Capitol creates data monitoring board to determine programs

CEBU, Philippines — To help ensure that government programs are drawn out from local data, Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has established the Provincial Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) Coordinating Board through an Executive Order (EO).

The creation of the Provincial CBMS Coordinating Board was formalized through EO No. 31, Series of 2026, signed by Baricuatro on July 1.

The executive order cited Republic Act No. 11315, or the Community-Based Monitoring System Act, which institutionalized the conduct of the CBMS in all cities and municipalities as an essential tool for evidence-based planning, program implementation, and poverty monitoring.

Under the law, the CBMS serves as an organized technology-based system for collecting, processing, and validating disaggregated data that government agencies can use in identifying beneficiaries, preparing local development plans, and evaluating the impact of public programs.

The order also emphasized that the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), under Sections 6 and 14 of the law, is the lead implementing agency tasked with coordinating with national government agencies and local government units to ensure secure and efficient data-sharing arrangements.

The Provincial Government recognizes "the importance of accurate, timely, and reliable local data in formulating policies, allocating resources, and evaluating development outcomes across all sectors."

The order states that the newly created body, referred to as the Provincial CBMS Coordinating Board or PCCB, will oversee the implementation of CBMS operations in Cebu.

Baricuatro will serve as chairperson of the board, while the Chief Statistical Specialist of the PSA-Cebu Provincial Statistical Office or an authorized representative will act as vice chairperson.

The board will also be composed of representatives from various provincial offices, including the Provincial Legal Office, Provincial Assessor's Office, Provincial Engineering Office, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, Provincial Planning and Development Office, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, Provincial Budget Office, Provincial Information Office, Provincial Health Office, Public Order and Safety Office, and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

The EO allows heads of the member offices to designate permanent representatives who may participate in meetings and activities of the coordinating board.

As chairperson, Baricuatro is tasked to "provide overall leadership and direction in the implementation of the CBMS in the Province" and "ensure the performance of the duties and responsibilities of the PCCB and its member agencies."

The governor is also mandated to "resolve implementation issues and elevate unresolved concerns to the appropriate authorities" and to convene and preside over meetings of the coordinating board.

Meanwhile, the PSA-Cebu Provincial Statistical Office, as co-chairperson, will assist the governor in carrying out the functions of the board, provide technical guidance on CBMS implementation, ensure compliance with PSA policies and operational standards, and coordinate with government agencies and local government units on CBMS-related activities.

The executive order likewise assigned member agencies to support communications, coordination, logistics, administrative requirements, data utilization, and public information efforts related to the implementation of the monitoring system.

Among their responsibilities are issuing directives to support CBMS activities, participating in consultations and operational briefings, assisting in resolving implementation concerns, and undertaking other functions necessary for the successful conduct of the program.

Member offices are likewise directed to facilitate transportation, communication facilities, venues, office space, storage, and other logistical requirements, while also supporting the recruitment, deployment, training, and supervision of field personnel in coordination with the PSA.

The board is also expected to promote public awareness campaigns on the objectives and benefits of the CBMS, participate in data dissemination activities, and encourage the use of CBMS data in local development planning and decision-making. — (FREEMAN)