The POPCEN census has been conducted for decades, but the CBMS is a recent addition. The CBMS uses a technologically-based organized system for data collection, processing, and validation that can be used for community planning, program implementation, and monitoring the impact of these programs.
Providing information for the POPCEN is mandatory for the PSA, while participation in the CBMS is voluntary.
The PSA has deployed seventy thousand enumerators to collect data at the local level and conduct house-to-house visits.
The information gathered will be used for government programs aimed at addressing poverty and improving the economic situation.
Local governments may use the CBMS data to formulate evidence-based policies and implement programs. The data can also help national government agencies update their records of citizens to better identify targeted beneficiaries for their public programs.
The PSA would like to remind citizens to be aware of potential exploiters of this program, particularly those pretending to be government workers collecting personal details.
A genuine PSA enumerator will have a proper uniform and a lanyard-attached ID issued by the PSA (see the image below).
You can also report or call the PSA to confirm the identity of the enumerator knocking on your door. Contact numbers for the PSA's regional offices can be found at the following link: https://psa.gov.ph/directory.
The PSA would also like to remind that an enumerator will not ask for any financial details or bank account numbers (account number, password, etc.). They will not ask for donations or sell any products.
(Photos from the Philippine Statistics Authority)
