PSA SOCCSKSARGEN Online

11th National Convention on Statistics (NCS)

2010-03-31T00:05:00.001-07:00

The Philippine Statistical System (PSS) through the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) invites you to participate in the 11th National Convention on Statistics (NCS) which will be held in October 2010.

http://www.nscb.gov.ph/ncs/11thNCS/default.asp

2nd PSA Summer Institute & 2nd National Statistical Workshop

2010-02-11T22:25:00.000-08:00

Two exciting events are priming up PSA SOCCSKSARGEN this year:

2nd PSA Summer Institute (16 continuing education units)
Davao City
May 13-14, 2010

Target Participants:
researchers, research advisers, graduate students

Registration Fee incl. 4 snacks, 2 lunches, tote bag, certificate
Php 2400 (on or before March 25)
Php 2900 (between March 26 and April 30)
Php 3300 (between May 1 and May 12)

2nd National Statistical Workshop (16 continuing education units)
Panglao Island, Bohol
October 21-22, 2010

Major Topics:

Database Management Using MS Access
Statistical Analysis Using MS Excel

Target Participants:
Planning officers, project evaluation officers, research officers, quality officers

Registration Fee incl. 4 snacks, 2 lunches, 2 breakfast, 2 dinner, tote bag, certificate, dormitory type accomodation
Php 5700 (on or before May 25)
Php 6200 (between May 26 and July 30)
Php 6800 (between July 31 and October 15)

Alfie Custodio at SPSS Users' Group Christmas Party

2009-12-27T02:26:00.000-08:00

The Philippine Statistical Association SOCCKSARGEN Inc. was represented in the SPSS User's Group Christmas party which was held last December 11, 2009 at TGI Friday Restaurant in Robinson's Place Ermita Manila.

No less than our very active chapter member (Prof. Alfie Custodio) attended the event. Prof. Custodio is on study leave for her Ph.D Economics at the University of Santo Tomas.

The event started with an Opening Remark by then acting Vice-President, Rowena Monfero of Far Eastern University (FEU). This was followed by a brief description of the Officer's Duties by acting President and now ex-officio member Ronan Santos of FEU. The members voted for the new set of Officers for the year 2010-2012. The results are as follow:

Executive Committee - 2010 - 2012

President: Dr. Ester Jimenez - Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila(PLM)
VP-Internal: Prof. Chito Gregorio - Asian Institute of Management(AIM)
VP-External: Ms. Felina Agbayani - St. Paul College - Pasig(SPC)
Secretary: Prof. Rubie Herrera - Far Eastern University(FEU)
Treasurer: Ms. Tinee Rio - Colegio de San Juan de Letran
Auditor: Ms. Diane Francisco - Colegio de San Juan de Letran
P.R.O: Prof. Leonida Casuco - Far Eastern University(FEU)
Regional Director (Luzon): Dr. Jesus Pizarro - St. Paul University
Ex-Officio Member: Prof. Ronan Santos - Far Eastern University(FEU)

A dinner was held after the election. Closing remarks were given by Mychal Fontanilla, ACRE Vice-President and Dr. Nick Fontanilla, ACRE President and CEO.

PSA Reps Attended Gender Audit Meeting

2009-12-15T00:59:00.000-08:00

December 15, Koronadal City - Ms. Judith Janiola and Ms. Riza Nacar attended a meeting in the capital town of South Cotabato

A Gender Audit was conducted to comprehensively review , using the Gender and Development framework, the design, baseline study, work plan and the monitoring and evaluation system of the Rural Micro-Enterprise Promotions Programme (RuMEPP). The said audit sought to identify the gender-based needs of the programme implementers and appropriate recommendations on how to address them.

The Gender Audit included consultative meetings/focused group discussions with RuMEPP field implementers including the DTI Provincial directors, RuMEPP Provincial Officers, BDS providers, micro-finance institutions and micro-enterprises by the Office of Special Concerns (DTI-OSC) representatives and which was held at the DTI12-Conference Room, 3F de Luz Building, Gensan Drive, Koronadal City.

Predictive Analytics Training: Year Ender Offer

2009-11-22T17:53:00.000-08:00

Several local government planners will attend the three (3) day Predictive Analytics Training on the second week of December. This is the year ender offering of the Association before it embarks on major activities next year.

Interested local government personnel who are presently engaged in Community Based Monitoring System (CBMS) project is encouraged to attend this training. The registration fee is Php 4,500 inclusive of training kit, refreshment, accomodation, among others.

You may contact the PSA SOCCSKSARGEN Inc. staffmembers at 83 554 1905 and look for Riza or Joy.

NDDU's Bet is PSQ City Champ

2009-10-31T00:31:00.000-07:00

In the recently concluded Philippine Statistical Quiz (PSQ) City Wide Elimination, a first year student from Notre Dame of Dadiangas University emerged as champion.

Ms. Johanna E. Dingal bested four other students from Mindanao State University, all of whom have romped off the 2nd to 4th places, while the fifth placer went to STI College representative.

The event was held at Hotel Dolores, General Santos City last October 29, 2009 and is jointly sponsored by National Statistics Office SOCSARGEN Provincial Office, LGU General Santos City and the Philippine Statistical Association SOCCSKSARGEN Inc. It was graced by Hon. Margareth Santos, city councilor of General Santos City; Atty. Maqtahar Manulon, MA, the regional director of the National Statistics Office; Engr. Gina Cachuela of the Project Development Office; Engr. Nenita Barroso of the Department of Trade and Industry Sarangani Province, and Dr. Danny Alfaras of the Philippine Statistical Association SOCCSKSARGEN Inc.

Final standings of the PSQ 2009 Event

Champion Johanna E. Dingal Notre Dame of Dadiangas University
1st Runner-up Joshua John E. Bautista Mindanao State University
2nd Runner-up Donnaville D. Delfin Mindanao State University
3rd Runner-up Michael Jay Villaram STI College Gensan
4th Runner-up Christine Jan D. Blabagno Mindanao State University

1st National Statistics Workshop in Boracay

2009-10-27T02:12:00.000-07:00

Boracay, Aklan - Selected statisticians and development professionals were in attendance to the 1st National Statistics Workshop jointly organized by the PSA SOCCSKSARGEN Inc, International Institute for Community Development and Transformation Inc., and the Philippine Societal Advancement through Research and Educational Initiative Inc.

There were 11 participants spread from Visayas and Mindanao who attended the two day event in this tourist-laden, white sand beach off Panay Island.

No less than Dr. Wilfred Bidad of the Mindanao State University in General Santos City who served as the workshop facilitator. His topic centered on "Statistics for Policy Making".

See you in the beautiful Panglao Island, Bohol on October 2010 for the 2nd National Statistics Workshop

1st PSA Regional Statistics Conference

2009-10-04T06:55:00.000-07:00

The 1st PSA Regional Statistics Conference was keynoted by Atty Mactahar Manulon, the Regional Director of the National Statistics Office Region 12 and Prof. Wilfred Bidad, MA, Ph.D of the Mindanao State University.

The event was held at the Phela Grande Hotel in General Santos City and was attended by professionals and students.

Dr. Danny Alfaras who served as the conference convenor was enthusiastic of the turn-out of participants and the quality of presentations.

It was hope that the next event will be held in another place perhaps, in Koronadal City or Kidapawan City.

11th National Convention on Statistics to be Held in October 2010

2009-08-30T23:24:00.000-07:00

Preparations are now underway for the organization of the 11th National Convention on Statistics (NCS) by the Philippine Statistical System (PSS), which is spearheaded by the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB). The NCS is an event conducted regularly every three years based on NSCB Resolution No. 6, Series of 2000. The NCS aims to: a) provide a forum for exchanging ideas and experiences in the field of statistics and for discussing recent statistical developments and prevailing issues and problems of the PSS, and (b) elicit the cooperation and support of statisticians and professionals in related fields from the government, academe and private sector towards a more responsive statistical system.

The 10th NCS held on October 1-2, 2007 drew a record attendance of 904 participants from the government, academe and the private sector. It featured two plenary sessions, 28 sessions for invited papers, 13 sessions for contributed papers and two panel discussions, for a total of 116 papers presented. Also part of the 10th NCS was the Student Faculty Conference organized by the UP Los Baños Institute of Statistics and UP Diliman School of Statistics, with 43 papers presented. Likewise, a Lecture on Sample Surveys by the Philippine Statistical Association (PSA) and a Statistical Information Management Exhibition (SIMEX) were conducted in the 10th NCS.

http://www.nscb.gov.ph/pressreleases/2009/PR-200908-PP1-04_11thNCS.asp

PASW Seminar Drew 60 Participants

2009-08-26T07:47:00.000-07:00

The Asian Center for Research and Education, Inc. (the sole distributor of SPSS products in the Philippines) had a successful seminar turn-out for its Predictive Analysis Software held at the graduate school of Mindanao State University in General Santos City.

Through its partner the Philippine Statistical Association SOCCSKSARGEN, ACRE Inc. presented its latest product which caught the interest of many participants. Mr. Ryan Aga, SPSS/ACRE accounts manager was the main presentor for the event.

PSA Regional Conference Move to October 2nd

2009-08-25T00:46:00.001-07:00

In a decisive move, the Board of Directors moved the hosting of the 1st PSA Regional Conference from September 18 to October 2. This time it will be General Santos City particularly at the Phela Grande Hotel as the favored site for this event.

Predictive Analytics: Discovering new trends in business operations.

2009-08-05T19:55:00.000-07:00

Asia Pacific Centre for Research, Inc/ SPSS Philippines and PSA SOCCSKSARGEN Inc.

cordially invite you to….

Companies and organizations alike are always in the look out to control costs and utilize resources wisely. Predictive Analytics through data capture and data mining helps meet the needs of these companies through lowering costs and increasing profitability. If you manage sales, marketing, or customer service you want to know more about all your customers—from the best to the worst. That’s because planning and implementing successful, cost-effective strategies for every customer segment is critical to increasing business profits. By seeing your customers from a number of different perspectives, you can plan more effective programs and systematically measure results. Predictive Analytics help you be proactive in planning your business strategies and provide a strong competitive advantage in any industry.

SPSS Philippines greatly encourages commercial industries, HR and operation managers, directors, school faculty and staff of Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Research, Planning and Guidance Counselors to attend this Seminar.

Predictive Analytics: Discovering new trends in business operations.

PRODUCT DEMONSTRATION

August 26, 2009
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Notre Dame of Dadiangas University (Mother and Child Center)
Marist Avenue, General Santos City
__ YES! I would like to attend the FREE Seminar on Predictive Analytics on August 26, 2009.

Name: ____________________________________________________________
Position: ________________________ Department: _____________________
Company Name: ____________________________________________________
Address: __________________________________________________________
Tel. No.: ___________________________ Fax No.: ______________________
Mobile No.: ___________________ Email Address: _____________________

REGISTER NOW! LIMITED SEATS AVAILABLE!

First come, first served. NO registration fee. Maximum of (2) participants per organization. P 300 admission fee per additional participant. Snacks will be served. Certificates will be given. Please accomplish the fax back form and send to 893-1521. Or you may call Veronica at 814-0814 loc. 205 and 757-2136, or email veronica_nicolas@spss-ph.com or info@spssph.com

ACRE Roadshow on August 26!

2009-07-29T18:41:00.000-07:00

The Asia Pacific Centre for Research will be conducting a roadshow in General Santos City come August 26, 2009.

Interested parties within Southcentral Mindanao are requested to confirm their participation on or before August 10 by calling 554 1905 or email us mliloc@philstat.org

The main topic for this roadshow would be "Predictive Analytics and Introduction to PASW"

Lean Sigma Seminar in August!

2009-07-20T20:01:00.000-07:00

Lean Sigma will be jointly offered by PSA SOCCSKSARGEN Inc and PSAREI Inc. on August 2009. No less than Mae Pawai of Dole Philippines will facilitate the two-day workshop. Ms. Pawai is currently the company's statistician and is a graduate student at the University of the Philippines Mindanao's Master in Management program.

Danny Antenor Presented Barangay Community Report

2009-07-09T17:50:00.000-07:00

The special projects coordinator of the Association presented the results of the Barangay Lagao Community Report last July 7th at the barangay hall. In the audience were Captain Mendard Avila, three councilors, secretary and representatives of the Association headed by the president, Judith Janiola and project officer, Riza Nacar.

Mr. Danny Antenor provided interesting presentations on the important findings from the survey initiated by the city government last 2004.

He also gave recommendations to be pursued by the barangay leaders in th next six (6) months.

It is hope that other barangays in the city and provinces will tap the services of the Association.

MS Excel and Powerpoint Workshop Gained 15 Paxs

2009-06-26T06:20:00.000-07:00

Fifteen participants (11 from LGU Pigkawayan alone!) registered for the MS Excel and Powerpoint Workshop held at Elleitech Internet Cafe. The workshop started last Wednesday, June 24th with a preliminary workshop on Powerpoint given by Karla Fusilero of the National Statistics Office.

The dinner was held at I.Antipolo BBQ Store at San Pedro Stree, Barangay Lagao.

On the second day, Prof. Ranilyn Orang, MSIT from Notre Dame of Dadiangas University gave her whole day workshop on MS Excel.

Finally, the whole workshop was capped by a visit to the Sarangani Highlands for a dinner treat to the participants and the coordinating team composed of Riza Nacar, Marilou Liloc and Trifony Danlag.

This workshop is a regular offering of the Association and part of the series of continuing professional education (CPE) requirements of local government and non government personnel.

SP Accreditation for PSA

2009-06-26T06:13:00.002-07:00

Yesterday, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of General Santos City has finally approved the accreditation of PSA SOCCSKSARGEN Inc. as a non-government organization. With this updates, comes major triumph for the organization as it will soon embark on major engagement with the local government.

This is also a feather in the cap for the Association. As far as we know, this is the only chapter of PSA which has gained an NGO accreditation.

1st PSA Regional Convention, 17-18 September 2009

2009-06-24T17:34:00.000-07:00

It is our pleasure to invite you to the 1st PSA Regional Convention that will take place from 17-18 September, 2009 in Koronadal City, South Cotabato. The convention is jointly organized by the PSA SOCCSKSARGEN Inc. International Institute for Community Development and Transformation, Inc. (IICDT) and Philippine Societal Advancement through Research and Educational Initiative Inc (PSAREI).

The main goal of this regional convention is to provide an opportunity for researchers in statistics, data analysts, and other professionals from various statistical and related fields to come together, present their research, and learn from each other. A two days program consists of invited paper presentations, contributed paper sections, and finishes with a workshop. Cross-discipline and applied paper submissions are especially welcome.

The registration fee is Php 1,800 (to be paid on or before August 15) and Php 2,300 (paid between August 16 and September 17). The fee covers 2 luncheon, 4 snacks, workshop kit and certificate.

PSA Regional Conference

2009-06-18T23:01:00.000-07:00

Statistical advocates will soon meet for the 1st PSA Regional Conference slated between 17 and 18 September 2009 at Koronadal City, South Cotabato. This was recently disclosed by Judith C. Janiola, president of the Philippine Statistical Association SOCCSKSARGEN Inc.

Interested parties may contact the Secretariat (rnacar@philstat.org - Riza Nacar)

Dr. Manubag at SP Committee Session

2009-06-12T06:17:00.000-07:00

Vice President Dr. Edgar Manubag has represented the Association during the committee hearing at the city's Sanggunian Panlungsod last June 11th for PSA request for NGO accreditation to the local government of General Santos City.

The committee is made of the following city councilors: Milleza, Dante, Santos, Atendido and Natividad.

Chairperson Milleza assured the Association representatives of the eventual accreditation of the group within June.

Prexy Attended Conal Holding's Dinner Meeting

2009-06-08T18:09:00.000-07:00

On the invitation of the secretariat of the Sarangani Province Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Judith Janiola attended the Conal Holding's dinner meeting held at Grab-a-Crab resto on June 5th.

Highlights of this event was a corporate presentation on Cona's latest investment on coal-fired power plant in Kamanga, Maasim, Sarangani Province.

A few business leaders from the city and provincial chambers came for this event. No less than Joseph Nocos, Conal's VP for Business Development did the persentation.

Staff Development Series

2009-05-29T18:56:00.000-07:00

The three (3) staff members of the Association together with two (2) associate members attended the half-day activity on the "Bella Approach to Adult Education" held at the CMO Conference Room, City Hall, General Santos City. This is a staff development thrust of the Association designed to enhance the staff capacity.

The training was facilitated by Marlene Pelayo of the City Human Resource and Development Office.

Last 15 May 2009, Ms. Judith Janiola sent Ms. Trifony Danlag and Ms. Rizza Nacar to an SPSS Seminar Update held at the Brokenshire College Main, Davao City.

Press Release: New PSA Office and Contact Details

2009-05-29T18:51:00.000-07:00

The official offiice of the Philippine Statistical Association SOCCSKSARGEN Inc. is now at the 2nd Floor, GSCTEMPCI Building, Dadiangas South, 9500 General Santos City. With the following phone number 63 83 302-9411 and fax no 63 83 554 1905. The website is www.philstat.org and email addresses are jdalipe@philstat.org (Engr. Jilldon Dalipe) and tdanlag@philstat.org (Ms.Trifony Danlag)

1st PSA Summer Institute: A Big Success

2009-05-25T07:08:00.000-07:00

The 1st PSA Summer Institute was held at the 2nd Floor GSCTEMPCI Building, Quirino South, General Santos City last May 21-22, 2009

Thirteen (13) individuals from various local government units from Cotabato Province, South Cotabato and Sarangani Province registered for this important regional continuing education event organized by the Association.

Engr. Guillermo Pantuhan and Ms. Berlita Disca, both from the Mindanao State University, served as resource persons in this two day event.

2009 PSA Summer Institute

2009-04-26T02:01:00.000-07:00

1st PSA Summer Institute
Statistics for Research
PSA Center
2nd Floor GSCTEMPCI Building
Quirino South
General Santos City
May 21-22, 2009

Statistics play an essential role in all stages of a research project, from design up to analysis and interpretation. This course covers the essential principles and method required as well the appropriate/underlying concepts of statistical analysis and interpretation of results in a research project.

Course Aim

Upgrade quantitative skills in research in order to come up with a desirable and credible research proposal.
At the end of the course, participants should be able to demonstrate an understanding of probability, sampling distribution, point and interval estimates; compute and interpret point and interval estimates; perform and interpret tests of hypothesis concerning population parameters; use non-parametric methods for analyzing data; and analyze simple relationships among variables.

Course Participants

Recommended for first-level statistical personnel in government offices who are non-statisticians but involved in research, data analysis and report preparation. Participants must have adequate background in mathematics and descriptive statistics.

Course Coverage

Introduction of Statistical Concepts
Measures of Central Tendency
Measures of Dispersion
Introduction to Probability
The Normal Distribution
Statistical Sampling and Estimation
Hypothesis Testing

Course Duration: 14 hours or 2 days

Registration:

Registration fee is Php 1500 inclusive of handouts, certificate and refreshment

To register and further inquiry, please contact us Telefax Nos. (83) 554 1905 or email it to Engr. Jilldon Dalipe (Course Coordinator and Lecturer) jdalipe@philstat.org

Blessing of New Office, Induction of Officers

2009-03-31T19:36:00.000-07:00

The Association has just moved to a new location at the 2nd Floor GSCTEMPCI Building along South Quirino Avenue.

No less than a young Passionist deacon (soon to be ordained to the sacred priesthood) Rev. Chris Akiatan blessed the office.

Shortly after the blessing, a formal ceremony took place with an opening remarks given by Dr. Edgar Manubag of Notre Dame of Dadiangas University.

The guest speaker and inducting officer of the event was Hon. Florentina L. Congson. She challenged the new set of officers to reach for new heights and engagement with stakeholders.

The new set of officers are the following:

Judith Janiola, MPA - President
Prof. Edgar Manubag, Ph.D - Vice President
Engr. Jilldon Dalipe - Secretary
FJ Babate, RN, MBA - Treasurer
Marifi de Asis, MBA - Business Manager
Noel Senas - Information Officer
Karla Fusilero - Auditor

The ceremony was hosted by Engr. Guillermo Pantuhan and Ms. Emmylou Aujero.

Elections Held, New Board Members for 2009

2009-03-11T09:01:00.001-07:00

Election was held last February 25th under the supervision of PSA's active member, Elvie Dumpa.

Finally, a new set of board members has been chosen by the general membership.

Judith Janiola
FJ Babate
Dr. Edgard Manubag
Engr. Jilldon Dalipe
Marifi de Asis
Karla Fusilero
Noel Senas

Induction of the new board members will be held later this month. They will serve for from June 2009 to May 2010.

SMI 3rd Phase and RuMEPP Projects on the Go

2008-12-16T05:19:00.000-08:00

The secretariat and the project management team members are currently busy with the SMI 3rd Phase and RuMEPP Projects, the latter is a recently bagged project with the Department of Trade and Industry-Sarangani Province.

The SMI project is presently coordinated by LJ Zaragosa. Under him are 11 other field personnel doing the enumeration across two regions and four provinces.

Rizza Nacar is in coordinative task of the RuMEPP Project. This baseline study is anchored on the logical framework that was developed by the Programme's main contractor--Orient Integrated Development Consultants, Inc.. It employs a survey to 139 microenterprises and conduct of 3 focus group discussions.

Judith Janiola is GSC Dangal ng Gensan Awardee

2008-12-16T05:10:00.000-08:00

Judith Janiola is GSC Dangal ng Gensan Awardee, a recognition initiative of Mayor Pedro B. Acharon's Year of Excellence.

The Dangal ng Gensan Award is given to an individual for performance of extraordinary act or public service and consistent demonstration of exemplary ethical behavior on the basis of observance of the norms of conduct provided under Republic Act 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Judith is an active board member of the Philippine Statistical Association SOCCSKSARGEN Inc. She has an MPA from the Mindanao State University.

She is currently a population programme officer I of the City Population Management Office.

PSA Members Go Abroad in 2008

2008-12-14T06:21:00.000-08:00

Last March, Dennis Matutina went to Jakarta, Indonesia to attend an ICT workshop.

As far as membership development is concerned, 2008 is a year filled with so much opportunities. Last April, thirteen PSA members went to Singapore-Malaysia as part of the group in the 1st PSA ASEAN Study Tour.

By June, Engr. Adela Fiesta represented PSA SOCCSKSARGEN to the UN High Level Meeting on AIDS at the United Nations headquarters in New York!

The following month saw Prof. Aurna de Leon presenting her poster in the International Congress of Psychology in Berlin, Germany. Her picture is shown above this article. Aurna is supported by her school--the Notre Dame of Dadiangas University where she is currently a guidance councilor and a faculty member of the College of Arts and Sciences. In 2004, she presented her poster in the 4th International Conference on Reproductive and Sexual Health (ICRSH) in Bangkok, Thailand together with Danny Alfaras.

Engr. Jilldon Dalipe went to a one-week tour in the famous Macau and Hongkong. Shelah Manzano and two of her friends went to Singapore and Malaysia. After she went back, Ms. Manzano just prepared some of her documents and flew to Dubai for a one-month acclimatization work.

Thomas Montales did have a wonderful time at Singapore and Malaysia together with some of his colleagues.

To all of you guys! Take a bow.

Prof. Alfie Custodio at SPSS Directions User Conference

2008-12-11T21:12:00.000-08:00

The Philippine Statistical Association SOCCSKSARGEN Inc. is represented in the SPSS Directions User Conference held recently at Sofitel Hotel, Makati City. Prof. Alfie Custodio believed that, "The Directions User Conference delivers the training, technology and best practices to improve performance and drive results across any organization with the power of Predictive Analytics".

With this efforts, SPSS through its country distributor ACRE Inc., continues to lead the market in offering Predictive Analytics software and solutions that drive revenue growth and operational efficiency by automating data-driven decision making within business processes.

Prof. Custodio is currently a doctoral student in economics at the University of Santo Tomas. She obtained her MA Economics degree from Ateneo de Davao University and her BSBA at Mindanao State University Tambler Campus.

19th National Statistics Month in General Santos City

2008-11-03T04:39:00.000-08:00

The National Statistics Month (NSM) celebration was a great success in General Santos City. Thanks in part to the strong collaboration among the leading entities in the area: The Local Government Unit of General Santos City (under the baton of Mayor Pedro B. Acharon, Jr.), The National Statistics Month Provincial Office (under the stewardship of Mr. Ruben Abaro, Jr.) and the Philippine Statistical Association SOCCSKSARGEN Inc. (under the able leadership of FJ Babate and the coordinative efforts of Lovejoy Zaragoza).

By the way, the NSM was first observed in 1990 pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 647 signed by then President Corazon C. Aquino on September 20, 1990, Declaring the Month of October of Every Year as the National Statistics Month.

The NSM celebration aims to:

1. promote, enhance and instill awareness and appreciation of the importance and value of statistics to the different sectors of society; and, 2. to elicit the cooperation and support of the general public in upgrading the quality and standards of statistics in the country.

For this year's celebration, we had the usual streamer hanging among various offices (most of them were companies), motorcade and exhibition opening at the city hall lobby.

During the opening ceremonies, Ms. Perla G. Castellano welcomed the guests and advocates while Mr. Ruben Abaro, Jr. provided a good glimpse of the NSM. Meanwhile, Mr. Lovejoy Zaragoza and Shillah Manzano represented PSA and LGU General Santos, respectively in the regional opening event at Koronadal City.

We got one national event to jumpstart our long-month celebration with the holding of the 1st National Conference on Social Planning, Evaluation and Statistics last October 3-5, 2008 at the Family County Hotel and Convention Center and in Sarangani Province (where the learning journey took place). This project is a partnership between the PSA SOCCSKSARGEN Inc. and the GENSARWAI Foundation Inc. We got participants as far as north of Tuguegarao City and Isabela City to the heart of Visayas such as Kabankalan, Silay and Bacolod cities as well as Ormoc and Cebu cities to the south of the country such as Butuan, Gingoog and Cotabato cities.

Between October 13-15 saw the holding of the statistical lectures on the State of Microenterprises in General Santos City (at the city's Social Development Center), State of Microfinance (at the PMU Conference Room) and the State of Hospitality Industries (at the NSO Conference and Training Hall). We got tremendous support from the Department of Trade and Industry-General Santos City which sponsored the refreshment for one statistical lecture.

On October 17, we had our 1st PSA Eugenio Millado Memorial Research Forum at the Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges. Two researches were presented: poster presentation by Prof. Aurna de Leon which coincidentally was also presented in this year's International Congress of Psychology in Berlin, Germany and the oral presentation of Dr. Mae Cheung whose research was the original version of her doctoral dissertation. Profs. Mimi Flamiano and Florence Zapico of the Mindanao State University provided their rejoinder.

We also sent our PSA BOD member to the SRTC-led statistical training held in Cagayan de Oro City for five days.

Last October 29th was the finale of the NSM with the holding of the 17th Philippine Statistics Quiz (PSQ) City Elimination at the Family Country Hotel and Convention Center. No less than our city councilor, Hon. Margareth Santos graced the event. She was always at the NSM event for the last three years. This year's PSQ had Ms. Marifi de Asis, MBA as its quizmaster. Back in 1990, Ms. de Asis was a regional PSQ champion for Region 8 representing her school -- the Visayas State College of Agriculture (VISCA). Today, she is connected with the NSO South Cotabato Office and an active officer of the PSA SOCCSKSARGEN Inc.

Three (3) bets from the Mindanao State University Fatima campus romped off the first three slots and the remaining two slots went to the Notre Dame of Dadiangas University's participants. All five of the qualifiers will slug it out in the regional elims to be held in Cotabato City on the middle of November.

We are grateful that our perrenial sponsors like the SOCOTECO II, General Santos Water District, Southern Mindanao Adventist and Fiesta Appliance were really supportive in this cause.

1st PSA Eugenio Millado Memorial Foundation

2008-10-17T02:26:00.000-07:00

1st PSA Eugenio Millado Memorial Research Forum took its initial launch at the Ramon Magsaysay Memorial College (RMMC) campus. Prof. Aurna de Leon did a poster presentation entitled, "The Difficulties of the Homosexual Students: A Case Study". This is a re-echo of Prof. de Leon's presentation which was previously done last July 2008 during the International Congress of Psychology in Berlin, Germany.

Prof. Mary Mae Cheung likewise did an oral presentation entitled, "Soil-transmitted Helminthiases in School-Aged Children in Sarangani Province: Towards a Learning Package in Health Education"

This project is a partnership between the PSA SOCCSKSARGEN Inc. and the Atty. Eugenio Millado Memorial Foundation (the social arm of the Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges) under the tutelage of Prof. Josephine Sabas, RSW, MA

1st National Conference on Social Planning, Evaluation and Statistics

2008-10-05T20:04:00.000-07:00

The 1st National Conference on Social Planning, Evaluation and Statistics held in General Santos City (on October 3-4) was a novel idea which finally became a reality. The idea of coming up a national event was something that our colleagues from the PSA SOCCSKSARGEN Inc. was hatching up a year ago after the successful hosting of our group of the "4th Mindanao Statistics Congress".Our resource speakers have lived up the expectations of many participants. Local historian and quintessential man, Teodulo "Jong" Ramirez, keynoted the conference.

Read more

SPSS Training Workshop No.1

2008-10-05T19:59:00.000-07:00

Engr. Zarinah Aligsao, Engr. Jilldon Dalipe and Emmylou Aujero led the SPSS Training No.1 last September 13-14, 2008 at Marasa Grill and Resto, General Santos City.

The objectives of the training workshop are to learn to use SPSS, a statistical analysis and data management program.

There were 12 people who attended the said event which was coordinated by the PSA Mindanao Academy director, Ms. Ellen M. Dalagan, MM.

PSA Members Participated in the SPSS Version 16 Training

2008-08-18T01:07:00.001-07:00

Three young and energetic members of the PSA SOCCSKSARGEN participated in the SPSS Version 16 Training held at the ACRE Training Center in Pasong Tamo Street, Makati City on August 19-21, 2008.

More Photos To Follow

Prof. Alfie Custodio Attended AIM Conference

2008-07-06T21:46:00.000-07:00

Prof. Alfie Custodio who is currently on study leave at the University of Santo Tomas and an active member of the Association was kind enough to attend and was the first to register in the AIM Policy Center's July 4 conference in Makati City.

The event was a presentation of the official results of the Philippine Cities Competitiveness Ranking Program (PCCRP), a flagship research undertaking of the AIM Policy Center, which seeks to identify the best cities in the Philippines in which to live, work and operate a business.

For the 2007 Round, the survey covered 90 cities, and rated them on the basis of the following competitiveness drivers: dynamism of local economy, cost of doing business, infrastructure, human resources and training, responsiveness of LGU to business needs and quality of life.

The cities were classified into metro, mid-sized and small. 25 cities were chosen as top performing based on the criteria. Among the 25, four cities are in the National Capital Region, 11 in Luzon, 4 in the Visayas, and 6 in Mindanao.

The top performing for metro cities category, in alphabetical order were: Davao, Lapu-Lapu, Makati, Manila, Marikina and Quezon City.

Among the 25 mid-sized cities, the top-performing cities in alphabetical order were Cabanatuan, General Santos, Lucena, Olongapo, San Pablo, Tagum and Tarlac.

And the top performing cities from among 45 small-sized cities were (in alphabetical order): Bayawan, Calapan, Calbayog, Dagupan, Dipolog, Laoag, San Fernando (La Union), Malaybalay, Naga, Surigao, Tagbilaran and Tuguegarao.

The PCCRP is a biennial independent study conducted throughout the archipelago, which aims to rank cities on the basis of economic performance and responsiveness to business enterprise.

Launched in 1999, the Program envisions to promote national competitiveness by encouraging healthy competition among highly urbanized and emerging cities, emphasizing the crucial roles of small and medium enterprises as the backbone of local development. By gathering and compiling strategic data and providing focused analyses of the results, the PCCRP also seeks to cultivate competitive industries, promote healthy communities and maximize the economic potentials of the cities.

Over the years, the PCCRP results have served as benchmarks for local chief executives, city planners, and economic and development managers in improving their development strides in their cities.

This latest survey was launched and completed in collaboration with the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the International Labour Organization (ILO), SM Investments Inc., and the Petron Corporation.

PSA SOCCSKSARGEN Member Attended UN New York Meeting

2008-06-18T02:30:00.000-07:00

A member of the PSA SOCCSKSARGEN Inc. has attended the 2008 high-level meeting on AIDS that took place at the United Nations headquarters in New York last 10 - 11 June.

Engr. Adela Fiesta from Cotabato City attended this high-level meeting whose intention was to review the progress made in implementing the 2001 Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS and the 2006 Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS.

Also the assistant city planning coordinator of Cotabato City, Engr. Fiesta represented the PSA SOCCSKSARGEN Inc. and she is one of the four (4) delegates from the Philippines.

Cashflow 101 Session

2008-06-11T23:41:00.000-07:00

The president of Sarangani Province Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Mr. Alfredo Bronx Hebrona) has provided the PSA officers with a good lesson in basic financial literacy as well as an introduction of the Cashflow 101.

Cashflow 101 is a didactic game designed by investor, businessman, and self-help author Robert Kiyosaki to serve as a tool for learning basic financial strategies and accounting principles. Cashflow 101 is the first of several games created by Kiyosaki to reinforce the information in his books.

The board has two tracks: A "Rat Race" small circle where you only roll one die to advance, and a "Fast Track" where you roll two dice to advance. In the Rat Race you get paid for passing your Paycheck space, and then draw from one of four decks of cards depending on which space you've landed. Some of the deals are good, others are bad. Your main problem here is a shortage of cash. In the Fast Track your main problem is an excess of cash and finding investments to sink it into before you lose it to lawsuits, divorce or tax audits.

The heart of the game though are the player sheets where players learn how to fill out a financial statement. Players choose from a variety of starting careers (Truck Driver, Mechanic, Lawyer, Airline Pilot, etc.) and fill out their financial sheets appropriately. As they land cards and invest in different deals they dutifully log each change to their financial sheets as well. After a few games most people end up using the same financial sheets to fill out their own personal information. For us, we chose the nursing career.

With each card event the drawing player may buy at that price, but all players may sell at that price. Also, players may make co-investments with the drawing player or even buy the deal from him if they agree. Player deals are encouraged.

The game with few players is heavily biased towards real estate. With 5-6 players the cards are being drawn fast enough that the part time businesses pay off as well.

Later in the game, the vice-president of Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and concurrent president of Sultan Kudarat Chamber of Commerce, Ms. Elena Haw joined us as it was her first time to play the 101 game.

Truly, it was a good experience.

PSA Greater Mekong Learning Journey and 2nd PSA ASEAN Study Tour

2008-05-16T19:32:00.000-07:00

PSA Greater Mekong Learning Journey

April 20-25, 2009
Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand
P 32,000 (inclusive of international airfare, accomodation, breakfast and kit)

2nd PSA ASEAN Study Tour

April 20-25, 2009

Singapore and Malaysia

P 28,000 (inclusive of international airfare, accomodation, breakfast and kit)

For early reservations, downpayment and institutional matching arrangement, please send an SMS to Juday (09177314457)

1st PSA ASEAN Study Tour

2008-05-01T03:21:00.000-07:00

The maiden international project of the Association proved to be a success. Twelve (12) participants from the academia, business, local government, non-government and business sectors have great learning experience as well as leisure moments. Heading the cast of participants were FJ Babate (team leader), Alfredo Bronx Hebrona (co-team leader), Judith Janiola (deputy team leader), Liza Ohra and Meriel Demasuay (both of Mahintana Foundation), Ronnie Masicampo (PHILEXPORT), Purificacion Ocampo (Dr. Pedro Ocampo Hospital), Noel Senas (LGU General Santos City), Renato Calanao (GSC First Step Learning Center), Dr. Jaime Namocatcat, Remedios Flamiano and Florence Zapico (all of MSU General Santos City).

The team visited NTUC and Amalgamated Union of Public Employees (AUPE) headquarters, Johor Tourism Office (Johor Bahru, Malaysia), Health Promotions Board and National University of Singapore (Enterprises Center).

Engr. Zarinah Aligsao MAS Presented Research

2008-04-15T01:02:00.000-07:00

The Integrated Center for Advanced Studies had its initial achievement with the presentation of Engr. Zarinah Aligsao's research entitled, "Review of Demographic Trends and Socio-Economic Characteristics: Developing Framework for Growth Strategy in SOCCSKSARGEN Region" last March 17, 2008 in General Santos City.

No less than, Celedonio Ines, MOS (Provincial Officer, Bureau of Agricultural Statistics), FJ Babate, Ellen Dalagan, MM and Judith Janiola, MPA served as the audience during the presentation.

Her research was made possible through a small research grant programme administered by the Center. The latter is under the oversight of Ms. Judith C. Janiola, MPA.

SOCCSKSARGEN Study Tour and Trade Mission

2008-04-12T02:15:00.001-07:00

We are pleased to invite you to become a delegate to the SOCCSKSARGEN Study Tour and Trade Mission scheduled to convene in Singapore on 26-30 July 2008.

The paramount objective for the mission is to promote and develop trade links aimed to open business and investment opportunities beneficial to both countries, Philippines and Singapore. The delegation plans to meet with Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (ASME), one of the large business organizations in Singapore.

A SOCCSKSARGEN-Singapore Investment Forum with the board of directors & members of the ASME will be conducted. There will also be a one-on-one business matching with ASME members. The mission also includes company visits and a tour to some of the famous tourism landmarks in Singapore.

The cost of participation is pegged at Php 32,000 (inclusive of local and international airfare, 4 days hotel resort accommodation, kit, selected in-city transportation, breakfast) as well as visit to Johor State, Malaysia. To reserve your slot, an initial payment of Php 14,000 will be made on or before May 25th and final payment will be made on June 30th.

For any other information, just contact us at biztour@philstat.org or SMS 09207742628 (Luilus Llera). We welcome your participation, and invite you to learn from and enjoy these exciting events.

We look forward to seeing you in Singapore!

Ismael Salih, MBA and Ronnie Masicampo, MBA
Convenors

PSA and GENSARWAI Foundation Forged Agreement

2008-04-12T02:14:00.001-07:00

The Association and the local group of social workers through the GENSARWAI Foundation have forged a joint partnership to implement the 1st National Conference on Social Planning, Evaluation and Statistics on 3-5 October 2008 in General Santos City.

No less than Hermocilos Batilong, MSW, MAEd representing the Foundation and Ellen Dalagan, MM representing the PSA signed the memorandum of agreement last April 11, 2008.

Highlights of the signed agreement are the following:

PSA shall throughout the duration of this Agreement, and under the terms and conditions herein and as may be further agreed upon:
Set-up and maintain the conference website
Owns the proprietary rights of the National Conference on Social Planning, Evaluation and Statistics (NCSPES)
Provide secretariat support
Take on the role of conference co-chair
FOUNDATION shall throughout the duration of this Agreement, and under the terms and conditions herein and may be further agreed upon:
Take on the role of conference chair as represented by its Executive Director
Coordinate in the programming activities
Both PSA and FOUNDATION will appoint representatives to a working committee for the project. This working committee will prepare project reports on a quarterly basis for submission to management of the two organizations.

Dennis Matutina Attended Jakarta ICT Training

2008-04-12T02:12:00.000-07:00

Our very own active member, Enp. Dennis Fel T. Matutina, MPA was a recent grantee of a training scholarship held recently in Indonesia.

The International Open Source Network (IOSN) ASEAN+3 and InWEntCapacity Building International, Germany in collaboration with TheState Ministry for Research and Technology (RISTEK), Republic of Indonesia have supported both government and non-governmentorganizations (NGOs), IT small-to-medium enterprises/businesses(SMEs/SMBs), developers, experts, trainers and users of Free/OpenSource Software (F/OSS) disaster management information systems this Training of Trainers (ToT) event for FOSS Geographic Information Systems(GIS) with a leading ICT-based NGO, Sahana. This event was held at the PDII-LIPI in Jakarta, Indonesia from March 24 to 28, 2008.

This activity was in response to the great demand and interest for afollow-up training as a result of the successful conduct of an earlier ToT on FOSS GIS for Disaster Management held last October 2007 inPDII-LIPI in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Mr. Matutina is currently the IT Chief of the Office of the City Planning and Development Coordinator and acknowledge as an authority in FOSS GIS in the country.

Certificate in Applied Statistics (CAS) Offering

2008-04-12T01:59:00.000-07:00

The Association through its educational and research arms will start offering a certificate course on June 2008.

The Certificate in Applied Statistics (CAS) is intended to provide comprehensive training in applied statistics and data analysis. It is intended for professionals in diverse fields seeking short-term program to strengthen their statistical skills. This program includes to probability and statistical theory and additional training in either spatial analysis or environmental statistics.

This requires a moderate math background. The course requirements for the certificate in applied statistics are:

1. Introductory probability and statistics (June)

2. Elementary applied statistics (July)

3. Multiple regression/design of experiments (August)

4. Topics course in multivariate, spatial or environmental statistics (September)

The certificate course is primarily offered to PSA SOCCSKSARGEN members however, interested individuals can also enrol wholly or partly in the program. This program is entirely developed and managed by PSA SOCCSKSARGEN Inc. Hopefully, it will evolve into a program consortium of academic institutions, industry partners and PSA in the region.

Details about this project can be coursed through the director of the PSA Mindanao Academy (Ellen M. Dalagan, MM)

Judith Janiola Presented Paper in International Confab

2008-04-12T01:50:00.000-07:00

Judith C. Janiola, MPA who is an active board member of the PSA SOCCSKSARGEN Inc. presented a paper during the International Research Conference held in Iloilo City last February 27-29, 2008. Her paper is entitled, "Civil Society and Local Authority Collaboration and Its Effects on the Implementation of Family Planning Programs in General Santos City" and is co-authored with FJ Babate.

This conference was in response of higher education and research institutions to the challenges of globalization through research. This event was also a review of the state of the art of researches in the areas of teacher education; sciences, math and technology; medicine and health; humanities and social sciences; agriculture and allied fields; and media and communication. Current research outputs in these areas by researchers from different institutions or research centers have been shared.

The conference provided a venue for exchange of ideas to foster institutional collaboration and linkages in research.

Ms. Janiola is a population program officer of the Local Government Unit of General Santos City and the director of the Integrated Cented for Advanced Studies, a research and development arm of the PSA SOCCSKSARGEN Inc. Last year, she received a scholarship to attend in an international conference in Hyderabad, India.