The Institute of Statistics launched a series of activities in February to celebrate its 20th anniversary. Its theme, “20 Years of Responsive and Innovative Statistics Education: Development of Environmental Statistics in support of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)” highlights the significance of statistics in attaining these goals.
The festive events kicked off on February 16 with a homecoming of alumni and friends who joined a parade on foot and bicycles to promote a cleaner and green motorcade, electric motorcycles. The day also marked the formal opening of this year’s exhibit at the INSTAT lobby. The celebration culminated on February 26, with activities that included the annual PasiklaBatch and INSTAT Family Feud as well as the Mr. and Ms. STAT competition.
Highlighting the two decade milestone was the INSTAT Annual Seminar Series held on February 21. Topbilled by two alumni from the institute, this year’s seminar specifically covered the following topics: “Challenges in the Monitoring of Environment Statistics in the SDGs” by Ms. Michelle M. Viernes, Senior Statistical Specialist of the Poverty and Human Development Statistics Division of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), and “Addressing the Data Needs of the Data-Driven SDGs” by Mr. Arvin R. Reginio, Statistician II from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Both speakers recognized the need for relevant, timely, disaggregated, and better-quality statistics as well as that of a clearer metadata on conceptual and operational definition of some global SDG indicators. Towards achieving the goals, DENR initiated activities such as mapping of existing statistics against different global indicators, developing metadata for indicators, implementing Automated Statistical Reporting System, regularly collecting data from established monitoring stations, developing and using mobile applications and information systems to facilitate data collection, developing Integrated Data Platform, levelling-off within DENR on the SDGs and its indicators, and strengthening coordination of statisticians within DENR.
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), has long focused on economic and social statistics and recently started to embark on the newer field of environment statistics. Different agencies in the country produce statistics on environment, but there is a need for sound coordination among key players as evidence-based decisions become more and more integrated.
On the last day of festivities, February 26, INSTAT awarded Kyle Bryan Ferasol, and Mary Aubrey Khaye Mercado as new Mr. and Ms. STAT Major, now on its fifth year. The institute also conferred certificates of recognition to outstanding students for the 2nd semester AY 2016-2017 and 1st semester AY 2017-2018. CAS Dean Dr. Felino P. Lansigan received the INSTAT Lambda Plaque of Recognition, given only every five years for being most active in extension activities and community engagements as well as in research and development. Another awardee was Prof. James Roldan Reyes, who garnered the highest average Student Evaluation of Teachers (SET) rating among INSTAT faculty. ∎
— Joyce DL Grajo
