ Ms. Emalyn P. Pineda
Tel. No.: 890-9404; Telefax No.:895-2436
E-mail: fvn.dyliacco@nscb.gov.ph/ ep.pineda@nscb.gov.ph

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