The field operations for the nationwide census of population and housing draws to a close this coming weekend in most provinces all over the country according to Administrator Tomas Africa of the National Statistics Office.

Based on reports reaching the NSO-Central Office, the peace and order conditions in some reported hotspots in strife-torn Central Mindanao have stabilized since May 15. Thus, NSO officials and public school teachers were able to proceed with the enumeration. Except for Matanog where the census operations are still suspended, there are only about 12 barangays in Maguindanao which remain to be enumerated. These barangays are located in Barira, Parang and Sultan Kudarat. In the neighboring provinces, the census operations have also normalized with only a few barangays in Aleosan in North Cotabato, Bacolod, Kauswagan, and Maigo in Lanao del Norte, and Camp Bushra in Butig, Lanao del Sur remains unaccounted.

Meanwhile in Metro Manila, officially designated census takers reportedly have sighed relief when doors of Filipino-Chinese residents in San Nicolas, Binondo and Sta. Cruz were opened for Census 2000. This was after Congressman Harry Angping of Manila's 3rd district and Kaisa Para sa Kaunlaran, Inc.'s Founding President Teresita Ang See personally made an appeal for their cooperation.