The National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) has granted the clearance on the conduct of the Pilot Survey for the 2012 Census of Agriculture and Fisheries (CAF) on February 9, 2012 under the Statistical Survey Review and Clearance System (SSRCS).  The pilot survey will be conducted in March 2012 by the National Statistics Office (NSO) in coordination with the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) to test the procedures recommended for use in the actual 2012 CAF to cover the following activities: coordination, training, field operation, manual and machine processing, progress monitoring, and census evaluation. 

The Census of Agriculture (CA) was first conducted in 1960, while the Census of Fisheries (CF) was first done in 1970.  The 2012 CAF to be conducted in February 2013 is the 6th of the series of decennial census of agriculture and the 5th census of fisheries in the country.  The census aims to: (a) obtain comprehensive data on farm characteristics and information on basic fishing operations; (b) determine the type and number of equipment, machineries and facilities used in farm and fishing activities; and (c) provide benchmarks for the various statistical series which are designed to measure progress in agriculture and fisheries sector. Statistics from the census are essential for (1) government planning, policy-making and administration at the national and the subnational levels to cater to the needs, and encourage developments and innovation towards a more competitive and sustainable agriculture and fisheries sector in the country; (2) planning and forecasting of business establishments involved in agriculture and related economic activities; and (3) conducting researches and analytical studies on agriculture, aquaculture/fisheries and other related disciplines.

The areas to be covered in the pilot survey include Bolinao, Pangasinan in Region I (Ilocos Region); Libon, Albay in Region V (Bicol Region); Manjuyod, Negros Oriental in Region VII (Central Visayas); and Banga, South Cotabato in Region XII (SOCCSKSARGEN).  All fishing establishments and households involved in agricultural activities in these areas will be completely enumerated.
 
The total cost of the pilot survey is estimated at 2.42 million pesos covering expenses for travel, per diem, training, office supplies and materials, printing and other general services. The report on the results of the pilot survey is expected to be completed by July 27, 2012.

The SSRCS is a mechanism institutionalized by the NSCB through Memorandum Circular Nos. 4-88 and 04-95, which aims to: (1) ensure sound design for data collection, (2) minimize the burden placed upon respondents; (3) effect economy   in   statistical   data   collection;  (4) achieve better coordination of government statistical activities; and (5) inform the private sector and the public in general that a government survey operation has passed clearance and enjoin their cooperation in the conduct of the survey.

LINA V. CASTRO  
Officer-in-Charge
Office of the Secretary General

Contact Persons:

Millicent Gay B. Tejada, Patricia Anne L. Rivera
Tel. No.:  895-2436, 890-9404
E-mail  :  mgb.tejada@nscb.gov.ph, pal.rivera@nscb.gov.ph

Related pages

Statistical Survey Review and Clearance System (SSRCS)

Executive Order No. 352