NSCB - The Philippine Statistical System (PSS) - Government Statistics Accessibility Program (GSAP)

Government Statistics Accessibility Program (GSAP)

I. INTRODUCTION:

The Philippine Statistical System(PSS) provides statistical information for policymaking and planning of the government and the private sector. It also provides technical services in the design of statistical information systems, statistical research and analysis. The PSS is composed of the major statistical agencies and the statistical units of the various departments/offices at the national and subnational levels. The major statistical agencies whose primary functions are in the field of statistics are the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), National Statistics Office (NSO), Bureau of Labor and Employment Statistics (BLES), Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) and the Statistical Research and Training Center (SRTC). The NSCB is the coordinating and policymaking body in the PSS.

The quality of the products and services of the PSS is measured in terms of their timeliness, accuracy, relevance and accessibility. This paper looks into the accessibility of statistical information and services (SIS). This paper likewise advocates for the adoption of the Government Statistics Accessibility Program, a Program of the government, specifically, the PSS, to improve the accessibility of SIS.

There are two parts of the paper. Part I- the GSAP Framework and Part II- the Program itself which includes the visions, goals, strategies and action plan.

Part I - The GSAP FRAMEWORK

The Product

The primary product concerned is statistics about the Philippines whether produced by the government and/or the private sector. Statistical information shall include not only the numbers and figures but also the metadata, (the what, when, where, and how statistics are generated and the statistical classification systems). On the other hand, the statistical services include:

Planning and Programming of statistical activities

Development of statistical information systems

Data Gathering, Processing, Compilation and Analysis

Information Dissemination

Design of surveys

Design and Conduct of Statistical Training

However, the G-SAP shall also look into the accessibility of the statistics of foreign countries to the local users.

Target Beneficiary/ies

The ultimate beneficiary is the Filipino. The immediate beneficiaries would be the local and foreign-based users who would have interest on Philippine statistics. The market can be classified by their purpose in using the SIS as follows:

a. As decisionmakers

These users are the ultimate consumers. Examples are planners, investors, opinion leaders, policymakers.

b. As Data Analysts

These help the decision makers reach at the best decision. Examples are the research institutions, management consultants, think-tanks, etc.

c. As Students

They use SIS for academic purposes.

The Players

Aside from the users, the key market players are the sources or producers and the distributors.

The Sources/Service Providers

At present, a large part of the production of Philippine statistics is done by the government in accordance with the allocation and designation scheme of the National Statistical Coordination Board. The statistical agencies as well as the academe and research institutions provide technical services in the field of statistics. It is also recognized that there are data produced by private institutions which can supplement the data produced by the government.

The Distributors

The distributors of statistical information include the users and data sources themselves. In addition, there are those which compile and disseminate the data produced by others as their primary business such as the information brokers, book shops or as a service to their customers such as the libraries of universities and research institutions. Statistics are also disseminated by international organizations, the print and broadcast mass media, and other distributors of secondary information.

The Coordinator

The NSCB is the policy-making and coordinating agency on statistical matters. Under EO 121, it is mandated to promote and maintain an efficient and effective statistical system. It develops and formulates frameworks, policies and standards in the implementation of government statistical activities. It also administers the National Statistical Information Center (NSIC) which now serves as a one-stop shop of statistical information and services.

Program Rationale

In general, the Government Statistics Accessibility Program (G-SAP) aims to "pole vault" the improvement in the accessibility of statistical information and services (SIS). The advent of globalization and decentralization challenge the Filipino people to be globally competitive and to become such, they must be able to take advantage of the vast opportunities. Opportunities can only be discerned from information and this is where G-SAP wants to contribute significantly.

The goal of G-SAP is focused on the user and the national goal of empowering the Filipino people to become globally competitive. For the Users, the intent of G-SAP is to develop the opportunities for greater benefit from the products and services of the Philippine Statistical System.

Fundamental Principles

The G-SAP recognizes that:

information is used for decision-making and therefore the timeliness and integrity of the information should be ensured;
information is synonymous to knowledge and power and therefore must be widely and effectively disseminated;
the number of professional statisticians is not yet that adequate, hence must be mobilized to provide statistical services;
the government is primarily responsible in making statistical information and services accessible to the citizens as provided for in the Constitution. However, it must assess what it must do and can do in the light of its resources and the demands of the citizens;
better results can be achieved in information dissemination if there is harmony and synergy in efforts among the producers and distributors in the government and private sectors;
every potential user regardless of status, capacity and location should be accorded the opportunity to access available SIS;
basic information produced by the government is a public good but the manner of how it should be delivered to suit individual preference shall be subject to a pricing policy.

Part II- The GOVERNMENT STATISTICS ACCESSIBILITY PROGRAM (GSAP)

Ultimate Goals

1. to widen knowledge and facilitate faster and sounder decision-making by making statistical information and services more accessible;

2. to maximize the benefits from the investments made in data collection.

Vision

Consistent with the above framework and objectives, the vision of the G-SAP is to make SIS in the Philippines easily accessible by users nationwide and worldwide.

Strategies

1. strengthen the capacity and capability of the Philippine Statistical in terms of its human and physical resources, systems and processes in the management and marketing of statistical information and services. Marketing would include knowing and understanding the needs and interests of the customers, conceptualizing products and services to satisfy them, promoting awareness and proper use of the existing products and services and providing easy access to these products and services.

2. accelerate technological development in the government in the area of information management and dissemination;

3. provide the foundation for the PSS to become entrepreneurial capable of generating resources from operations and using these resources to become more responsive to the needs of its customers.

4. formulate common policies and standards among data producers in data dissemination. and

5. provide a conducive environment for a shared marketing of statistical information and services towards an optimum use of resources for the benefit of the users by developing strategic alliance among data producers and distributors in the government and private sector.

Major Activities/Projects

1. Organization of a G-SAP Consortium (inter-agency mechanism)

This strategy of organizing a G-SAP Consortium is to institutionalize and strengthen coordination and alliance in the area of dissemination and promotion of statistical information and services. The Consortium shall serve as the venue for sharing of information, expertise, technology and resources for data management and dissemination. Depending on the topic at hand, the Consortium shall also invite data users, statisticians, systems analysts, subject matter specialists, people from the media and other resource persons. This mechanism shall be replicated in the regions through the existing Regional Statistical Coordination Committees (RSCCs).

The Consortium to be led by the NSCB shall further develop, implement and monitor the G-SAP. It shall formulate other recommendations to resolve issues towards improving government statistical service based on the feedback of the customers.

2. Submission of an executive measure to the President

This is to draw support from the President on the G-SAP. Mainly, it will contain provisions for:

a) adopting the G-SAP as a flagship project of the government

b) providing for the institutionalization and strengthening of the structure and staffing of the National Statistical Information Centers, the major statistical agencies and the various SIS providers in the government focused on the management and marketing of statistical information and services and

c) establishment of the G-SAP funding mechanism

2.1 On the institutionalization of the NSIC

The National Statistical Information Center (NSIC) shall be established in all regions nationwide to institutionalize a System where statistical information produced from several agencies can be accessed conveniently thru one-stop facilities, products and processes. Examples of these are the following:

a) Library where publications containing Philippine statistics and other relevant materials can be used by the general public for free;

b) Book shop for those who want to acquire these information by subscription;

c) a database of key official statistics commonly requested by data users at the national and sub-national levels packaged and distributed in various media;

d) a one-stop Frontline Service where all types of researchers’ requests for assistance/inquiries are attended to immediately whether over the counter, thru the phone and electronic media.

e) a Referral Service where requests for customized technical services on statistics compilation, analysis, interpretation, etc. can be serviced using a pool and network of consultants and resource persons;

f) an integrated marketing of the PSS products and services;

Being the coordinator, the proposal calls for the NSCB to administer the NSICs at the national and local levels.

2.2 On Strengthening the structure and staffing of statistical agencies/units with focus on management and marketing of statistical information and services

Given the growing demand for more accessible information as a tool for global competitiveness, it is high time that the structure and staffing of the statistical agencies and units in the government be reviewed towards making them more responsive. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) shall be requested to provide technical assistance on this review.

2.3 On the G-SAP funding mechanism

An authority shall be sought so that the G-SAP participating agencies can use the receipts/fees from the customers. The fee to be collected shall impute the recovery of production and delivery costs as well as provision for future development. The collections shall be deposited under a Statistical Development Fund Account and shall be allocated as follows:

I. To be returned to the General Fund:

a) portion to recover the investment of the agency in developing a new product or service;

II. To be retained and to be used for operations

a) to replenish the direct and indirect costs incurred to sustain the production, marketing and delivery of statistical products/services.

b) to be used for statistical development projects

The SDF shall be used to augment the government appropriations in supporting G-SAP projects in the future. The detailed mechanics and guidelines and the necessary legal requirements shall be discussed further with the DBM and COA.

3. Developmental Projects for implementation from 1997-2000

The purpose of these projects will be to invest on technology upgrading, systems and human resource development under the following modules:

3.1 Development of a Networking System for the PSS

This is to facilitate access and exchange of data among the statistical agencies/units and LGUs within and from the central office to the regions and vice versa. Initially, the project will cover the five statistical agencies (NSCB, NSO, BAS, BLES and SRTC.)

The NSCB shall also establish a network with the statistical offices of other countries to provide local users access to foreign statistics.

3.2. Computerization of designated statistical information systems

Under the National Action Agenda for Productivity (NAAP) which was approved by the President in January, 1997 under EO 395, one of the centerpiece programs is computerization as tool for more productive organizations and more efficient public service. Likewise, in the implementation of EO 352 regarding the Designated Statistics being coordinated by the NSCB, one of the thrusts set for 1998 is to accelerate the computerization of designated statistical information systems. The concerned designated agency shall be the implementor.

3.3 Development of Public-Use Files

This is to provide a facility for optimum use of the data collected where the user can make further studies and analysis outside of statistical summaries published by the data producer without necessarily violating the rule of confidentiality. The NSO has started on this, hence the BAS was identified to develop its PUFs as part of the project.

3.4 Further automation and networking of the National Statistical Information Centers in Metro Manila and in other parts of the country

The NSIC systems i.e., Bookshoppe, Library, Frontline Service shall be fully automated to provide efficient service. Quick Response Systems such as Interfax service shall also be developed. The NSICs in the regions shall be electronically linked with the Central Office of the NSCB to speed up data transmission. A networking system with other data sources shall also be developed.

Statistics Corners shall also be put up in selected government libraries to widen the dissemination of statistical information.

3.5 Development of more one-stop products and services

The NSCB will lead in the development of databases, publications, systems and services that will allow users to access statistics and services of the Consortium agencies under one roof/facility. Among those identified in the pipeline are the following:

Statistical Reference Database (STATREF)- a computerized inventory of the statistics available in the government,

a Catalogue of PSS publications and services,

databases and handy brochures on multi-sector/agency statistical indicators,

hyperlinking of Websites, and

CD-ROM of time series Philippine statistics

Some groundwork has been started by the NSCB but funds are necessary to fast track their implementation.

3.6 Data archiving

Considering the high cost of generating the statistical data, the Philippine Statistical System should invest in infrastructure and technology to preserve and protect records of these data. Research puts value to trend analysis, hence, the importance of historical data cannot be overemphasized. The government spent hundred millions to collect and process these data, hence it is only wise for the government to make the most of them not only for the current generation but also for the future generations. Other countries like Sweden has even invested into nuclear proofing of their data warehouses.

3.7 Skills development for the G-SAP participating agencies

Government personnel in statistical agencies/units at the national/subnational levels shall be developed not only as statisticians but also effective frontliners, communicators, advertisers of statistical information and IT specialists. The Statistical Research and Training Center (SRTC) shall lead in this undertaking. It can however tap other academic institutions as conduits.

3.8 Statistics Promotion/Communication Program

This is to create the need and/or promote the appreciation and educate the data users including the distributors on the proper utilization of available statistical information and services. Among the initial activities identified are the conduct of seminars, development of laymanized translation of the statistics and the terms, establishment of data users’ council, etc.

All participating agencies will be enjoined to include in their budget the funds to improve the accessibility of their data. The Joint Circular with the DBM regarding the designated statistics shall cover the provision of budget for these agency undertakings. In addition, the NSCB shall submit proposals to NEDA under the Medium Term Public Investment Program.

Voluntary support from the private sector shall also be gathered. The G-SAP shall be presented in a forum where the private sector shall be challenged to provide whatever support they can give to the Project.

4. Adoption of Common Policies and Standards

Subject to the approval of the NSCB Executive Board, each agency who will become a member of the G-SAP Consortium shall abide by these initial policies. Ultimately, it is the data-using public who will benefit from the implementation of these policies.

4.1. Each agency shall include as part of its public information program, the dissemination of information as to what statistics and statistical services are available for public consumption including the concepts, methodology and limitations of the data. (The NSCB shall disseminate to the public the sources of official statistics to avoid public confusion);

4.2. The agency shall disseminate the data once they are available for public use in forms other than publication such as through the Internet, in diskette, in print-out, electronic bulletin board, in order not to delay the release of information. Said data shall likewise be disseminated immediately thereafter to and by its regional/provincial offices. A copy of these outputs shall be simultaneously furnished to the NSICs.

4.3. The NSCB Board shall issue guidelines to address the need for microdata but at the same time protect the privacy of the individual respondents.

4.4. The central offices should strive to decentralize the data processing and dissemination and encourage the local offices to release preliminary data to data users at the local level in accordance with minimum acceptable statistical standards and as long as the information on the reference date and other data limitations are properly disclosed.

4.5 The data producers should have mechanisms for the dissemination of statistical information as a public good such as public libraries, press releases, web page, etc. Based on their concept of public good, the G-SAP participating agencies should come up with a uniform pricing policy.

4.6 The NSCB shall develop a Standard for Statistical Data Dissemination System (SSDDS) applicable to both government and private institutions which shall include the minimum information to be disclosed in disseminating information and the monitoring and posting of a Calendar of Data Release for public access.

More policy issues can be raised thru the G-SAP Consortium.

5. Alliance with the Private Sector

The limited resources of the government means that the delivery of products and services could no longer be solely provided by the government. With the growing demand for statistical information and services, the PSS should redefine its role. The G-SAP calls for an expanded involvement and participation of the private sector, some of these are as follows:

Data Sharing

The PSS should advocate to the private sector, such as trade associations to share their data which can be used to supplement government statistics, in the same manner that the government shares its data with the private sector.

Joint Venture

In the marketing and delivery of statistical information, the private sector has more and better resources. Thus, the PSS should take advantage of them by opening business opportunities to them whereby they could handle the processing, packaging, reproduction, promotion and distribution of data to the market. In so doing, the PSS should require the same rules on confidentiality and standards of disclosure.

Technology Transfer

In the development of "high tech" information systems, a build-operate transfer (B-O-T) scheme can be arranged with a private firm.

In return, the PSS can allow the private firm to reproduce and sell the products of the PSS to their clients to a certain extent.

With a spirit of teamwork, there is nothing we cannot do. This is what the G-SAP will prove.

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