What is a Census of Population?
Census of Population is the complete count of all residents, both Filipinos (including overseas workers) and foreigners who have stayed or are expected to stay for at least a year in the Philippines. It also includes gathering of basic information about each individual such as age, sex, marital status, education, and other demographic characteristics.
Why will the 2007 Census of Population be undertaken?
The 2007 Census of Population (POPCEN 2007) shall be undertaken to provide current data on population counts, which shall be the basis for Internal Revenue Allotment and creation of new local government units (LGUs) and/or conversion of some of the existing LGUs to higher level, pursuant to the provisions of the 1991 Local Government Code.
Moreover, to continuously address the specific data requirements of national government agencies and LGUs, especially in targeting beneficiaries of basic social services, the results of POPCEN 2007 shall provide accurate and timely statistics on population at the smallest geographic area possible.
How many Censuses of Population have been undertaken so far?
Eleven censuses of population have been undertaken since the turn of the 20th Century: 1903, 1918, 1939, 1948, 1960, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1990, 1995 and 2000.
When is the Census Day?
The Census Day for POPCEN 2007 is on August 1, 2007 (12:01 am). This means that all population counts to be recorded shall pertain to this day and time.
When will the enumeration start?
Census enumeration will start on August 1, 2007 and will last for about 25 days.
What agency is responsible for the conduct of the Census of Population?
The National Statistics Office (NSO) is mandated by Commonwealth Act No. 591 as the sole government agency to undertake Census of Population and all other censuses as may designated by the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB).
What are the basic uses of statistics derived from a Census of Population?
In Government:
formulation of policies, and preparation of plans and programs concerning population;
redistricting and apportionment of congressional seats;
allocation of resources and revenues; and,
creation of political and administrative units.
In business and industry:
determining sites for establishing businesses;
determining consumer demands for various goods and services; and
determining supply of labor for the production of goods and services.
In research and academic institutions:
conduct of researches on population and other disciplines;
study and design of small area statistics; and
study of population growth and distribution as basis in preparing population projections.
How will the enumeration be conducted?
Census enumerators will gather population data through house-to-house visits and personal interview of the household head or any responsible member of the household. Special areas such as exclusive subdivisions and condominiums shall be enumerated using a self-administered questionnaire to be filled in by the respondent.
Institutional populations such as those living in hospitals, sanitaria, penitentiaries, military camps, convents, seminaries, and the like, shall also be covered.
What is the assurance of the public that the information given to the census enumerator will not be used for other purposes?
Section 4 of Commonwealth Act No. 591 guarantees that any information obtained during enumeration shall be held strictly confidential and that it must not be communicated to any person, except bona fide employees of the NSO.
Is there a penalty for refusing to give information or providing false information to census enumerators?
Yes. Section 3 of Commonwealth Act No. 591 provides penalty, upon conviction, of a fine of not more than P600 or imprisonment of not more than three (3) months, or both, to any person who unjustifiably refuses to furnish the information called for in the census questionnaire, or to any person who knowingly gives data or information which shall prove to be materially untrue.
When will the POPCEN 2007 data be made available to the public?
The population count by province, city, municipality, and barangay shall be released by February 28, 2008. The final count shall be considered official for all purposes upon proclamation by the President of the Philippines. Census data will also be made available in printed volumes and compact discs.
What is the composition of the Local Census Board?
NSCB Resolution No. 6, Series of 2007 mandated the approval of the terms of reference of the Regional, Provincial, City, and Municipal Census Coordinating Boards (R/P/C/MCCBs) in the conduct of the POPCEN 2007. It defined among others, the composition, duties, and responsibilities of the boards.
The Regional Director of the National Economic Development Authority will act as the head of the RCCB. The local census boards, meanwhile, shall be composed of the provincial governor, city/municipal mayor as chairperson for PCCB and C/MCCB, respectively. Representatives from other government agencies shall serve as members. The NSO Provincial Statistics Officer shall act as the executive officer of the PCCB while the District Statistical Officer/Statistical Coordination Officer shall hold the same position in the C/MCCB.
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PRIMER for 2007 CENSUS OF POPULATION
