President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the adoption of the updated list of designated statistical activities such as censuses and surveys that will be conducted by government agencies.

Under Executive Order (EO) 87 inked on May 21, Marcos said the updated roster would “ensure the availability of reliable data that reflect the current state of the Philippine economy and socioeconomic growth.”

Designated statistical activities pertain to the specific tasks or activities conducted by government agencies to generate critical data that are essential for economic planning, program development, and policy-making by both the government and private sectors.

The move is necessary since a “data-driven” policy-making better addresses the nation’s evolving needs and challenges, according to EO 87.

To ensure timely dissemination of statistical data to the public, all concerned agencies are directed to submit the results of the conduct of the designated statistical activities and administrative reports to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) within the timeframes designated and approved by the PSA Board.

“The updated list of designated statistical activities shall support the generation of critical and essential data for administrators, planners, and policy-makers in both the government and private sectors,” EO 87 read.

“All designated statistical activities shall conform to official statistical standards, including classifications, frameworks, methodologies, concepts, and definitions, as approved by the PSA Board. Any improvements or revisions to these standards shall be adopted by implementing agencies only upon the approval of the PSA Board,” it added.

All concerned government departments, agencies, bureaus, offices and instrumentalities, including government-owned or -controlled corporations are directed to undertake efforts in support of the implementation of EO 87.

Local government units and the private sector are encouraged to do the same.

The funds needed for the implementation of the new order will be charged against the current and available appropriations of the PSA and other implementing agencies.

The funding requirements necessary for the continued implementation of EO 87 will be included in the budget proposals of the PSA and the implementing agencies.

EO 87, which was made public on Tuesday, takes effect immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. (PNA)