Republic of the Philippines

Philippine Statistics Authority

Region II – Cagayan Valley

TITLE
Title/Description:

NARRATIVE REPORT ON THE 2020 CENSUS OF POPULATION AND HOUSING

PRESS LAUNCHING ACTIVITY
Date Time Started Time Ended Venue
28 August 2020 9:00 AM 11:42 AM PSA RSSO 2 via ZOOM Application

Media Entities Names of Correspondent/s

Information Officer II Oliver T. Baccay
1. Philippine Information Agency Region II
Information Officer Gene T. Baquiran
2. RBC Cable Master System Manager Rodel T. Ordillos
Reporter Vivian De Guznan
3. DWPE – Radyo Pilipinas
Reporter Dina Villacampos
4. Bombo Radyo Tuguegarao Reporter Efren T. Reyes
Manager Sanoc
5. DZYT –Sonshine Radio
Pabs Mamauag
6. Clearview Cable System Reporter Tanny Tuddao
7. GMA News Stringer Reporter Tanny Tuddao
8. DZCV Radio Station Manager Cadel Trilles
9. The Northern Digest Lolit Maramag
Regional Census Coordinating Board Members virtually present

National Economic and Development Authority Region 02

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas - Tuguegarao Branch
Department of Budget and Management Region 02
Department of Trade and Industry Region 02
Department of Health R02
Department of Science and Technology R02
Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office No. 2
Department of Environment and Natural Resources R02
Department of Tourism Region 02
Department of Labor and Employment Region 02
Department of Public Works and Highways Region 02
Department of Social Welfare and Development Region 02
Civil Service Commission Region 02
Office of Civil Defense Region 2
Public Attorney’s Office
Commission on Population and Development
National Telecommunications Commission R02
Department of Agrarian Reform Region 02
5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army
Bureau of Local Government Finance Regional Office 02
Province of Batanes
Province of Isabela
Province of Nueva Vizcaya
Province of Quirino
City Hall Annex Building, Enrile Boulevard, Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan 3500
Telephone: (078) 304-8366
E-Mail: psa_rsso2@yahoo.com.ph
PSA Batanes
PSA Isabela
PSA Cagayan
PSA Nueva Vizcaya
PSA Regional Office II

ATTACHMENTS/ANNEXES
Annex/Tab Document
Annex 1 Program
Annex 2 Photos

HIGHLIGHTS

PRELIMINARIES
The 2020 Census of Population and Housing (CPH) virtual Press Launching commenced
at exactly 9:00 o’clock in the morning on August 28, 2020 via ZOOM Meeting App.

It started with an Opening Prayer led by Ms. Aireen A. Aman, CPH- Clerk. After this, the
virtual briefing’s Emcee, Ms. Ma. Iseendra N. Miguel acknowledged the local media
partners and the RCCB member agencies. She also recognized the Local Government
who are virtually present to witness the said press briefing.

PSA Regional Director Marilyn T. Estrada welcomed all the media and the RCCB
members. RD Estrada related that just like the previous censuses, the endeavor post
great challenges such as the respondent’s willingness to participate, challenges in the
accuracy of information provided by the respondents and now the challenge of
completing the census despite territorial lockdowns. She then said that PSA can hurdle
these challenges through close coordination and collaboration with its national, local and
private partners. RD Estrada then expressed her gratitude for the support and
commitment of the regional, provincial, city/municipality Census Coordinating Board. She
also thanked PSA’s 5300 hired Enumerators and Census Area Supervisors who
according to her are the heroes of the 2020 CPH for accepting the huge challenge of
being part in the enumeration. She then enjoined the people of Region 2 to cooperate,
support and provide accurate and complete information regarding their population and
housing characteristics among others.

On the other hand, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Region 2 and
Regional Census and Coordinating Board (RCCB) Chairman, Dionisio C. Ledres, Jr.
represented by Senior Economic Development Specialist, Lillian Marasigan highlighted
the importance of census data in the allocation of limited resources to ensure that policies
and programs are responsive to private needs, she ended the speech by lauding PSA
personnel in coming up with different approaches to address the limitations brought about
by the pandemic.

Moreover, Provincial Governors also extended their support to the 2020 CPH through an
Audio Visual Presentation (AVP), Provincial Government of Batanes gave its message
support Vice Governor De Villa, while PLGU- Quirino provided a short message of
support through Provincial Agriculturist, Florence Mangoba. Meanwhile Governor Carlos
Padilla also made a video presentation enjoining his constituents in Nueva Vizcaya to
willingly participate in the said Census.

On the other hand, the Province of Isabela attended virtually and in behalf of Governor
Albano, Atty, Colobong gave short message highlighting the census as an opportunity to
shape the future, determine efficient services, useful in development planning targeting
City Hall Annex Building, Enrile Boulevard, Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan 3500
Telephone: (078) 304-8366
E-Mail: psa_rsso2@yahoo.com.ph
 beneficiaries in social services.

Likewise, City Civil Registrar of Santiago Isabela Ms. Elinora S. Cofield who was virtually
present encouraged everyone to participate and make themselves counted in the
upcoming 2020 CPH. Lastly, in behalf of Tuguegarao City Mayor Jefferson P. Soriano,
represented by Counselors Counselors Karina S. Gauani and Grace B. Arago graced the
press launching and pledged that the City Government of Tuguegarao will help in any
possible ways to fully support the conduct of 2020 CPH in the capital city of Cagayan.

PRESS BRIEFING PROPER

(QUESTION AND ANSWER PORTION)

After virtual presentations of messages and commitment of support from the Local
Government Units, the media began asking questions regarding the 2020 CPH. Mr. Oliver
Baccay, Information Officer of PIA Region 2 asked how the PSA will count the population
who are under boundary disputes.

RD Estrada answered that this problem can be address by ensuring that CPH Form No. 6 or
the sticker is placed outside the walls of the enumerated housing unit to avoid double
counting. Statistical Operations and Coordinating Division (SOCD) Chief Engr. Girme M.
Bayucan added that most of the disputed areas were resolved during the geo-tagging
process of maps which our enumerators willl use to easily track their accomplishments,
Engr.Bayucan also added that if there are still disputed boundaries, the enumerator should
follow the status quo, meaning he or she should follow the area used last 2015 Census.
Moreover, Engr. Bayucan shared that there is a low percentage of boundary disputes this
year unlike the past census.

The second question was asked by Ms. Vivian De Guzman, Reporter from DWPE- Radio
Pilipinas. De Guzman asked the Regional Director of the PSA protocols in case that there
are cities or municipalities will suddenly be placed under total lockdowns.

RD Estrada replied that the office will not visit an enumeration area especially when it is on
lockdown. She assured the media as well as the members of the RCCB that the office will
have to wait for the go signal or the clearance from the local barangay officials before
proceeding with the enumeration. She cited Tuguegarao City as an example and said that
since the city is under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ), the enumeration
period will start upon lifting of the MECQ and per request of the RCCB Chairman.

On the other hand, Regional IATF Chairman and Office of Civil Defense Director, Dante C.
Balao, as the lead implementer of preventive measures protocols in the region shared that
the greatest spreader of the virus is not home transmission but work related contamination.
He then proceeds that the only sectors allowed during this quarantine are sectors from
agriculture, forestry, food manufacturing, water supply and medicine. He made a suggestion
that the conduct of enumeration in the region, especially in areas which are vastly infected
by the virus.

RD Estrada shared that the paper and pencil interview is not the only option of acquiring
data collection, the PSA also have other means of data capturing, through the Computer
Assisted Web-based Interview (CAWI), or the respondents can opt to answer the Self
-Administered Questionnaire through phone calls. Engr. Bayucan seconded the statements
of RD stating that household head and members can also be accounted through telephone
call interviews or through accomplishing the self- administered questionnaire forms.

City Hall Annex Building, Enrile Boulevard, Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan 3500
Telephone: (078) 304-8366
E-Mail: psa_rsso2@yahoo.com.ph
Regional Director Nerissa Cangillan of Civil Service Region 2 ask regarding the safety of the
enumerators. She inquired if there are provisions for their safety, and if there are measures
in place to help the enumerators in case one or some of them will be infected with COVID19.

RD Estrada answered that the office realigned some funds for the procurement of the
regular PPEs; face masks, face shields and sanitation kits which will be used during
enumeration and during the series of trainings they were advised to follow IATF protocols
such as: habitually maintaining physical distancing and to not proceed with the enumeration
in critical areas. RD Estrada added. If there will be infection, the office will coordinate with
the municipality where infected enumerator resides and the MCCB will report it to the
Department of Health for action. Also RD Estrada added that some of the municipalities
initiated to provide rapid testing for their enumerators as the Census localized its hiring
processes.

Engr. Bayucan also added that during the 4th Level Training in some high risk areas the
Municipal Health Officers lectured regarding the applied health protocols in their respective
municipalities. In addition to that, RD Estrada shared that all hired enumerators will be
deployed in their respective barangays and municipalities as a safeguard to the general
public.

Ms. Dina Villacampa of DWPE Radyo Pilipinas then asked regarding the issue of the
respondents’ unwillingness to participate in the said census due to fear of the enumerators
being carriers of infectious diseases.

RD Estrada reiterated that some of the municipalities offered to have their enumerators
tested before enumeration. IATF Chairman Balao on the other hand interrupted that in as
much as the IATF understand the need of PSA to accomplish the census within the given
time frame the PSA must also understand the position of the local IATF in preventing the
spread of virus. He reiterated the sectors that are only allowed to roam around during the
heightened quarantine period and suggested to conduct the 2020 CPH in Region 2 under
the new normal circumstances.

In response to the position of the local IATF, RD Estrada answered that PSA will not force
the issue and will abide by the advisory of the IATF. Engr. Bayucan seconded that they
understand the position of the IATF; however he asked the Chair if they can proceed with
the enumeration in some safe areas.

With this, IATF Chair. Balao shared a presentation regarding the COVID analytics in Region
2. He showed the map of active cases in the Region where many of the safe zones and
critical areas are adjacent to each other. He again shared that work related activities have a
high potency in spreading diseases. Again, he discouraged face to face conditions and
suggested the PSA to adapt into the new normal circumstances of surveying.

Engr. Bayucan responded that the office is currently working out if they can fully employ the
telephone/ cell phone interview.

After the thorough discussions between PSA and the IATF Chair, Joshua Kahulugan of the
Northern Forum asked on how to account populations who usually resides in Region 2 but
cannot go home due to travel restrictions caused by the pandemic.

Engr. Bayucan answered that this population will be enumerated in the place where they
usually reside whether they’re outside of the Region at the time of visit.

City Hall Annex Building, Enrile Boulevard, Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan 3500
Telephone: (078) 304-8366
E-Mail: psa_rsso2@yahoo.com.ph
After that, Bombo Efren Reyes from Bombo Radyo Tuguegarao posted a question as to
whether the population count will be affected by lockdowns.

RD Estrada responded that considering the current situations there is a high possibility that
there will be an adjustment in the schedule of period but she assured that it will not affect the
data on population because there is a definite reference period of accounting and that is as
of May 1, 2020, 12:01 AM. RD Estrada emphasize that the data that will be produced will
still be the same.

After this, City Civil Registrar (CCR) Elinora S. Cofield then added regarding the security of
the enumerators that before and after the training the City Government of Santiago
conducted rapid testing their Census Area Supervisors and Enumerators. She also said that
PSA cannot do it alone and every LGU should help the agency to prevent the spread of
COVID19 during the enumeration. CCR Cofield then asked RD Estrada if the PSA can
extend the scope of provision of data other than the total population count to come up with
civil registration plans and other programs of the city.

RD Estrada first thanked the City Government of Santiago for their incessant support in all
the undertakings of the agency. She answered that result of the census will come in
statistical table and will be proclaimed by the President within the second semester of 2021.

After that, Ms. De Guzman asked regarding the strategy of PSA in penetrating areas with
insurgencies.

Engr. Bayucan said that they are currently in coordination with men in uniform like the
Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army. Col. Gil Noora of 5 th Infantry Division
quipped in that they are ready to accommodate the office in penetrating areas with
insurgencies. Ms. De Guzman followed-up, and asked whether the statistics generated by
the PSA are free of charge. RD Estrada responded that all of the data gathered and
produced by the PSA are free and can be access through the office’ national and regional
websites.

Ms. De Guzman then asked the extent of assistance a barangay official can provide to the
enumerators of PSA.

Engr. Bayucan answered that Barangay officials will accompany the enumerators in the
households but they cannot acquire the data gathered by the enumerators, nor could the
barangay officials join during the interview. Engr. Bayucan added that part of the training of
enumerators were discussions on RA 10173 (Data Privacy Act) that center on the
confidentiality of information as enunciated in Section 16 of the Act including “Privileged
Communication” embedded in Sec. 26 of RA 10625.

After that, with no questions at hand, in his closing remarks, Engr.Bayucan, in his closing
remarks urged the media and its co-members in the RCCB to help disseminate the value of
census in nation building and promote it to their friends and family to increase participation in
the census and make sure that every Filipino and resident aliens in the Cagayan Valley
region will be fully accounted.

ATTACHMENTS/ANNEXES
Document
ANNEX 1:
PROGRAM

City Hall Annex Building, Enrile Boulevard, Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan 3500
Telephone: (078) 304-8366
E-Mail: psa_rsso2@yahoo.com.ph
 ANNEX 2: PHOTOS

RD Marilyn T, Estrada with SOCD Chief Engr. Girme M. Bayucan at the presidential
table while asking questions regarding the 2020 CPH.

OCD Regional Director and IATF RDChair. Dante

Nerissa Cangillan of CSC2 while asking a
Balao while stating local IATF stands on regarding
question 2020 the provisions of protective
CPH. gears to enumerators

Reporter Vivian De Guzman PIAof R02

RadyoInformation
Pilipinas Officer Oliver Baccay
while posting a question regarding insurgencies.
asking about handling boundary disputes in CPH
2020.

City Hall Annex Building, Enrile Boulevard, Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan 3500
Telephone: (078) 304-8366
E-Mail: psa_rsso2@yahoo.com.ph
 Grid pictures of the media and RCCB members who virtually attended the 2020 Census of
Population and Housing Press Launching.

Prepared by:

MA. ISEENDRA N. MIGUEL

Contract of Service Worker

Reviewed by: Approved by:

ENGR. GIRME M. BAYUCAN MARILYN T. ESTRADA

SOCD Chief Regional Director

City Hall Annex Building, Enrile Boulevard, Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan 3500
Telephone: (078) 304-8366
E-Mail: psa_rsso2@yahoo.com.ph