Quezon City, Philippines, January 30, 2025—In a significant step toward strengthening data governance and evidence-based policymaking in the country, the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) have formalized their collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) at the PSA Headquarters.
The ceremonial signing was led by DAP President and CEO Majah-Leah Ravago, PhD, and National Statistician and Civil Registrar General Usec. Claire Dennis Mapa, PhD, who served as principal signatories. Joining them were DAP Senior Vice President for Programs Magdalena Mendoza, Dean of the DAP Graduate School of Public and Development Management Lizan Perante-Calina, DPA, Assistant National Statistician Kristine Joy Briones, and Assistant National Statistician Socrates Ramores.
This MOU symbolizes a shared commitment to advancing data governance, statistical standards, and evidence-based decision-making, particularly in empowering local governments to contribute effectively to national progress. The strengthened partnership between DAP and PSA will focus on capacity-building initiatives for government agencies, including the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS). This collaboration aims to empower LGUs to transition from data collection to actionable development strategies, fostering localized solutions.
Underscoring the importance of this initiative, PSA National Statistician and Civil Registrar General Usec. Claire Dennis Mapa, PhD, emphasized PSA’s dedication to fostering collaboration for inclusive development. He highlighted that robust statistical frameworks are essential in driving well-informed policies, ensuring that decision-makers across sectors have access to accurate and reliable data. By reinforcing PSA’s role as the country’s premier statistical authority, he reaffirmed its commitment to providing timely and accessible information for national progress.
Further strengthening this vision, DAP President and CEO Dr. Majah-Leah Ravago underscored DAP’s unwavering commitment to driving innovation and equipping leaders with the necessary tools to address complex challenges. She emphasized the transformative role of data as a catalyst for leadership and policymaking, shaping a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient Philippines. Additionally, she reaffirmed DAP’s mission to continuously reskill and upskill public sector professionals, fostering a culture of excellence and transformative governance that ensures sustainable development.
In addition to the MOU, the MOA for the Data Sharing Partnership for the Data Observatory Philippines was also signed. This groundbreaking platform leverages data science and AI to enhance governance and promote evidence-based decision-making. The initiative is supported by the National Innovation Council through the NEDA FY2023 Innovation Grants, reinforcing the government’s commitment to public sector intelligence.
Through this alliance, the DAP continues to fulfill its mandate of reskilling and upskilling public sector professionals, fostering innovation, and driving transformative programs for national progress. The PSA, as the country’s premier statistical authority, plays a crucial role in ensuring the integrity and accessibility of data that inform key development policies.
The signing of the MOU and MOA marks a milestone in advancing data-driven governance, emphasizing the power of reliable statistics in promoting transparency, efficiency, and sustainable development. Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to leveraging data as a strategic asset in nation-building, setting a precedent for future collaborations that prioritize evidence-based decision-making in the public sector.
