In a significant step toward strengthening evidence-based local governance and inclusive development, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Davao Occidental and the Southern Philippines Agri‑Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST) formally sealed their collaboration through a Ceremonial Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing for the implementation of the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) on March 18, 2026. The partnership signals a unified commitment to harness data-driven approaches in addressing local socio-economic challenges.
Messages of commitment were delivered by Dr. Lynette A. Bontia, President of SPAMAST, and Ms. Baby Jean P. Alid, Officer-in-Charge and Chief Administrative Officer of PSA Regional Statistical Services Office XI. Both officials highlighted the transformative potential of CBMS in empowering communities, enhancing policy responsiveness, and fostering collaborative governance between academic institutions and statistical authorities. The formal signing of the MOA symbolized the institutionalization of shared responsibilities in data collection, analysis, and dissemination to support evidence-based decision-making at the grassroots level.
The ceremony concluded with closing remarks from Mr. Munria L. Banto, Supervising Statistical Specialist and Officer-in-Charge of the Davao Occidental Provincial Statistical Office, who emphasized the long-term value of inter-agency synergy in advancing sustainable development outcomes. This initiative aligns with the global framework of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). By strengthening local statistical systems and fostering institutional collaboration, the partnership reinforces a shared vision of inclusive growth, resilient communities, and accountable governance driven by reliable and accessible data.
