By Raymund Antonio

Vice President Leni Robredo on Tuesday underscored the importance of accurate and reliable data and statistics in crafting major government policies and programs.

This was Robredo’s message in her speech delivered at the 14th National Convention on Statistics held at Crowne Plaza Hotel in Ortigas Avenue, Quezon City.

“Data is the lifeblood of decision-making. It shows why people do what they do, how they see life, and how they live every day. But ultimately, the value of accurate and timely data is that they allow us to make informed decisions,” she said.

“This is why it is not enough to just tell the story. It is important to tell the right story to ensure that our policies, programs, and projects are responsive and effective,” Robredo added.

The Vice President recognized the vital role of the country’s statisticians in creating policies and programs of the government that would respond to the needs of Filipinos.

“You don’t just do surveys, study algorithms, and manage countless datasets. You understand and interpret the meaning behind the numbers, so that the public can easily understand information,” she said.

Joining her at the convention were some government officials, including National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Undersecretary Rose Edillon, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Undersecretary Dennis Mapa and Director General Ronald Golding of the Senate Economic Planning Office.

Also present were member institutions of the Philippine Statistical System and representatives from various international development agencies and civil society organizations, among others.

In the same speech, Robredo highlighted how evidence-based and data policy setting are “critical to the success of any program,” noting that “without baseline numbers, we are blind.”

Proving her point, she cited the implementation of her own flagship Angat Buhay program, which assists various communities in need.

The lady official said her office was able to identify and find areas of convergence with its private partners for these communities based on data about poverty incidence, hunger, health, gender, and disaster planning.

While she acknowledged the importance of accurate data systems, Robredo said data innovation should improve people’s lives.

“Our metrics should not be confined to the number of dormitories we have built or the number of our accomplishments. We need to focus on the impact to the quality of life in the community, sustainability, and the number of lives transformed because of our innovations,” Robredo said.

“We also need to make sure that we are constantly innovating, at the same time keeping in mind that why we do what we do is not just a duty or a skill, but our service to our people,” she continued.