Duterte enjoins all sectors to aid in conduct of 2020 census of population

March 19, 2020

President Rodrigo Duterte declared May 2020 as National Census Month as he urged all sectors to cooperate to the Philippine Statistics Authority to ensure the successful conduct of the census of population and housing.

"The census aims to provide government executives, policymakers and planners with population and housing data on which to base their social and economic development plans, policies and programs," said Proclamation No. 928, which Duterte signed on March 13.

May 1, 2020 will be the census reference date.

Memorandum Circular No. 76, which Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea signed by authority of the President issued on March 13, said the PSA Board shall act as the National Census Coordinating Board which shall issue such rules and regulations as may be necessary for the successful undertaking and completion of the May 2020 census.

"The data collectors and processors shall perform their duties and responsibilities with utmost integrity and commitment in accordance with existing laws, rules and procedures," the MC said.

The PSA and its deputized officers and personnel were also directed to protect and ensure the confidentiality of the data and information obtained from the respondents, which will be held in strictest confidence and in accordance with Republic Act No. 10173 or the "Data Privacy Act of 2012," and other relevant laws and regulations.

The Circular shall effect immediately. Celerina Monte/DMS