The Philippine Statistics Authority – Regional Statistical Service Office VIII (PSA – RSSO 8) held its yearly Regional Planning Workshop (RPW), together with the PSA – Regional Statistics Service Office VI (PSA – RSSO VI), on 11 – 13 December 2018 at Natures Village Resort, Talisay City, Negros Occidental.

WHAT’S INSIDE?

Page 2 - 4

Civil Registration Activities

Page 5 - 8

Human Resource Activities

Page 9 - 17

Statistical Operations and Coordination Activities

Page 18

Labor and Employment Statistics

Page 19

Price Statistics

Page 20 - 24

Agriculture Statistics

NL-201903-0800-01 The Official Quarterly Newsletter of Philippine Statistics Authority - RSSO VIII Oct - Dec 2018

PSA – Eastern Visayas plans for 2019

A total of 49 regular staff of PSA – RSSO 8 and 81 regular staff of PSA – RSSO VI attended the Bi - RPW. The activity was an innovation of the Visayas cluster regional directors to enable sharing of strategies and good practices, and likewise build camaraderie among the Visayas regions. PSA – RSSO VI Regional Director Fred S. Sollesta, welcomed the participants and shared his happiness for hosting the Bi - RPW. He reminded everyone not to forget to enjoy while doing the planning. In response, PSA – RSSO 8 Regional Director, Wilma A. Perante, expressed her gratitude for the hospitality of Region 6 and her desire for more collaboration in the future. Assistant National Statistician Josie A. Perez graced the event. She shared the message of Undersecretary Dr. Lisa Grace S. Bersales – to embrace the new theme, new

challenge and commitment for 2019, “Working Smarter through Innovation”. She explained that innovations are new ideas, crea-tive thoughts, new imaginations and thinking out of the box; hence, the 2019 planning should be focused on high-impact and flagship activities of PSA. Break - out sessions for the two regions began after the presentation of the different work programs for 2019. Accomplish-ments of the provinces and the RSSO were shown through audio visual presentations. Discussion on the different forms to be prepared followed. Zumba Session and Team Building Activities were also conducted in consonance with the “Healthy PSA, Happy PSA” theme for 2018, and to promote team-work and improve productivity. The activity was also a venue for sharing best practices

NEWS SA OTSO/Page 2

PSA – Eastern Visayas plans for 2019 From Page 1

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and innovations made in 2018. Ms. Sheryl Ann A. Jamisola, PSA – Leyte Chief Statistical Specialist, presented her project entitled, Strengthening Civil Registration and Vital Statistics through Electronic-Based Data Collection System. Mr. Ronnie Cajayon, PSA - RSSO VI Accountant, shared his Journal - Entry - Voucher System and the use of email thread in the submission of reports for easy retrieval. Mr. Elmer Tumlos, PSA – RSSO VI Information Systems Analyst, demonstrated the cloud server system of the RSSO.

The three-day work-shop commenced with a Fellowship Night where employees showed off their

talents and danced their stress away. Raffle prizes were also given to lucky winners.

Participants of the 2019 Bi-RPW after the Zumba Session, 11 - 13 December 2018 at Nature’s Village Resort, Talisay City, Negros Occidental.

PSA - EV conducts Seminar - Workshop on CRVS, Processing of CDLI, and RA 11055

The Philippine Statistics Authority – Regional Statistical Service Office VIII (PSA RSSO - 8), in coordination with the Regional Association of Civil Registrars’ 8 (RACir 8), Inc., conducted a Seminar - Workshop on Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS), Processing of Court Decree and Legal Instruments (CDLI), and Philippine Identification System (RA 11055) on 27-29 November 2018 at Cebu Business Hotel, Cebu City. The activity aims to orient the Local Civil Registrars (LCRs) on the proper procedures of and requirements for the processing of CDLI; salient features of the RA 11055; and updates on Office of Civil Registrar General (OCRG) issuances. A total of 164 City/Municipal Civil Registrars and their staff attended the three - day seminar - workshop. Mr. Daniel A. Ariaso, Sr., Deputy National Statistician of PSA - Civil Registration and Central Support Office, and Atty. Lourdines C. Dela Cruz, Director III of PSA – Legal

Seminar - Workshop on CRVS, Processing of CDLI, and RA 11055, 27 - 29 November 2018 at Cebu Business Hotel, Cebu City.

Service graced the event. They sat as panelists, together with PSA – RSSO 8 Regional Director Wilma A. Perante, during the Talakayan sa Rehistradong Sibil, an open forum where the participants were able to raise questions and problems on the processing of civil registry documents. The event was also a venue for sharing CRVS

Accomplishments for 2018 and best practices of the different provincial civil registrars associations in the region. Other activities conducted to strengthen camaraderie among the civil registration personnel in the region were Civil Registration Quiz, Wild Wild West Presentation Contest, and Socials Night.

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The Philippine Statistics Authority – Regional Statistical Service Office VIII (PSA – RSSO 8) supported Biliran’s Barangay Civil Registration System (BCRS) by acting as resource person during the Civil Registration Convention of Barangay Officials on 17 – 19 October 2018 at Leyte Park Hotel, Tacloban City organized by PSA - Biliran Provincial Statistical Office and the Association of Biliran Civil Registry Personnel (ABCRP). PSA – RSSO 8 Regional Director and BCRS advocate Wilma A. Perante discussed the different Civil Registration (CR) laws to 64 barangay officials of Biliran. She also presented the requirements for supplemental report and annotation of CR document in security paper.

PSA – EV supports Biliran’s BCRS

The convention was organized to orient the barangay officials with the CR laws, instill the importance of civil registration, and enable them to facilitate the registration of vital events at the barangay level. This is also in line with celebration of the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics decade.

Civil Registration Convention of Barangay Officials , 17 - 19 October 2018 at Leyte Park Hotel, Tacloban City.

PSA - EV brings Civil Registration Services closer to the public

The Philippine Statistics Authority – Regional Statistical Service Office VIII (PSA – RSSO 8), in collaboration with PSA - Leyte Provincial Statistical Office and the Local Civil Registrars in the region, brought Civil Registration Services closer to the public through the Mobile Acceptance of Requests for Civil Registration Documents in Security Paper (SECPA) in schools. This activity is among the approaches of the agency to encourage participation in the global advocacy of getting everyone registered and of promoting awareness on the importance of civil registration in the lives of every Filipino.

PSA – EV capacitates Unisys Associates

The Philippine Statistics Authority – Regional Statistical Service Office VIII (PSA RSSO - 8) capacitated 38 Unisys Associates assigned at the Civil Registration Services (CRS) Outlet during the Seminar on CSS and Other Civil Registration Memo Circular Updates on 15 December 2018 at PSA – RSSO 8 Training Room, Tacloban City. PSA - RSSO 8 Statistical Specialist II Alvin D. Lagrosa presented the results of the Third Quarter Customer Satisfaction Survey (CSS) at the Tacloban City CRS Outlet, which showed a 95.6 percent overall net satisfaction rating. Updates on Civil Registration Memo Circulars were given by PSA - RSSO 8 Chief Administrative Officer Anesia S. Babante, Registration Officer IV Jimmy M. Dagupan, and Assistant Statistician Flordeliz A. Perez. The activity was organized to disseminate the results of the latest CSS and inform the Unisys associates with the latest memo circulars in order to improve customer satisfaction.

Tacloban CRS

Hotline:

0917-862-6695

(053) 530-0939

Table 1. Summary of Places visited and number of clients served:

Mobile Acceptance of Requests for Civil Registration documents in SECPA in schools.

4 NEWS SA OTSO

A total of 32 Unisys Associates in Tacloban City Civil Registration Service (CRS) Outlet successfully completed the Basic Customer Service and Personal Effectiveness Training on 3 - 5 December 2018 at PSA – RSSO 8 Training Room, Tacloban City. Training Lead of Unisys, Mr. Kevin-Milner De Vera, facilitated the training.

Tacloban City CRS Outlet Unisys Associates completes Basic Customer Service and Personal Effectiveness Trainings

Completers of the Basic Customer Service and Personal Effectiveness Trainings, 3 - 5 December 2018 at PSA - RSSO 8 Training Room, Tacloban City.

instill values of accountability, integrity, respect and responsibility. It was also an orientation for the newly-hired

This activity was organized by the Unisys for its associates to develop good customer relations and

associates. Six (6) Service contractors of PSA – RSSO 8 and PSA – Leyte also attended the training.

WORD MAKER How many words can you make out of

CIVIL REGISTRATION

ANSWERS:

Jumble Words

Word Maker

5 NEWS SA OTSO

Senior Statistical Specialist Bernadette R. Montana and Statistical Specialist II Nikki Joy A. Belas enhanced their data dissemination skills during the 2017 Philippine Demographic and Health Survey Regional - Level Data Dissemination Workshop on 9 – 12 October 2018 at Leisure Coast Resort, Pangasinan. The four - day workshop was composed of lectures on the following: 1) how to communicate DHS data at the regional level; 2) reading and understanding DHS tables; 3) foundations of learning design; 4) data informed decision making; 5) DHS mobile app; 6) StatCompiler; and 7) data visualization. Participants were required to give a teach back session, incorporated with adult learning principles, participatory methods and

PSA – EV Statistical Specialists enhance their data dissemination skills

2017 Philippine Demographic and Health Survey Regional – Level Data Dissemination Workshop, 9 – 12 October 2018 at Leisure Coast Resort, Pangasinan.

ice breaker, as a practice for the regional data dissemination. Presentation materials for the regional dissemination were also prepared. This activity was

organized by the PSA - Demographic and Health Statistics Division in preparation for the regional dissemination forum, and as part of PSA's thrust to continuously strengthen the skills of its staff.

PSA – EV grooms first line supervisors

Supervisory Development Course SDC Track 1, 9 – 12 October 2018 at Le Charme Hotel, Subic.

The Philippine Statistics Authority - Regional Statistical Service Office VIII (PSA - RSSO 8) groomed its first line supervisors through the Supervisory Development Course (SDC) Track 1 on 9 – 12 October 2018 at Le Charme Hotel, Subic. The course, which was purposely designed and developed for first line supervisors, was attended

by Statistical Specialist II Renato Pagatpatan and Statistical Specialist II Nora D. Ligan. The four - day training was an enabling tool for better understanding of self and career, handling responsibilities, becoming leaders, and

NEWS SA OTSO/Page 6

PSA – EV participates in the Training on IPCC Guidelines in the Estimation and Reporting of National GHG Inventories

The Philippine Statistics Authority – Regional Statistical Service Office VIII (PSA – RSSO 8) participated in the training on Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Guidelines in the Estimation and Reporting of National Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventories on 9 - 11 October 2018 at Savannah Hotel, Clark, Pampanga. Statistical Specialist II Jonas A. Repulda attended the three-day training composed of lectures on the IPCC Guidelines on estimating and reporting NEWS SA OTSO/Page 6

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The Philippine Statistics Authority – Regional Statistical Service Office VIII (PSA – RSSO 8) gets ready for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Monitoring through its participation in the Technical Workshop on the Monitoring of the Regional SDG Indicators on 16 - 17 October 2018 at Sulo Riviera Hotel, Quezon City. Statistical Operations and Coordination Division (SOCD) Chief Statistical Specialist Mae R. Almonte and Senior Statistical Specialist Jane G. Balondo attended the two-day workshop composed of lectures focused on monitoring of SDG indicators using the Millennial

PSA – EV gets ready for SDGs Monitoring

(L-R) SOCD Chief Mae R. Almonte, Senior Statistical Specialist Mechelle M. Viernes of PSA - PHDSD, and Senior Statistical Specialist Jane G. Balondo during the Technical Workshop on the Monitoring of Regional SDG Indicators, 16 - 17 October 2018 at Sulo Riviera Hotel, Quezon City.

Development Goals approach, SDG indicators baseline data, validation of metadata, SDG localization, and the next steps. Participants were required to prepare regional data flow and timeline of the updating of SDG watch. This activity was organized by the PSA – Poverty and Human Development Statistics Division (PHDSD) in line with the mainstreaming of SDG indicators in national and subnational development planning and policy formulation; and capacitating PSA staff in order to provide support for monitoring the country’s progress in attaining the SDGs.

PSA – EV grooms first line supervisors From Page 5

learning the essential communication process. The training course was conducted by the Civil Service Commission – NCR, in collaboration with the PSA, in line with the agency’s thrust to continuously strengthen the skills of its staff.

PSA – EV participates in the Training on IPCC Guidelines in the Estimation and Reporting of National GHG Inventories From Page 5

national GHG inventories using the Agriculture and Land Use National GHG Inventory Software (ALU Tool). Participants had hands on exercises of the ALU Tool. Workshop outputs were critiqued by the resource person, Mr. Leandro Buendia, International Climate Change Consultant. This training was organized by the PSA - Environment and Natural Resources Accounts Division (ENRAD) in preparation for the compilation of statistics related to climate change, and as part of PSA's thrust to continuously strengthen the skills of its staff.

PSA – EV strengthens its procurement process through capability building training

The Philippine Statistics Authority - Regional Statistical Service Office VIII (PSA - RSSO 8) strengthened its procurement process through participation in the Tri - Regional Training on Government Procurement Act, (RA 9184) and its Revised IRR – Visayas Cluster on 28 – 29 November 2018 at Days Hotel, Iloilo City. A total of 40 participants

(Bids and Awards Committee, Secretariat and Technical Working Group) from RSSO 8 and Provincial Statistical Offices attended the training, together with procurement staff from Regions VI and VII. The activity was organized by the regional directors of the three Visayas regions to capacitate the procurement committee with the necessary knowledge

in order to speed up the procurement activities and improve the Agency Procurement Compliance and Performance Indicator (APCPI) rating. Resource persons were Ms. Armi Cecilia L. Dela Cruz and Atty. Zenaida B. Biteng, both accredited Government Procurement and Policy Board (GPPB) trainers.

NEWS SA OTSO

The Philippine Statistics Authority – Regional Statistical Service Office VIII (PSA - RSSO 8) cascaded the Cash-based Appropriation and Monthly Disbursement Program (MDP) to the Provincial Statistical Offices (PSOs) during the Quarterly Budget Forum on 12 – 13 November 2018 at M Grand Royal Resort, Catbalogan City. A total of 15 bookkeepers/budget focal persons, accountant, chief statistical specialists, and the regional director attended the two-day activity. Budget Officer Matilde A. Rozanski, who

PSA – EV cascades Cash – based Appropriation and Monthly Disbursement Program to Provincial Statistical Offices

Quarterly Budget Forum, 12 – 13 November 2018 at M Grand Royal Resort, Catbalogan City.

participated in the Cluster Budget Forum organized by PSA – Central Office, served as lecturer. A workshop on the preparation of provincial MDP based on the 2019 National Expenditure Program (NEP) provided by the Department of

Budget and Management was done after the lectures. Feedbacks on the quality of monthly reports submitted by the PSOs to the RSSO were also presented during the activity.

PSA – EV employees take a break for the Team Building Activity and Updates on RA 11055 and RA 10173

The Philippine Statistics Authority – Regional Statistical Services Office VIII (PSA RSSO - 8) employees took a break from their office work, data review, and training for the Team Building Activity and Updates on RA 11055 (Philippine Identification System Act) and RA 10173 (Data Privacy Act) on 20 December 2018 at Hotel Alejandro, Tacloban City.

PSA employees from RSSO and Provincial Statistical Offices attended the activity. Regional Director Wilma A. Perante gave the latest updates on RA 11055, while Chief Administrative Officer Anesia S. Babante presented relevant information on RA 10173.

Team building activities were administered to build rapport and camaraderie whilst having fun. Employees were grouped according to their birth year and competed in the games — sing your year, pyramid cup, papel pa more,

and copycat. Employees also took the chance to enjoy and dance their stress away for one night only.

In celebration of the Christmas Season, the night was capped with the Left - Right Gift Exchange Game.

Team Building Activity and Updates on RA 11055 and RA 10173, 20 December 2018 at Hotel Alejandro, Tacloban City

7 NEWS SA OTSO

8 NEWS SA OTSO

A total of 105 directors and division chiefs of the Philippine Statistics Authority all over the country participated in the Driving Innovation Training Program on 7 – 8 November 2018 at The Oriental Leyte Hotel, Palo, Leyte. The training was conducted by the Human Resource Innovations and Solutions Inc. (HuRIS). The program aims to help the participants understand and appreciate the need for a

PSA Directors and Division Chiefs participate in the Driving Innovation Training Program

Participants from the Visayas Region with DNS Daniel A. Ariaso Sr. during the Driving Innovation Training Program, 7 - 8 November 2018 at The Oriental Leyte Hotel, Palo, Leyte.

The Philippine Statistics Authority – Regional Statistical Service Office VIII (PSA – RSSO 8) hosted the Orientation on the Revised 2018 Omnibus Rules on Appointments and Other Human Resource Actions (ORA-OHRA) on 5 – 6 November 2018 at Hotel XYZ, Tacloban City.

A total of 38 PSA directors from all over the country, and staff from the PSA - Human Resource Division attended the orientation conducted by the Civil Service Commission.

This activity was organized to articulate the salient features of the 2018 ORA - OHRA; discuss the procedures in the preparation of the appointments using the revised forms; and interpret the revised policy uniformly.

mindset of creative thinking and innovation; learn and understand the driving and hindering forces in creative thinking and innovation; and develop and practice skills in actual workplace challenges.

This activity was arranged by PSA, in coordination with the Career Executive Service Board, as part of PSA's thrust to strengthen the managerial and leadership skills of PSA supervisors.

PSA – EV hosts the Orientation on the Revised 2018 ORA - OHRA

.

Wilma A. Perante Zonia C. Salazar

Mae R. Almonte Jane G. Balondo

Bernadette R. Montana

M.N. Irmina P. Balais

Nikki Joy A. Belas Renato T. Pagatpatan

Jonas A. Repulda

Miguelito A. Cua

Ligaya D. Prieto

Andrio M. Abad

Michelle G. Delos Santos

PSA Core Values

9 NEWS SA OTSO

The Regional Statistical Committee VIII (RSC – 8), through the Philippine Statistics Authority – Regional Statistical Service Office VIII (PSA – RSSO 8) as secretariat, spearheaded the 29th National Statistics Month (NSM) celebration in the region with the theme, “Exploring Philippine Wonders in Numbers: Statistics Towards Sustainable Tourism Development.” The 29th NSM celebration in the region kicked - off with the first ever StatMan Fun Run held on 30 September 2018. The Opening Ceremony, hosted by the Department of Tourism, was conducted at the Robinsons North Activity Area on 2 October 2018. It started with the Opening of the Interagency Statistical Exhibit and Tourism Fair followed by the Opening Program. The Interagency Statistical Exhibit and Tourism Fair, which was participated in by government agencies institutions and tourism establishments, was displayed from 2 – 6 October 2018. The Opening Program highlighted presentation of the Eastern Visayas Tourism Development Plan, results of the 2016 Household Survey on Domestic Visitors (HSDV), and launching of the 2017 Regional Social and Economic Trends (RSET). Around 150 participants coming from various national government agencies, state universities/colleges and academic institutions, and the private sector joined in the regional opening ceremony. Other NSM activities conducted by the RSC - 8 , PSA – RSSO 8 and its

PSA – EV spearheads the 29th NSM Celebration

month - long celebration of the 29th NSM in the region. To visualize the significant activities conducted by various agencies and institutions during the month - long celebration, a movie clip on the Highlights of the 29th NSM Celebration in Eastern Visayas preceded the awarding ceremony. The closing program was organized by the RSC - 8 and hosted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. It was attended by around 80 participants coming from various national government agencies, state universities/colleges and academic institutions, and the private sector.

Provincial Statistical Offices, other government agencies, state universities/colleges and academic institutions, and the private sector include symposia, data dissemination, trainings, work-shops, statistics quiz, slogan and poster making contests, statistical quiz, tree planting, information and education campaign activities such as press conferences, media interviews, and hanging of NSM streamers and tarpaulins. The 29th NSM celebration in the region officially culminated on 30 October 2018 with a Closing Ceremony held at Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Highlight of the program was the awarding of the first ever Best NSM Agency – award given to the agency which hosted relevant activities and with outstanding participation to the various activities during the

29th NSM Celebration in Eastern Visayas

10 NEWS SA OTSO

Statistical Community of Eastern Visayas counted up trees in this year’s National Statistics Month (NSM) Celebration through an Interagency Tree Planting Activity in Brgy. San Roque, Mayorga, Leyte on 5 October 2018. More than 300 participants coming from government agencies, academe, and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Mayorga actively joined in planting 500 bitaog and talisay saplings to reinforce the beach forest area in Brgy. San Roque, Mayorga, Leyte. The activity was sponsored by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Regional Office VIII (DENR - 8) and the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Palo in coordination with LGU Mayorga. Tree planting has already been institutionalized as one of the major activities in celebration of NSM. It is conducted in support of the government’s National Greening Program (NGP), particularly the Mangrove and Beach Forest Development Project (MBFDP) component, to strengthen the coastal defenses against future storm surges thereby making the communities climate change resilient.

Statistical community of EV count up trees in this year’s NSM Celebration

In line with the office’s move for strong partnership with the media, the Philippine Statistics Authority - Regional Statistical Service Office VIII (PSA – RSSO 8) took part in the Technical Training on News Writing and Reporting conducted on 12 October 2018 at DYFE Broadcast Center, Tacloban City. PSA – RSSO 8 Supervising Statistical Specialist Zonia C. Salazar served as resource person and presented the importance of the observance of the National Statistics Month and the different activities lined up for the month-long celebration. She was also interviewed by the participants who were then required to come up with a report as part of the training workshop/exercise. This activity is one of the agency’s approach to build partnership with the media to increase data dissemination in the region. The training was organized by the Center for Community Transformation, in collaboration with the Far East Broadcasting Company, Inc. and Catjoy Holdings, Inc .

Interagency Tree Planting Activity, 5 October 2018 at Brgy. San Roque, Mayorga, Leyte.

Before the tree planting activity, a Holy mass was celebrated and a short program was conducted. Mayor Valente Adolfo warmly welcomed the participants and thanked DENR - 8 for choosing their municipality as venue for this year’s tree planting. Ms. Josephine Agustin, MBFDP Coordinator of CENRO Palo, discussed the importance of tree planting in maintaining a healthy ecology to ensure the survival of every Filipino. In behalf of the Regional Statistics Committee VIII (RSC - 8) and the Philippine Statistics Authority – Regional Statistical Service Office VIII (PSA – RSSO 8), Supervising Statistical Specialist Ms. Zonia C. Salazar expressed its gratitude to LGU Mayorga for hosting the activity. She also shared three insights from the homily: man’s sin against ecology; the need to reconcile with ecology through tree planting; and the activity as a concrete act of love and care for the next generation. She likewise emphasized that this activity is very much related to this year’s NSM theme, “Exploring Philippine Wonders in Numbers: Statistics Towards Sustainable Tourism Development”, since there can never be tourism development without taking care of nature.

Supervising Statistical Specialist Zonia C. Salazar interviewed by the participants of the Technical Training on News Writing and Reporting, 12 October 2018 at DYFE Broadcast Center, Tacloban City.

PSA – EV builds strong partnership with the media

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The Philippine Statistics Authority – Regional Statistical Service Office VIII (PSA – RSSO 8) conducted its fourth and last round of the quarterly Labor Force Survey (LFS) simultaneously with the 2018 Survey on Overseas Filipinos (SOF). The LFS is a quarterly nationwide survey of households which aims to gather data on the demographic and socio - economic characteristics of the population, and to provide a quantitative framework for the preparation of plans and formulation of policies affecting the labor market. The SOF is a nationwide survey that collects data on Filipino citizens who left for abroad during the last five years. It aims to generate statistics on overseas Filipinos and their contribution to the economy. The SOF provides data on the number of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), their remittances (cash and in-kind), modes of remittance, occupation, and place of work abroad. A total of 2,972 sample households across the region were visited by PSA personnel and hired statistical researchers. They were interviewed using tablets guided by Computer Aided Data Collection System (CADaCS) from 8 October until 30 October 2018.

PSA – EV conducts Seminar on Official Statistics

include Price Statistics; Labor and Employment Statistics; Agricultural Statistics; Poverty Statistics; Gross Regional Domestic Product. A brief discussion on Understanding Infographics was also given. Regional Director Restituto Macuto of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Regional Office VIII (DSWD – 8) personally attended the seminar to know about statistics in order for him to give correct directions or instructions to his staff. This activity was organized as part of the month-long celebration of the 29th National Statistics Month, and in response to the clamor of the public, especially the media, for an orientation on the various statistics produced by PSA in order for them to understand, appreciate and properly disseminate the numbers.

The Philippine Statistics Authority – Regional Statistical Service Office VIII (PSA – RSSO 8) conducted Seminar on Official Statistics on 17 October 2018, at the Graduate School Function Hall, Eastern Visayas State University, Tacloban City. A total of 100 participants from the tri-media, regional line agencies, academe, and the PSA Provincial Statistical offices attended the seminar. PSA – RSSO 8 Regional Director Wilma A. Perante, in her Opening Remarks, explained that this activity, now on its second year, is part of the PSA’s awareness campaign efforts for the media, the students, and other agencies to really have an in - depth understanding on statistics. Among the topics discussed with sample calculations and interpretation

Seminar on Official Statistics, 17 October 2018 at Graduate School Function Hall, EVSU, Tacloban City.

PSA – EV conducts October 2018 LFS and 2018 SOF

The Philippine Statistics Authority - Regional Statistical Service Office VIII (PSA – RSSO 8), in support to the initiative of the National Nutrition Council Regional Office VIII (NNC - 8) to

capacitate the Local Government Units (LGUs) to address and prevent under nutrition and food insecurity, attended the Local Nutrition Early Warning System for Food

NEWS SA OTSO/Page 12

LABOR FORCE

SURVEY

PSA – EV supports the Local Nutrition Early Warning System for Food and Nutrition Security

12 NEWS SA OTSO PSA – EV supports the Local Nutrition Early Warning System for Food and Nutrition Security From Page 11

and Nutrition Security (LNEWS – FNS) Consultative Workshop on 22 - 23 October 2018 at Hotel Alejandro, Tacloban City. Ms. Zonia C. Salazar, PSA - RSSO 8 Supervising Statistical Specialist presented the latest statistics on agriculture production and annual per capita food consumption of agricultural commodities in the region. This workshop is part of the initial activities for the establishment of the LNEWS – FNS in Basey, Samar.

PSA – EV hosts the Training-Workshop on the Gross Regional Domestic Expenditures for the Overall Revision of the Regional Accounts – Visayas Group

The Philippine Statistics Authority – Regional Statistical Service Office VIII (PSA – RSSO 8) hosted the Training-Workshop on the Gross Regional Domestic Expenditures for the Overall Revision of the Regional Accounts - Visayas Group on 10 – 12 October 2018 at Hotel Alejandro, Tacloban City. A total of 26 participants from the PSA – Central Office and Regional Statistical Service Offices in the Visayas attended the training - workshop.

Supervising Statistical Specialist Zonia C. Salazar receives her Certificate of Appreciation as Resource Person during the LNEWS-FNS Consultative Workshop, 22 - 23 October 2018 at Hotel Alejandro, Tacloban City.

PSA – EV conducts Third Quarter 2018 LTS

The Philippine Statistics Authority – Regional Statistical Service Office VIII (PSA – RSSO 8) conducted the Third Quarter 2018 Labor Turnover Survey (LTS) from 19 November 2018 to 28 December 2018.

The LTS is a quarterly survey conducted by the PSA that aims to generate data on labor turnover and job vacancies as useful indicators of labor demand and general business situation of the country. Results of the survey provide government and the private sector a complete picture of labor demand and job turnover as inputs to decision making and policy formulation.

A total of 64 establishments with employment size of at least 20 workers extracted from the 2017 List of Establishments in the country were identified as samples across the region. Questionnaires were delivered by hired statistical researchers to sample establishments in Leyte and Samar. For the rest of the provinces, questionnaires were delivered directly from PSA Central Office through mail since their sample size is less than 10 (ten) establishments. Accomplished questionnaires were collected/submitted five (5) working days after the delivery. The result of the second quarter nationwide LTS released in 31 October 2018 showed that the labor turnover rate of the country was placed at 3.15 percent. This implies that 32 workers per 1,000 employed were added to the workforce in all establishments nationwide.

PSA Central Office, led by Assistant National Statistician of Macroeconomics Account Service (MAS), Ms. Vivian R. Ilarina, facilitated the workshop. Retired Deputy National Statistician Romeo S. Recide also shared some inputs during the activity. This activity was conducted to improve the estimation process geared towards the overall revision and rebasing of the Philippine System of National Accounts (PSNA).

Training-Workshop on the Gross Regional Domestic Expenditures for the Overall Revision of the Regional Accounts – Visayas Group, 10 - 12 October 2018 at Hotel Alejandro, Tacloban City.

13 NEWS SA OTSO

The Philippine Information Agency – Regional Office VIII (PIA – 8) bagged the first ever Best National Statistics Month (NSM) Agency in Eastern Visayas during the NSM Closing Ceremony on 30 October 2018 at Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Tacloban Branch. Among the three (3) agencies who have submitted their bid for the Best NSM Agency, PIA - 8 emerged as the winner for its significant contribution through various information dissemination activities during the month-long celebration of the 29th NSM in the region with the theme, “Exploring Philippine Wonders in Numbers: Statistics Towards Sustainable Tourism Development.” The Best NSM Agency, the first in the region, was conducted by Philippine Statistics Authority – Regional Statistical Service Office VIII (PSA – RSSO 8) in coordination with the Regional Statistics Committee VIII (RSC – 8), to recognize the agency which hosted relevant activities and with outstanding participation in various activities during the 2018 NSM Celebration. It aims to encourage wider participation in the NSM celebration and to promote the conduct of activities that will further bring off the

PIA - 8 bags First Ever Best NSM Agency in EV

objectives and spirit of the month-long observance of the NSM. The search was open to all Regional Line Agencies, Local Government Units (Province, City, and Municipality Levels), Academe, Non-Government Organizations, and the Private Sector in the region.

The NSM Awards

Committee was composed of the Regional Director of PSA - RSSO 8 and the Chief Statistical Specialists of PSA Provincial Statistical Offices in the region. Criteria of the competition included, a) Diversity and number of statistical activities (25%); b) Clarity of objectives/message and promotion of statistical awareness/literacy in relation to the theme (25%); c) Outputs, outcomes and impacts of Statistical activities (25%); d) Extent of participation/coverage (10%); e) Promotion of a favorable image of the region/province (10%); f) Economy in the use of resources (5%).

The NSM is an annual

celebration conducted every October pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 647, in order to promote, enhance and instill nationwide awareness and appreciation of the importance and value of statistics to the different sectors of society; and to elicit the cooperation and support of the general public in upgrading the quality and standards of statistics in the country.

The Regional Statistics Committee VIII (RSC - 8) held its fourth quarter meeting for CY 2018 on 30 October 2018, right after the 29th National Statistics Month Closing Ceremony at Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Tacloban City. It was attended by 21 RSC members from regional line agencies, private sector, academe, and the Provincial Planning and Development Offices (PPDOs). RSC – 8 Vice Chairperson and Philippine Statistics Authority - Regional Statistical Service Office VIII (PSA – RSSO 8) Director Wilma A. Perante presided the meeting. Various topics were discussed during the meeting. Chief Statistical Specialist of PSA - RSSO 8 Statistical Operations and Coordination Division and RSC - 8 Head Secretariat Mae R. Almonte presented the Policy Agenda for 2019 for discussion and approval. Other topics discussed for information were: The Development of the Provincial Product Accounts (PPA): The Case of Palawan; 2014 - 2016 Gross Regional Domestic Expenditure Estimates; Core Regional Sustainable Development Goals Indicators (CoRe SDGIs); Localization of Philippine Development Plan/Regional Development Plan Results Matrices and SDGs. The RSC - 8 , approved one resolution during the meeting and is set to hold its first quarter meeting for CY 2019 on 20 March 2019.

RSC – 8 holds Fourth Quarter Meeting for 2018

PIA – 8 OIC Venus H. Sarmiento receives the plaque for Best NSM Agency in Eastern Visayas. (L-R) PSA – RSSO 8 Director Wilma A. Perante, BSP – Tacloban Branch Acting Deputy Director Ronaldo O. Bermudez, PIA – 8 Information Officer II Leonilo D. Lopido , and NEDA – 8 Assistant Regional Director Meylene C. Rosales.

RSC - 8 Fourth Quarter Meeting, 30 October 2018 at Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Tacloban City.

14 NEWS SA OTSO

The Philippine Statistics Authority – Regional Statistical Services Office VIII (PSA RSSO - 8) disseminated the results of the 2017 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS 2017) on 31 October 2018 through a Data Dissemination Forum held at Summit Hotel, Tacloban City. A total of 76 participants from the tri-media, regional line agencies, academe, hospitals, women’s organization, and the PSA Provincial Statistical offices attended the regional dissemination forum PSA – RSSO 8 Regional Director Wilma A. Perante, in her Welcome Remarks, took the opportunity to thank everyone for the support during the conduct of the NDHS 2017. She also stressed the importance of the data from the NDHS 2017 that are essential indicators in the formulation and implementation of programs and projects to improve the health situation of the people in the region. Statistical Specialist II Nikki Joy A. Belas briefly discussed the methodology of the survey and the characteris-tics of the household/respondents. RD Perante presented the key findings on fertility, family planning, and childhood mortality. Chief Statistical Specialist of PSA – RSSO 8 Statistical Operations and Coordination Division Mae R. Almonte, shared the highlights on maternal health care, child health, breast feeding, complementary feeding, micro-nutrient supplementation, and HIV knowledge, attitudes and behavior. Meanwhile, Senior Statistical Specialist Bernadette R. Montana, revealed the regional data for health care utilization and

PSA – EV disseminates the results of the NDHS 2017

financing, women’s empower-ment and Violence Against Women (VAW). Resource Persons from the Department of Health Regional Office VIII (DOH - 8) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development Regional Office VIII (DSWD - 8) shared the policy and program implications of the findings from the NDHS 2017. They recommended that the results be fully disseminated to all, especially to the Local Government Units (LGUs) who are the implementers of the health services, to let them know of their huge contribution to the region’s improved health statistics. An open forum right after the policy and program implications followed. The panel who answered the questions were: RD Perante; Ms. Plenee Grace J. Castillo, Chief Statistical Specialist of PSA - Demographic and Health Statistics Division; Dr. Milagros C. Bolito, MPH, Medical Officer IV/ Regional Maternal, Neonatal, Child Health and Nutrition Coordinator of DOH – 8; Ms. Fe C. Modesto, RN, MPH, Family Planning Program Manager of DOH – 8; Mr. Boyd Roderick S. Cerro, RN, RESU Head/HIV Program Coordinator of DOH – 8; and Mr. Gilbert T. Villamor, Planning Officer III of DSWD – 8.

Participants were also taught how to read and understand NDHS tables, and how to use the DHS Mobile App and StatCompiler. Hands-on exercises and games were administered to make the forum engaging. Prizes were given out to the active participants.

The first Evidence - Based Decision Making Workshop was also incorporated during the NDHS 2017 Regional Dissemination Forum. Participants identified data which were surprising or relevant to their job and suggest possible action plan to improve the situation. The activity aims to demonstrate and encourage the participants from various government agencies, academe, media, hospitals, and women’s organization to use the data to prioritize evidence - based decisions for various programs and plans. Summary of the workshop output was presented thereafter. Mr. Ronnie A. Bajado, Chief Statistical Specialist of PSA - Eastern Samar Provincial Statistical Office gave the closing remarks.

NDHS 2017 Regional Data Dissemination Forum, 31 October 2018 at Summit Hotel, Tacloban City.

Winner of the 2018 Regional Statistics Quiz Ms. Ronelyn Joy C. Tabuena with (L-R): Director Wilma A. Perante, PSHS - EVC Coach Ms. Jennifer Delos Reyes, Dr. Norberto E. Milla, and Dr. Sarah S. Cabaluna.

15 NEWS SA OTSO

The Philippine Statistics Authority - Regional Statistical Service Office VIII (PSA RSSO- 8) evaluated the 2020 Census of Population and Housing (CPH) Workload Analysis and Training Plan on 4 – 5 October 2018 at PSA-RSSO 8 Training Room, Tacloban City. A total of 14 regular staff/census focal persons of PSA - RSSO 8 and the Provincial Statistical Offices attended the two-day workshop. Outputs were consolidated and submitted to PSA - Central Office for consideration. This activity is part of the initial preparatory activities of the office to strategize the forthcoming massive census operations in 2020.

PSA – EV evaluates 2020 CPH Workload Analysis and Training Plan

Pisay - EVC scholar wins 2018 Regional Statistics Quiz

Philippine Science High School – Eastern Visayas Campus scholar, Ronelyn Joy C. Tabuena, won the 2018 Regional Statistics Quiz (RSQ) conducted on 23 November 2018 at Saint Paul of Professional Studies Auditorium, Palo, Leyte. The Philippine Statistics Authority – Regional Statistical Service Office VIII (PSA-RSSO 8), in coordination with the Philippine Statistical Association, Inc. (PSAI) – Region VIII Chapter, conducted the 2018 RSQ as part of the 29th National Statistics Month Celebration. Among the 19 contestants from secondary schools in the region, Ms. Tabuena emerged as Regional Champ. Completing the top three winners were Honneluv T. Labanan of Basey National High

and Tyrone C. Ybañez of Saint Joseph College – third place. Winners were awarded with cash prize, plaque and PSA token. The activity aims to assess the competency and skills of students in statistics; promote and instill awareness and appreciation of statistics among the students; and to generate public awareness on the importance of statistics in all planning activities and win overall support for all government statistical activities. The board of judges who helped determine the winner were: PSA - RSSO 8 Regional Director Wilma A. Perante, Visayas State University - Department of Statistics Head Dr. Norberto E. Milla, and Department of Education Program Supervisor in Mathematics Dr. Sarah S. Cabaluna.

Evaluation of the 2020 CPH Workload Analysis and Training Plan, 4 – 5 October 2018 at PSA - RSSO 8 Training Room, Tacloban City.

PSA – EV supports the Localization of the PDP and SDG Indicators

The Philippine Statistics Authority - Regional Statistical Service Office VIII (PSA – RSSO 8) attended the Regional Workshop on the Localization of the PDP and SDGs on 29 – 31 October 2018 at Hotel Alejandro, Tacloban City in support to the initiative of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) to strengthen the functions of the Local Development Councils (LDCs) to align their strategic priorities and targets with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017 – 2022 and the Sustainable Development Goals. NEWS SA OTSO/Page 16

PSA – EV conducts Second Level Training on 2018 OWS and 2017/2018 ISLE Machine Processing

16 NEWS SA OTSO

The Philippine Statistics Authority – Regional Statistical Service Office VIII (PSA – RSSO 8) conducted the Second Level Training on 2018 Occupational Wages Survey (OWS) and 2017/2018 Integrated Survey on Labor and Employment (ISLE) Machine Processing on 5 – 7 December 2018 at PSA – RSSO 8 Training Room, Tacloban City. A total of nine (9) hired processors and focal persons attended the three - day training which was focused on the machine processing of the 2018 OWS and 2017/2018 ISLE questionnaires. A hands - on processing of questionnaires was conducted after the lectures. PSA - RSSO 8 Statistical Specialist II Renato T. Pagatpatan , and PSA - Leyte Statistical Analyst Irene C. Cagara, who attended the Task Force Training in PSA - Central Office, served as trainers.

PSA – EV supports the Localization of the PDP and SDG Indicators From Page 15

PSA – RSSO 8 Regional Director Wilma A. Perante presented the SDG indicators during the workshop in order for the provinces and municipalities to map their targets vis-à-vis the national and regional targets. The localization agenda aims to further strengthen the vertical linkage and alignment of local development priorities with the national, regional and provincial plans, and provide a mechanism/basis of assessing the contribution of each LDC in the attainment of the PDP 2017 – 2022 and the SDGs.

PSA – EV joins the First Philippine Data Festival

The 1st PH Data Fest was conducted in connection with the PSA’s commitment in bringing statistics closer to the people and in promoting a responsive and relevant statistical system capable of providing and communicating timely, accurate and useful data for the government and the public. It showcased the innovations of the PSA and the whole Philippine Statistical System (PSS) in the production, management and dissemination of official statistics to instill appreciation and enhance statistical literacy on official statistics among students;

NEWS SA OTSO/Page 17

The Philippine Statistics Authority - Regional Statistical Service Office VIII (PSA – RSSO 8) joined the 1st Philippine Data Festival (PH Data Fest) on 15 – 16 November 2018 at The Peninsula Manila, Makati City.

The two - day event, consisting of presentations and open discussions, expositions, games and contests, was attended by PSA – RSSO 8 Director Wilma A. Perante and Chief Statistical Specialist of PSA - RSSO 8 Statistical Operations and Coordination Division Ms. Mae R. Almonte.

RD Wilma A. Perante presents various SDG indicators during the Regional Workshop on the Localization of the PDP and SDGs, 29 – 31 October 2018 at Hotel Alejandro, Tacloban City.

RD Wilma A. Perante and Chief Statistical Specialist Mae R. Almonte with participants from other regions during the 1st PH Data Fest, 15 - 16 November 2018 at The Peninsula Hotel, Makati City.

PSA EV reviews Third and Fourth Quarter Regional Agricultural Statistics

The Philippine Statistics Authority – Regional Statistical Service Office VIII (PSA – RSSO 8) conducted the Third and Fourth Quarter Regional Data Review (RDR) on Agricultural Statistics (AgStat) on 15 – 19 October 2018 and 17 – 21 December 2018, respectively, at Hotel Alejandro, Tacloban City.

NEWS SA OTSO/Page 17

Fourth Quarter Regional Data Review, 17 - 21 December 2018 at Hotel Alejandro, Tacloban City.

17 NEWS SA OTSO

The RDR on AgStat is a quarterly activity of the RSSO participated in by the Regional Director, Chief Statistical Specialists of the Statistical Operations and Coordination Division and PSA - Provincial Statistical Offices, and Regional and Provincial Focal Persons for AgStat. This is usually conducted after the Provincial Data Review (PDR). The objective of the RDR is to validate the acceptability of the provincial estimates and

PSA EV reviews Third and Fourth Quarter Regional Agricultural Statistics From Page 16

PSA – EV joins the First Philippine Data Festival From Page 16

enjoin the academe in the advocacy of statistics; strengthen partnerships and collaboration with other government offices, civil society organizations, and the private sector; and promote proper interpretation and use of official statistics among media.

remarks indicated. Results of the PDR are presented and evaluated during the RDR and are consolidated to come up the regional estimates submitted for the National Data Review (NDR). Among the data reviewed were: Cereals (Palay and Corn); Other Crops (Fruits, Non-Food and Industrial Crops, and Vegetables); Fisheries; and Livestock and Poultry.

PSA – EV conducts Second Level Training on RPS

Second Level Training on Retail Price Survey, 21 - 23 November 2018 at Hotel Alejandro, Tacloban City.

The Philippine Statistics Authority – Regional Statistical Service Office VIII (PSA – RSSO 8) started its preparations for the January 2019 Labor Force Survey (LFS) and 2018 Family Income and Expenditure Survey (FIES) Visit 2. Second Level Training on January 2019 LFS and 2018 FIES Visit 2 was conducted on 17 – 22 December 2018 at Hotel Alejandro, Tacloban City. Senior Statistical Specialist Bernadette R. Montana, and Statistical Specialist II Nikki Joy A. Belas served as trainers. The six-day training, focused on the discussion of concepts, scope and coverage, how to accomplish the

questionnaires, LFS Computer Aided Personal Interview (CAPI) System, 2017 Philippine Standard Classification of Education, and the common errors observed during the 2018 FIES Visit 1. A mock interview was also done on the last day of training in order to evaluate the participants’ knowledge in LFS/FIES concepts and to familiarize themselves with the questionnaires. Participants of the second level training served as trainers during the third level training in the provinces .

The Philippine Statistics Authority – Regional Statistical Service Office VIII (PSA - RSSO 8) conducted Second Level Training on Retail Price Survey (RPS) on 21 – 23 November 2018 at Hotel Alejandro, Tacloban City. A total of 18 participants from the RSSO and Provincial Statistical Offices attended the three-day training. Statistical Analyst of PSA - Price Statistics Division Karlo L. Bonifacio, and Ma. Natividad Irmina P. Balais, Statistical Specialist II of PSA – RSSO 8 served as trainers. The training focused on the survey operations, processing and validation of price reports, and estimation procedures to guide the field staff to efficiently carry-out their responsibilities during the data collection and post-survey activities.

PSA – EV preps up for the January 2019 LFS and 2018 FIES (Visit 2)

18

Eastern Visayas registers 96.1% Employment Rate in October 2018

Eastern Visayas registered 96.1 percent Employment Rate (ER) in October 2018, ranking sixth among the regions with high employment rates in the country, and at par with Zamboanga Peninsula. This figure is slightly lower than the 96.3 percent ER recorded in October 2017. Employment rate is the proportion of employed persons to total labor force. Out of the estimated 3.2 million population 15 years old and over in October 2018, about 1.8 million were economically active or in the labor force. This number translates to a Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR) of 58.4 percent. This figure is 1.8 percentage points lower compared with the 60.2 percent LFPR in the same period a year ago. Among the regions, Eastern Visayas recorded the fourth lowest LFPR. The underemployed persons or those employed persons who express the desire to have additional hours of work in their present job or to have additional job, or to have a new job with longer working hours was estimated at 265 thousand. This is equal to an underemployment rate of 14.9 percent, 5.7 percentage points lower than the 20.6 percent recorded in the same period last year. Meanwhile, about 72 thousand persons in the labor force were unemployed. This translates to an unemployment rate of 3.9 percent, slightly higher than the 3.7 percent unemployment rate recorded in the same period in 2017. Considered unemployed persons are persons in the labor force who are reported as without work; and currently available for work; and seeking work or not seeking work due to the following reasons: a) belief that no work is available, or b) awaiting results of previous job application, or c) because of temporary illness or disability, or d) weather, or e) waiting for rehire or job call.

LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT

STATISTICS

DEFINITION OF TERMS

NEWS SA OTSO

Underemployment Rate – refers to the proportion of under-employed persons to total employed persons Unemployed – refers to persons in the labor force who are reported as:

1) without work; and 2) currently available for work; and 3) seeking work or not seeking work due to the following reasons:

i) belief that no work is available, or ii) awaiting results of previous job application, or iii) because of temporary illness or disability, or iv) bad weather, or v) waiting for rehire or job recall.

Unemployment Rate – refers to the proportion of unem-ployed persons to the total labor force.

Labor Force – refers to the population 15 years old and over who contribute or seek to contribute to the production of goods and services. It comprises the employed and unemployed. Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR) – refers to the propor-tion of total labor force to the total household population 15 years and over. Employed – refers to persons in the labor force who are reported either at work or with a job or business although not at work. Per-sons at work are those who did some work, even for an hour dur-ing the reference period. Employment Rate – refers to the proportion of employed persons to the total labor force. Underemployed – refers to employed persons who express the desire to have additional hours of work in their present job or an additional job, or have a new job with longer working hours.

Table 2. Labor Force Participation Rate, Employment, Unemployment and Underemployment Rates by Region:

October 2018 and October 2017

Notes: Estimates for October 2018 are preliminary and may change. Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

Purchasing Power of Peso (PPP) weakens at 0.80 centavos

19

PRICE STATISTICS

Eastern Visayas’ Average Inflation Rate decelerates to 5.5% in the Fourth Quarter of 2018

Average Inflation Rate (IR) of Eastern Visayas in the fourth quarter of 2018 decelerated to 5.5 percent. This is 0.7 percentage point lower compared with the 6.2 percent average IR recorded in the previous quarter. Decreases were observed in all provinces, except Southern Leyte, the only province that registered an increase of 1.3 percentage points its 2.2 percent IR a quarter ago. Among the provinces, Eastern Samar posted the highest average IR during the quarter at 8.4 percent. Samar ranked second at 7.0 percent followed by Leyte at 5.5 percent, Northern Samar at 5.2 percent, and Southern Leyte at 3.5 percent. Biliran, meanwhile, recorded the lowest average IR at 3.2 percent

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (CPI) - indicator of change in the average prices

of a fixed basket of goods and services commonly purchased by

households relative to a base year. Computation of the CPI uses

the market basket for a particular area, i.e., province or region.

INFLATION RATE (IR) - the annual rate of change or year-on-year change in

CPI. Inflation rate is the general rise of prices over a specified

period. It indicates how fast or how slow the price changes over

two time periods. Contrary to common knowledge, low inflation

does not necessarily connote that prices are falling, rather, it

means that prices continue to increase at a slower rate.

MARKET BASKET - refers to a sample of goods and services used to repre-

sent all goods and services bought by a particular group of con-

sumers in a particular area.

BASE PERIOD - refers to the reference period of the index number. It is

the period, usually a year, at which the index is set to 100. The

current base period is 2006.

RETAIL PRICE - the price at which a commodity is sold for spot in small

quantities for consumption. It includes transactions on cash

basis in the free market and excludes black-market prices and

prices of commodities that are on sale as in summer sales,

anniversary sales, Christmas sales, etc.

PURCHASING POWER OF THE PESO (PPP) - a measure of the real

value of the peso in a given period relative to a chosen refer-

ence period. It is computed by getting the reciprocal of the CPI

and multiplying the result by 100.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

NEWS SA OTSO

Average PPP of the region in the fourth quarter of 2018 was recorded at P0.80. This is weaker compared with the P0.81 average PPP registered in the previous quarter. This PPP implies that goods and service worth 100 pesos during the fourth quarter of 2018 costs 80 pesos only in 2012. All provinces in the region registered decreases in PPP during the fourth quarter of 2018 compared with their figures in the previous quarter, except for Biliran, which had sustained PPP at P0.82. Leyte recorded the strongest PPP during the quarter at P0.83, while Northern Samar and Samar had the weakest at P0.75.

Figure 1. Average Inflation Rate by Province, Region VIII: 4th Quarter 2018 - 3rd Quarter 2018

(2012=100)

Figure 2. Purchasing Power of Peso by Province, Region VIII: 4th Quarter 2018 - 3rd Quarter 2018 (2012=100)

20

Fourth Quarter Palay Production in Eastern Visayas decreases slightly by 0.9%

Palay production in Eastern Visayas slightly decreased by 0.9 percent, from 293,419 metric tons (MT) in the fourth quarter of 2017 to 290,871 MT in the fourth quarter of 2018. Decreases were observed among all provinces, except in Samar and Leyte, which posted increases of 17.0 percent and 2.6 percent, respectively. Northern Samar recorded the highest decrease in production of 35.8 percent, from 31,141 MT in the fourth quarter of 2017 to 20,000 MT in the fourth quarter of 2018.

Among the provinces, Leyte produced

the highest volume of palay at 151,805 MT, which comprised more than half (52.2 percent) of the total palay production in the region. Eastern Samar, meanwhile, had the lowest volume of production (17,946 MT) accounting for only 6.2 percent of the region’s production.

The total area harvested for palay in

the region decreased by 1.2 percent, from 78,949 hectares in the fourth quarter of 2017 to 78,017 hectares in the fourth quarter of 2018. Decreases were observed among all provinces, except in Samar and Leyte, which posted increases of 15.1 percent and 2.5 percent, respectively. Northern Samar recorded the highest decrease in production of 36.7 percent, from 9,562 hectares in the fourth quarter of 2017 to 6,055 hectares in the fourth quarter of 2018.

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

NEWS SA OTSO

AGRICULTURE STATISTICS

Leyte recorded almost half or 47.8 percent (37,298 hectares) of the total area harvested for palay during the quarter in review, while Biliran contributed the least (4,931 hectares) accounting for only 6.3 percent.

Yield per hectare for palay in the region

remained at 3.7 MT/hectare during the reference

quarter. Among the provinces, Biliran posted the

highest yield per hectare during the quarter in review at

4.4 MT per hectare, while Northern Samar registered

the lowest yield per hectare at 3.3 MT per hectare.

Table 3. Volume of Palay Production, Area Harvested and Yield per Hectare by Province, Region VIII: 4th Quarter 2018 and 4th Quarter 2018

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

Figure 3. Volume of Palay Production, Area Harvested and Yield per Hectare,

Region VIII: 4th Quarter 2018 and 4th Quarter 2017

21

Fourth Quarter Corn Production in Eastern Visayas increases by 2.8%

Corn production in Eastern Visayas increased by 2.8 percent from 21,312 metric tons (MT) in the fourth quarter of 2017 to 21,898 MT in the same quarter of 2018. Increases recorded in Samar (17.3 percent), Leyte (6.6 percent) and Biliran (0.8 percent) offset the decreases recorded in Southern Leyte (22.5 percent), Northern Samar (4.2 percent) and Eastern Samar (0.6 percent).

Among the provinces, Leyte

produced the highest volume of corn at 14,464 MT, which comprised about two-thirds (66.1 percent) of the total corn production in the region. Eastern Samar, meanwhile, had the lowest volume of production (154 MT) accounting for only 0.7 percent.

The total area harvested for corn in

the region increased by 3.0 percent, from 15,337 hectares in the fourth quarter of 2017 to 15,802 hectares in the fourth quarter of 2018. Increases recorded in Samar (13.5 percent) and Leyte (8.2 percent) offset the decreases recorded in Southern Leyte (24.8 percent), Northern Samar (7.6 percent) and Biliran (0.5 percent). Eastern Samar, meanwhile retained its area harvested in the same quarter last year at 52 hectares.

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

NEWS SA OTSO

AGRICULTURE STATISTICS

Table 4. Volume of Corn Production, Area Harvested and Yield per Hectare by Province, Region VIII: 4th Quarter 2017 and 4th Quarter 2018

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

Figure 4. Volume of Corn Production, Area Harvested and Yield per Hectare,

Region VIII: 4th Quarter 2018 and 4th Quarter 2017

Leyte recorded 71.8 percent (11,351 hectares) of the total area harvested for corn during the quarter in review, while Eastern Samar contributed the least (52 hectares) accounting for only 0.3 percent.

Yield per hectare for corn in the region

remained at 1.4 MT per hectare during the reference quarter. Among the provinces, Eastern Samar posted the highest yield per hectare at 3.0 MT per hectare, while Biliran registered the lowest yield per hectare at 1.2 MT per hectare.

22

Fourth Quarter Swine Production in Eastern Visayas increases slightly by 0.2%

The swine industry in Eastern Visayas posted a 0.2 percent increase in production during the fourth quarter of 2018. Based on the preliminary data, the total swine production in the region went up to 22,687 metric tons (MT) during the quarter in review from 22,642 MT in the same quarter last year. Eastern Visayas accounted for 3.4 percent of the country’s total swine production during the fourth quarter of 2018. It ranked seventh among the regions with low swine production in the country.

Swine Population in Eastern Visayas decreases by 1.1%

As of 1 January 2019, the total swine population in Eastern Visayas stood at 282,410 heads. This registered a decrease of 1.1 percent from its 285,548 heads as of 1 January 2018. Among provinces, Leyte recorded the highest number of swine at 131,693 heads, which comprised 46.6 percent of the total swine population in the region. Northern Samar ranked second with 49,920 heads, which accounted for 17.7 percent of the region’s total swine inventory. Biliran, meanwhile, registered the lowest inventory of swine with 4.4 percent share or 12,488 heads. By farm type, swine population raised in backyard farms stood at 269,264 heads as of 1 January 2019.This posted a decrease of 2.3 percent from its 275,683 heads as of 1 January 2018. Decreases registered in Southern Leyte (4.9 percent), Samar (3.6 percent) and Leyte (3.0 percent) offset the slight increases registered in Biliran (0.8 percent), Eastern Samar (0.6 percent) and Northern Samar (0.4 percent).

On the other hand, the number of swine raised in commercial farms increased by 33.3 percent to 13,146 heads as of 1 January 2019 from 9,865 heads as of 1 January 2019. All provinces registered increases, except Southern Leyte and Leyte, which posted increases of 9.5 percent and 7.3 percent, respectively. Samar recorded the highest increase in

NEWS SA OTSO

AGRICULTURE STATISTICS

Table 5. Inventory of Swine by Farm Type and Province, Region VIII:

1 January 2019 and 1 January 2018

Inventory of 368.4 percent, from 488 heads as of 1 January 2018 to 2,286 heads as of 1 January 2019.

Almost all or 95.3 percent of the total swine population in the region were raised in backyard farms while the rest (4.7 percent) were in commercial farms.

p - preliminary data Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

23

Fourth Quarter Chicken Production in Eastern Visayas surges by 20.0%

The chicken industry in Eastern Visayas posted a 20.0 percent increase in production during the fourth quarter of 2018. Based on the preliminary data, the total chicken production in the region went up to 15,602 metric tons (MT) in the fourth quarter of 2018 from 13,006 MT in the same quarter last year.

Eastern Visayas accounted for 3.1 percent of the country’s total chicken production during the fourth quarter of 2018. It ranked eighth among the regions with low chicken production in the country.

Chicken Population in Eastern Visayas increases by 2.5%

As of 1 January 2019, the total chicken population in Eastern Visayas stood at 2,524,559 birds. This registered an increase of 2.5 percent from its 2,463,777 inventory as of 1 January 2018. Among provinces, Leyte recorded the highest number of chicken at 894,477 birds, which comprised more than one third or 35.4 percent of the total chicken population in the region. Samar ranked second with 693,208 birds, which accounted for 27.5 percent of the region’s total chicken inventory. Eastern Samar, meanwhile, registered the lowest inventory of chicken with 4.7 percent share or 117,668 birds. By type, layer chickens stood at 452,613 birds as of 1 January 2019. This posted a significant growth of 21.0 percent from the 373,914 inventory as of 1 January 2018. All provinces registered increases except for Eastern Samar which had the same inventory of 5000 birds from 1 January 2018. Southern Leyte posted the highest increase at 62.0 percent, from 53,170 birds as of 1 January 2018 to 86,114 birds as of 1 January 2019. Similarly, broiler chickens increased by 2.4 percent, from 461,755 birds as of 1 January 2018 to 472,666 as of 1 January 2019. Increases registered in Biliran (67.1 percent), Samar (25.0 percent) and Leyte (2.3 percent) offset the decreases registered in Southern Leyte (36.8 percent) and Northern Samar (35.5 percent). Eastern Samar, meanwhile, retained their inventory at 1,000 birds. On the other hand, the number of native/improved chickens went down by 1.8 percent with a total inventory of 1,599,280 birds as of 1 January 2019 from 1,628,108 birds as of 1 January 2018. All provinces registered decreases, except Eastern Samar, which posted a 14.7 percent increase in inventory. Biliran and Southern Leyte posted the highest decrease at 3.3 percent each.

NEWS SA OTSO

AGRICULTURE STATISTICS

Almost two-thirds or 63.3 percent of the total chicken population in the region were native/improved chickens. Broiler chickens accounted for 18.7 percent, while the remaining 17.9 percent were layer chickens.

Table 6. Inventory of Chicken by Type and Province, Region VIII:

1 January 2018 and 1 January 2017

p - preliminary data Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

24

Fourth Quarter Fishery Production in Eastern Visayas increases by 3.9%

Fishery production in Eastern Visayas increased by 3.9 percent, from 29,306 metric tons (MT) in the fourth quarter of 2017 to 30,461 MT in the fourth quarter of 2018. Increases in fishery production registered in Northern Samar (38.3 percent), Samar (21.8 percent) and Biliran (2.6 percent) offset the decreases in fishery production recorded in Eastern Samar (18.1 percent), Leyte (9.4 percent) and Southern Leyte (5.0 percent). Among provinces, Leyte produced the highest volume of fishery production during the reference quarter at 9,585 MT, which comprised 31.5 percent of the total fishery production in the region. Samar ranked second with 7,650 MT, which accounted for 25.1 percent of the region’s total fishery production. Biliran, meanwhile registered the lowest volume of production with 4.0 percent share or 1,227 MT. By subsector, volume of production in commercial fishing went up by 6.4 percent, from 2,672 MT in the fourth quarter of 2017 to 2,844 MT in the same period in 2018. All provinces registered increases, except Southern Leyte, which recorded a drop of 51.6 percent. Leyte registered the highest increase of 74.7 percent, from 106 MT in the fourth quarter of 2017 to 186 MT during the quarter in review. Similarly, volume of production in municipal fishing (marine and inland) registered an increase of 5.8 percent, from 18,135 MT in the fourth quarter of 2017 to 19,179 MT in the same quarter in 2018. Increases registered in Northern Samar (42.1 percent), Samar (18.8 percent) and Southern Leyte (6.8 percent) offset the decreases recorded in Leyte (23.7 percent), Eastern Samar (19.5) and Biliran (3.5 percent). On the other hand, volume of production in aquaculture declined slightly by 0.7 percent, from 8,499 MT in the fourth quarter of 2017 to 8,437 MT in the same period in 2018. Among provinces, Samar, Northern Samar and Southern Leyte registered growths in production of 96.6 percent, 23.1 percent and 16.7 percent, respectively. However, the increases were negated by the decreases recorded in Eastern Samar (31.2 percent) and Leyte (5.5 percent).

NEWS SA OTSO

AGRICULTURE STATISTICS

More than three-fifths or 63.0 percent (19,179 MT) of the total fishery production in the region were from Municipal Fishing. Aquaculture contributed 27.7 percent (8,437 MT), while Commercial Fishing accounted for 9.3 percent (2,844 MT).

Table 7. Volume of Fishery Production by Subsector and Province, Region VIII: 4th Quarter 2018 and 4th Quarter 2017

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority