Capping off the 36th National Statistics Month (NSM) celebration this October 2025, the Provincial Government of Isabela spearheaded the Provincial Statistics and Innovation Forum on Thursday at the Isabela Provincial Capitol Amphitheater.
With the theme “Accelerating the SDG Pace of Progress: Mobilizing Data for All,” the culminating event highlighted the crucial role of statistics and innovation in advancing sustainable and inclusive development across the province.
Isabela Provincial Databank
A key highlight of the forum was the launching of the Isabela Provincial Databank, a centralized and open-access repository designed to streamline data sharing among government offices, academic institutions, and the general public.
Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Atty. Eduardo R. Cabantac emphasized that the databank aims to enhance transparency and accessibility of statistical information in the province.
“We’ll be making it easy for everyone to access all these data. What we are doing now is part of our effort to improve our open governance initiatives in the province of Isabela,” he said.
He explained that later on, users will be able to simply access the data they need through their laptops, desktops, or tablets, noting that their office is often flooded with requests for data, especially from students who require real figures for their theses.
Innovative Practices Advancing SDGs and Smart Cities
The forum also featured presentations on innovative practices advancing the SDGs and Smart Cities, as well as technology showcases under the segment “Innovations in Motion: Sharing and Showcasing Smart Technologies.”
Among the highlights was the presentation of the PORCI Project, a geographic mapping and GIS-based system for profiling outbreak, risk, and control of infectious African Swine Fever (ASF).
Another presentation featured the Synergistic K-Means and Density-Based Spatial Clustering Application with Noise (DBSCAN) Approach with Automatic K determination, demonstrating how data analytics and geospatial tools can be used to enhance disease monitoring and response.
Smart Minds, Sharp Stats
Aside from the presentations, the forum also hosted competitions that promoted creativity, data literacy, and awareness of the importance of statistics in local governance.
In the Infographics Showdown, Jay Mar P. Fernandez from LGU Quezon was declared champion, followed by Aldwin C. Balubal from LGU Delfin Albano as first runner-up and Emanuel D. Valdez from LGU Santo Tomas as second runner-up.
In the Isabela Quiz Bee, Ma. Gloria L. Daluddung from the Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office (PEDIPO) emerged as champion, while Jesusito G. Coquial from the Provincial Treasurer’s Office (PT0) and Mae Zoe R. Barillos from the Isabela Tourism Office (ITO) were named first and second runners-up, respectively. – Isabela PIO
