The Cebu Provincial Government has reorganized its data governance framework after Governor Pamela Baricuatro signed an executive order redefining the structure, mandate, and functions of the Provincial Statistics Committee (PSC), in a move aimed at strengthening evidence-based policymaking.
Baricuatro signed Executive Order No. 33, Series of 2026, which streamlines the province’s statistical system and clarifies the roles of agencies involved in data generation, analysis, and development planning.
The governor said the measure seeks to address inconsistencies in earlier issuances and establish a more coherent policy environment for statistical coordination across government offices.
The order revokes Executive Order No. 18, Series of 2021, which originally created the PSC, and amends provisions under Executive Order No. 31, Series of 2025.
It stated that the revisions were made to “harmonize and clarify existing issuances” governing the committee, following overlapping directives issued in previous years.
Under the new structure, the Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator (PPDC) will serve as chairperson of the PSC, reinforcing the integration of statistical work with planning and policy development.
The Provincial Statistics Officer of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in Cebu will act as vice chairperson, strengthening coordination between the provincial government and the national statistical system.
The PSA Provincial Statistics Office in Cebu will also serve as the committee’s secretariat, handling documentation, coordination, and technical support functions.
To ensure operational continuity, member agencies are allowed to designate permanent and alternate representatives authorized to participate and decide during PSC meetings.
The order also allows the committee to adjust its membership and invite additional agencies, technical experts, and stakeholders when specialized statistical concerns require broader consultation.
Under the EO, the PSC chairperson is mandated to “call to order and adjourn the meeting, lead the discussions, ensure adherence to rules, and announce decisions of the majority,” among other functions.
The committee will continue to oversee the implementation of statistical standards and local data policies, while also strengthening the capacity of government offices in data collection and management. It may also form inter-agency working groups for sector-specific statistical concerns.
Among its key functions is the preparation of the Provincial Statistical Development Program, a roadmap designed to guide the production and use of data for governance and development planning.
The reorganized PSC will also serve as Cebu’s central coordinating body for statistical concerns, acting as the province’s “clearing house for all statistics.”
Photo courtesy of ForeverVacation
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