UNFPA Philippines earlier this month supported a workshop with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and the University of the Philippines Population Institute to develop the national census-based population projections.

Through the 2-week workshop facilitated by U.S. Census Bureau Training and Statistical Development Branch Chief Dr. Nobuko Mizoguchi and Statistical Statistician Dr. Anne Morse, participants learned to use the Demographic Analysis & Population Projection System (DAPPS) and the Population Analysis System (PAS) Software. 

The population projections will serve as the primary reference for planning and targeting for all national government agencies, local government units and other development partners. It will provide a view of the population structure at any given period so that the government and other duty bearers are able to plan, prepare, and implement programs and interventions to ensure that the differing needs of the population, especially those who are left behind are addressed across their lifecycle.

Among those who spoke at the workshop were UNFPA Philippines Country Director Dr. Leila Joudane, Assistant National Statistician Adrian Cerezo, and UP Population Institute Director Dr. Grace Cruz, who is also Chairperson of the Interagency Working Group on Population Projections (IAGWPP).

U.S. Census Bureau and UNFPA teams also met with the National Statistician and head of PSA, Usec. Dennis S. Mapa to discuss ways to improve the country's demographic data, which will provide more avenues to analyze and understand internal movement patterns and community-based statistics in order to assist the local government units. UNFPA Philippines expressed its continued support to PSA on the sub-national population projections, and building national capacities to regularly produce the national transfer of accounts, and strengthening of national data systems. PSA and UNFPA have also recently signed their implementing partner agreement to solidify their continuing partnership and collaboration.

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