Coordination of the System

Coordination of the System - decentralized but bound by common visions, policies and programs

The NSCB is the highest policy-making and coordinating body on statistical matters.

It coordinates the process of data generation and dissemination through the following mechanisms aimed at promoting a more efficient statistical system and ensuring, reliable, relevant and accessible information.

Formulation of the Philippine Statistical Development Program (PSDP)

The PSDP is the blueprint of the integrated vision and priority programs and projects to be undertaken in the Philippine Statistical System for a period of five (5) years. Its preparation was spearheaded by the NSCB through an inter-agency Steering Committee and Technical Working Groups composed of the key players in the PSS. The PSDP for 1999-2004 has already been disseminated.

System of Designated Statistics

The System administered by the NSCB involves the identification, evaluation, coordination and monitoring of the most critical statistics for decision-making of the government and private sectors. It is a framework for setting priorities and standards in data production.

The designation of statistics includes the implementing agency and prescribed frequency of collection, geographic disaggregation and schedule of data dissemination. The initial set of designated statistics was approved under EO 352 dated July, 1996. Subsequent designation or any modification is issued officially through a Resolution from the NSCB Executive Board. Based on these issuances, sixty (60) statistics/statistical activities have been designated under the system.

Budget Review and Prioritization

One of the functions of the NSCB as provided by EO 121, is the review of the budget for designated statistics. Through DBM-NSCB-NEDA Joint Circular No. 1, series of 1997, the NSCB evaluates and prioritizes budget proposals of government agencies which are related to the development of designated statistics.

Survey Review and Clearance System

Under this system, the NSCB reviews and clears all surveys conducted or funded by government agencies, to promote efficiency in statistical operations of the government and ensure quality survey results. The NSCB reviews the relevance, feasibility, appropriateness of the methodology and data gathering instruments.

Standards and Classification Systems

For issues affecting the whole or a major portion of the PSS, the NSCB Executive Board formulates policies and resolutions to provide directions and guidelines. The NSCB also issues standards that are meant to (a) prescribe performance targets and measures such as the General Standards on Statistical Information Dissemination and; (b) ensure consistency among data producers such as standard concepts and data classification systems. At present, the NSCB maintains the following standard classification systems: a) Philippine Standard Geographic Codes b) Philippine Standard Commodity Classification c) Philippine Standard Industry Classification d) Philippine Standard Occupational Classification; and e) Philippine Standard Classification of Education Statistics

Inter-Agency Coordination

The NSCB provides a forum for coordination, through inter-agency committees, and technical working groups, to develop new statistical activities, draft policies and resolve policy and technical issues. Existing Inter-Agency Committees are the Technical Committee on Survey Design, Technical Committee on Population and Housing Statistics, Technical Committee on Price Statistics, Technical Committee on Statistical Standards and Classifications, Technical Committee on Seasonal Adjustment of Philippine Time Series, Inter-Agency Committee on Labor, Income and Productivity Statistics, Inter-Agency Committee on Agriculture, Fishery and Forestry Statistics, and Inter-Agency Committee on Tourism Statistics.

Development and Maintenance of Statistical Frameworks and Multi-Sectoral Indicator Systems

The NSCB develops and maintains statistical frameworks and indicator systems that involve various sectors and agencies. These indicator systems are used as frameworks for coordination. An example is the System of National Accounts (SNA) that produces estimates of the Gross National Product (GNP) and Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The SNA is maintained by the NSCB with data inputs coming from various agencies including private institutions. Other indicator systems that are maintained by the NSCB include the System of Leading Indicators, Foreign Investments Information System, Gender and Development Indicators, Poverty Statistics, Food Balance Sheet, Quarterly Economic Indices and Economic and Social Indicators

Joint PSS Programs

For concerns affecting all sectors, the NSCB initiates the conceptualization and implementation of PSS-wide programs with the participation of various agencies. Some examples include the Government Statistics Accessibility Program (GSAP), the holding of the National Statistics Month in October every year and the triennial National Convention on Statistics. The implementation of these programs is led by the NSCB.

Users' Forum

The NSCB encourages the active participation of data users from various sectors in different fora to enhance awareness and appreciation of available statistics, to gather feedback towards the improvement of PSS products and services, and to communicate ongoing developments and plans.

Some previous users' fora include those concerning the Philippine National Health Accounts and on National Accounts.