1st Qtr - Philippine Statistics Authority

NSO REPORTER
Volume XXVIII Number 1
January-March 2005
February is Civil Registration Month!
UBR PressCon Launches BRP
As part of the celebration of Civil
Registration Month, NSO and Plan
Philippines spearheaded the
Universal Birth Registration (UBR)
advocacy in the country with the
theme “Pangalan Ko, Karapatan
Ko” (My Name, My Right) , through
the Birth Registration Project (BRP).
BRP was introduced through the
Press Conference on UBR and
Advocates Solidarity Forum at Dusit
Hotel Nikko, Makati City on
February 9, 2005.
The forum discussed the civil
registration system including Muslim
BIRTH REGISTRATION PROJECT
civil registration and
the
unregistered
children
project.
Administrator
Carmelita
Ericta
presented the details
of BRP. Meanwhile,
Senator Pia Cayetano
delivered a response
and call to action on
this topic. A covenant
affirmation was also
held before the
closing
of
the
program.
PGMA Proclaims
National
Birth
Registration Day
Administrator Carmelita Ericta presents the details of the
Birth Registration Project
President Gloria MacapagalArroyo declared February 23, 2005
as National Birth Registration Day
as provided in for Proclamation No.
790. This is an answer to the
government’s commitment to attain
a joint project of
NSO and Plan Philippines
IN THIS ISSUE
2000 CENSUS-BASED POPULATION PROJECTIONS
HSD DIRECTOR TAKES OATH
2003 FIES DATA APPRECIATION
EDITORIAL
CHINESE NEW YEAR AND HOROSCOPE
SIGNING OF COLLECTIVE NEGOTIATION AGREEMENT
FUNCTIONAL LITERACY STATUS OF FILIPINOS
HEALTH CORNER: MENINGOCOCCEMIA
17 INDISPUTABLE LAWS OF TEAMWORK
100 percent birth registration for the
period 2005-2010.
All agencies and local
government units are enjoined to
continued on page 2
Empowered Women
Marks Women’s Month
NSO joined
the celebration
and observance
of this year ’s
International
W o m e n ’ s
Month having
100 delegates
to attend the
o p e n i n g
ceremony on
March 8, 2005, from 6:00 a.m. to
12:00 p.m. at Clamshell I, Intramuros,
Manila. Fun and Festival for Fit
Female was likewise held on
March 12, 2005 at the Rizal
Memorial Complex.
This year’s celebration
centered on “Kakayahan ng
Kababaihan, Kilalanin at
Pagbuklurin para sa ating
Bayan”. Highlight of the event
was the discussion of the
Convention
on the Elimination
of All Forms of
continued on page 4
Welcoming the Year of the Rooster
January-March 2005
HSD, IRD Top in CRQ Finals
In celebration of the Civil
Registration Month, the sixth Civil
Registration Quiz was held at the
NSO training room on February 18,
2005. With the theme Pangalan Ko,
Karapatan Ko, the finals concluded
with HSD and IRD as champions
of the group and individual
categories, respectively.
The event showcased the
wits and intelligence of the
contestants concerning civil
registration. Miss Janeth F.
Baclao hosted the program.
Champions from HSD pose with the judges at
the conclusion of the 6th Civil Registration Quiz
The board of judges was
composed of BRP Project
Coordinator Rose Trajano,
Unisys Project Manager Mary
Ann Joson and Deputy
Administrator Paula Monina
Collado.
UBR PressCon... from page 1
promulgate measures for the
adoption of effective registration
procedures,
including
the
elimination of fees, in accordance
with Civil Registry Laws, the United
Nations Convention on the Rights of
the Child and other existing laws.
The global campaign on
Universal Birth Registration (UBR)
was launched on February 22 at
the UN Headquarters in New York
headed by Nobel Prize Awardee
Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Plan
International Chief Executive Officer
Tom Miller.
Simultaneous
with
the
international launch, a solidarity
night capped off UBR launch in a
dinner reception at Traders Hotel.
On this gathering, the pledge of
commitment among the advocates
of UBR comprised of government
and NGO partners, legislators,
ambassadors and the children’s
sector sealed the children’s agenda
and covenant on civil registration.
BRP Sets Its Campaign
A series of prelaunched activities
were pushed in promoting BRP.
There was a mobile registration held
on February 15 at Maharlika Village
2
in Taguig to facilitate actual
registration of Muslims and at Elsie
Gaches Village, Muntinlupa which
houses more than 600 mentally
challenged children in need of
special protection. The mobile
registration was conducted in
partnership with the local
government units and their civil
registry offices.
BRP had been set in raising
awareness
and
also
in
disseminating information on the
global call to birth registration as a
fundamental human right through a
roving vehicle campaign in the
streets around Metro Manila on
February 23.
BRP and Its Challenge
Today, there are about 50
million children worldwide whose
births have not been registered. In
the Philippines, more than 2.6 million
Filipino children do not have birth
certificates because of social,
cultural, economic, legal and
physical barriers aside from lack of
awareness on the importance of
birth registration. Without a birth
certificate, these children cannot
prove their identity and existence.
As such, they are often denied
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC
NSO has not authorized SMART
Serbisyo or SMART 269 to accept
requests for birth/marriage/death
certificates and CENOMAR. There is
NO existing agreement between
NSO and with neither e-Nnovate,
Inc. nor SMART COMMUNICATIONS,
Inc. for the purpose.
Thus, the general public is hereby
warned that the NSO shall not be
responsible for any transactions via
text messages and coursed through
the above mentioned facilities.
List of Authorized
Service Channels
Census Serbilis Centers:
6 in NCR
34 outside NCR
LGU Serbilis Partners:
Cabagan, Isabela
Cabatuan, Isabela
Echague, Isabela
Magsaysay, Alicia, Isabela
San Mateo, Isabela
Carmona, Cavite
Dasmariñas, Cavite
Gen. Mariano Alvarez (GMA), Cavite
Tagaytay City, Cavite
San Pablo City, Laguna
Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro
Odiongan, Romblon
San Fernando, Romblon
via web:
www.e-Census.com.ph
via phone:
NSO Helpline Plus: 737-1111
access to education, health care,
child protection and other civil
rights.
The right to be registered at
birth is recognized in Article 7 of the
1989 United Nations Convention on
the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
Said article specifically states that:
“The child should be registered
immediately after birth and shall
have the right from birth to a name
[and] the right to acquire a
nationality.” However, even if 191
countries ratified the Convention
and several efforts have been
undertaken to increase birth
registration, the birth of millions of
children
worldwide
remain
unregistered.
January-March 2005
2000 Census-based Population Projections Out
The 2000 CensusBased
Population
Projection
is
a
collaborative work of
various
agencies,
particularly the University
of
the
Philippines
Population
Institute
(UPPI), the National
Statistical Coordination
Board (NSCB) and the
National Statistics Office
(NSO).
Projected Population, by Sex and Five-Year Interval,
Philippines: 2000-2040
(Medium Assumption)
YEAR
BOTH SEXES
MALE
FEMALE
2000
76,945,963
38,747,986
38,197,977
2005
85,236,913
42,874,766
42,362,147
2010
93,938,917
47,222,099
46,716,818
2015
102,822,358
51,653,027
51,169,331
2020
111,550,336
55,992,451
55,557,885
2025
119,879,020
60,111,879
59,767,141
2030
127,659,506
63,924,354
63,735,152
2035
134,777,546
67,374,864
67,402,682
These projections
2040
141,096,582
70,410,612
70,685,970
were based from the
Note: Prepared by NSO in collaboration with the Inter-Agency
results of the 2000
Technical Working Group on Population Projection
Census of Population and
Housing. Estimates of
considered at the national level of
Total Fertility Rate (level of fertility)
population projections because it
and Age-Specific Fertility Rate
assumes
that
international
(pattern of fertility) were based on
migration has very little effect on the
the 2003 NDHS, 2000 Census, 2000
national total population.
Family Planning Survey (FPS) and
Vital Registration. On the other
Population projection is a tool
hand, in computing the mortality
for planning effective and efficient
level in years for males and females,
resource allocation especially in
a constructed life table from the
developing countries like the
latest available specific death rates
Philippines. Market analysts and
of 2000 Vital Statistics was used.
program planners utilize population
projections to plot the future
The methodology used in these
demand for particular goods and
projections was based in the Cohortservices and in preparing cost
component Method. It relies on the
estimates of particular social
premise that population change is
services to be provided to their
the result of the demographic
target population segments,
processes in fertility, mortality and
respectively.
migration. However, migration is not
The BRP Jingle
composed by Mr. Gary Granada
Kayraming mga batang hindi pa narehistro
Kayraming mga taong hindi pa narehistro
Wala silang pangalan, wala ring apelyido
HIndi makapag-aral at makapagtrabaho
Hindi nakikinabang sa publikong serbisyo
Lehitimong pangalang legal na Pilipino
Sa talaang sibil, hindi nakarehistro
Karapatang pambata, karapatang pantao
IPAREHISTRO, IPAREHISTRO
ANG LAHAT NG ISINILANG IREHISTRO
IPAREHISTRO, IPAREHISTRO
ANG HINDI PA NAREHISTRO, IREHISTRO
Women’s Month
Highlights
NCR Competes in Slogan and
Poster Making; Tolentino Gets
Plum Prize
The NSO-NCR Regional Office
conducted an on-the-spot slogan
and poster making contest at the
Training Room on March 16, 2005
in commemoration of the Women’s
Month.
Richard Tolentino of the Civil
Registry
and
Information
Management Division captured the
plum prize of Php1,000.00 cash and
certificate. Other winners included
Angel Nepomuceno, second prize
(Php800.00) and Marianita Tabuso,
third prize (Php500.00).
A total of nine participants from
the different districts contributed
their artistic inclinations in drawing
and crafting a slogan at the same
time that would have to conform with
this year’s theme.
OIC-Director Danilo Cubinar
and PSO Lilia Nuesca spearheaded
the activity. Commissioned Board of
Judges were Ms. Cristy Oliveros of
the Administrator’s Office, Mr. Rod
Gupit and Ms. Menchie Cuerdo,
both of DISD.
Congratulations!!!
Administrative
Officer
IV
M e r c e d i t a
Naldoza,
the
national chair of
the Confederation
of Independent
Unions in the
Public Sector, was
among the 10
women
who
received the First
Bayi Citation for Exemplary Women
in Politics and Governance at the
Club Filipino in San Juan on March
30, 2005. The citation came from
the Barangay-Bayan Governance
Consortium (BBGC or “Batman
Consortium”). The affair marked the
end of Women’s Month.
3
January-March 2005
HSD Director Takes Oath
Ms. Josie B. Perez, the newly
appointed director of the Households
Statistics Department (HSD), was
sworn into office by Socio-economic
Planning Secretary and National
Economic and Development Authority
(NEDA) Director-General Romulo L. Neri
in a ceremony at NEDA-Pasig. It was
witnessed by NSO top management
and senior officials headed by
Administrator Carmelita N. Ericta.
Immediate relatives of the appointee
also graced the simple ceremony.
CSC Sets New Rates for
Career Service Exams
The Civil Service Commission
recently announced new rates of
examination fees for its Career
Service examinations to support the
continuous conduct of studies and
researches on examination
formulation and administration, and
the upgrading of examination
systems and facilities.
Director Perez finished her B.S.
degree major in Mathematics at the
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
and afterwards pursued further studies
earning a Master of Applied Statistics
(MAS) degree at the Polytechnic
University of the Philippines (PUP).
In 1979, she started her career as
a Statistical trainee. After graduating
from the ninth batch of the statistical
manpower training program (commonly
known as Group A), she was appointed
as Statistician III. She also served as
chief of the Income and Employment
Statistics Division, HSD. Her vast work
experience and attendance in numerous
training programs, workshops, and
seminars conducted locally and abroad
have helped her become a recognized
expert in both agriculture and labor and
employment statistics. She had been
invited by the United Nations,
International Labor Organization and
HSD Director Josie B. Perez takes her oath
before NEDA Director-General Romulo L.
Neri
the Food and Agriculture Organization
for the improvement of the statistical
system in several countries.
Despite her busy schedule,
Director Perez still manages to serve
as professor and coordinator in the
MAS program of the PUP. On several
occasions, she has always been invited
as lecturer/resource person in
seminars and training programs
conducted by other universities.
Empowered Women... from page 1
Discrimination Against Women
(CEDAW), otherwise known as
the International Bill of the Rights
of Women.
Some of the
important provisions of this Bill
are: women have civil, political,
economic, social and cultural
rights, which are to be enjoined
by women on an equal basis with
men regardless of marital status;
discrimination against women is
a human rights violation; setting
of standards on women’s human
rights, among others.
The NSO, in coordination
with the National Commission on
the Role of Filipino Women
(NCRFW), undertook various
activities as follows:
4
Date
Activity
March 1
Opening of the exhibit at the Solicarel
Bldg I lobby; hanging of streamers at
NSO Sta. Mesa
March 7
Giving of fans to female employees
at the flag ceremony
March 8
Women’s Day celebration at the
Clamshell I, Intramuros; NSO had 50
representatives headed by GAD OICDirector Lou Homecillo
The Career Service Professional
and Subprofessional examinations
via the traditional Paper-and-Pencil
Test (PPT) now cost P350 from the
old rate of P200. The ComputerAssisted Test (CAT), on the other
hand, is now pegged at P400 for
both
professional
and
subprofessional exams.The new
rate for the PPT is set to take effect
on April 10, 2005 while the new rate
for the CAT will be collected starting
May this year.
Laos, Nepal Officials
Peep into RP Poverty
Monitoring System
Officials from Laos and Nepal
undergone a Study Tour on Poverty
Monitoring System in the
Philippines last February 1, 2005
held at the NSO training room.
Participants had an overview of
NSO’s activities concerning poverty
such as surveys, information
dissemination and mapping
activities.
March 11 Gender Sensitivity Training
March 12 Fun and Festival at the Rizal Memorial
Complex, with 50 fit female NSO
employees in attendance
March 18 Dance to fit (4:00 pm)
March 31 Dissemination of information materials
and results of NDHS, FLEMMS, CAF
and ASPBI
DISD Chief Vilma S. Malumay shows NSO’s
mapping activities to the study tour
participants
January-March 2005
2003 FIES Data Appreciation Pushes Through
The data appreciation of the
results of the 2003 Family Income
and Expenditure Survey (FIES) was
facilitated on February 3, 2005 at
the NSO training room. The forum
presented the highlights of the
survey including product information
regarding FIES.
Participants look on as the data appreciation
on 2003 FIES takes place
The event was held to
maximize the utilization of FIES
Public Use Files (PUF) and
other products. Also, the activity
aimed in eliminating data misuse
as well as understanding data
items. The process on how to
tabulate the data correctly using
CSPRO and the flow of the
survey were likewise presented.
The discussion also included the
scope, coverage, survey design
and generation of sampling
error by STATA. The event also
proposed promotional offers on
availing the two versions of the
2003 FIES PUF.
Partakers browse the database on 2003 FIES
Representatives came from
different government and private
agencies such as Ayala Land
Incorporated, Institute for Popular
Democracy, AC Nielsen Philippines,
ITSD Holds Consultation Forum
The Industry and Trade
Statistics Department (ITSD)
held a consultation forum for the
2005 Monthly Survey of
Production (MSP) on February
22, 2005 at Robbinsdale Hotel.
Some of the members of the
Technical Committee on Survey
Design and representatives
from other statistical agencies
attended the forum.
The activity was facilitated
to present the initial results of The 2005 MSP Consultation Forum at Robbinsdale
the survey to the members of Hotel, Araneta Ave., Quezon City
the Philippine Statistical System
NSO Administrator Carmelita N.
and seek the views, candid remarks
Ericta delivered her welcome
and observations to the survey in
remarks while Deputy Administrator
preparation for its presentation and
Paula Monina Collado sealed the
approval by the National Statistical
activity with her closing message.
Coordination Board this coming
Project Leader, Ms. Lou Homecillo
September 2005. The MSP is a joint
presented the background of the
project of the Japan International
MSP, which include the scope and
Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the
coverage, plans and the initial
NSO to improve the methodology in
results of the survey.
the computation of volume indices
using data from a commodity-based
The MSP group is composed of
and volume-based survey. The
Mr. Yasushi Nakamura, JICA
Industry Statistics Division,
consultant and the technical staff:
specifically the Manufacturing
Annie Breva, Cecille Matienzo,
Section, headed by OIC-Chief Elsie
Sharon Martinez, Thelma Lofranco,
Solidum, is currently undertaking the
Nicelyn Bambico and Apol Rosario.
survey.
Statistical Research and Training
Center, Asia Pacific Policy Center,
Food and Nutrition Research
Institute, National Statistical
Coordination Board, National
Economic and Development
Authority, University of the
Philippines-Population Institute,
Bureau of Labor and Employment
Statistics and San Miguel
Corporation.
BEAT THE ODDS
The 10-point agenda of the
Arroyo Administration is designed
to beat the odds and to bring a
reinvigorated Philippines. In view
of this, BEAT THE ODDS will be
the Administration’s battle cry and
agenda for the next six years. It
stands for:
B - Balanced budget
E - Education for all
A - Automated elections
T - Transport and digital
infrastructure to connect
the country
T - Terminate the MILF and
NPA conflicts
H - Heal the wounds of EDSA
E - Electricity and water for
all barangays
O - Opportunities for 10
million jobs
D - Decongest Metro Manila
DS - Develop Clark and
Subic
5
January-March 2005
Editorial Board:
Carmelita N. Ericta
Administrator
Paula Monina G. Collado
Deputy Administrator
Valentino C. Abuan
Director
Information Resources Department
Editorial Team:
Roel Victor T. Cruz
Editor-in-Chief
Vilma S. Malumay
Managing Editor
Reporters:
Menchie B. Cuerdo (IRD)
Evelyn F. Ogbinar (GAD)
Cristy A. Oliveros (AO)
Erlinda G. Silang (HSD)
Cecille T. Matienzo (ITSD)
Marizza B. Grande (CRD)
Sheila Marie V. Moreno (IRD)
Honeyleen N. Novilla (IRD)
Ethel M. Cacatian (IRD)
Artists:
Gerry I. Labatorio (IRD)
Arleenjun A. Agcaoili (IRD)
The NSO Reporter
is the official quarterly newsletter
of the National Statistics Office, with
address along R. Magsaysay Blvd.
Sta. Mesa, Manila, Philippines
Also downloadable
in portable document format
from the NSO website.
http://www.census.gov.ph/data/
aboutnso/nsoreporter
For your contributions, queries,
comments, and suggestions,
get in touch with us at:
(632)713-70-81/ 715-64-30
Telefax (632) 714-17-15
nso.reporter@census.gov.ph
6
Editorial
Face the Sunrise in the Rooster Year
Chinese astrology classifies the year 2005 as the year of the
Rooster. Whether one is a believer of this phenomenon or not, the
New Year always brings hope instead of fear, despite some SWS
pronouncements that the number of hopefuls is swinging on a shorter
list year after year.
The Rooster is associated in the local saying isang kahig, isang
tuka. Although this may seem true, it learns to be strong and brave of
what comes ahead. No matter how strong the morning wind blows, the
Rooster cannot bow to it. The Rooster is aware of his environment
and ready to fight whenever possible. It is prepared of the
circumstances. This energy that bursts from within allows it to stand
still, be alert, and perform its duty. It is brave, loyal, dedicated and
artistic. It rises as early as the dawn and faces what the whole day will
bring. This is a natural trait of Filipinos as our country is third among
countries that wake up early. (Indonesia and Vietnam were first and
second, respectively.)
This year, we must continue to focus on our goals and be prepared
of what will come ahead of us. As time undergoes drastic changes, we
need to exert more effort to overcome these challenges. Be a fighter
and later on succeed, like a rooster on a bloody fight. Even if we fall,
we will stand up and be proud for anything that we did. We must be
dedicated in our craft and share our talents to convey what the agency
brings forth. Let us maintain our status of being a recognized worldclass provider of statistical and civil registration products and services.
Let us also continue in producing and providing quality statistical and
civil registration products and services. With this, we raise our banner
as the primary statistical agency of the government.
Our fortune may not be based on luck but we must admit that the
energy that comes from inside of us truly deserves a rewarding and
better future. As the New Year starts, let us all face our sunshine, just
like the Rooster. It crows as early as dawn, facing the early morning of
hopes and inspiration, leaving the sunset behind and yearning for
what life bringsforth.
January-March 2005
CHINESE HOROSCOPE
Rooster (1957 1969 1981 1993 2005) If you were
born under the sign of the Rooster, you will know
the effect you have on other people. Heads turn
when you walk into a room, because you have
charisma and style. Always looking your best, you
have a charm that goes beyond mere clothes. You
stand up for your rights, and maintain your own
space like a fortress, and you never depend on anybody, but you
will go out of your way to help others provided they don’t intrude
on your privacy. You are forthright, honest and brave, and love to
protect anyone weaker than yourself. You make an exciting friend,
but keep part of yourself always private. If you were born in the
Year of the Rooster, you get on well with those born in the Years
of the Ox, Dragon, Snake and Pig, but less well with those born
in the Years of the Tiger, Rabbit, Horse and Sheep.
Dog (1958 1970 1982 1994 2006) If you were born
under the sign of the Dog, above all else, you worry.
Whatever your circumstances, you are always
anxiously trying to do better, worrying in case you
have forgotten something, and doing your very best
to live up to your responsibilities. Conscientious
to a fault, you never abandon your duty, and you
are always loyal and honest, but you do tend to see the black
side of everything, and wear an air of melancholy. You don’t
really enjoy social occasions, but if it is required of you, you will
go to a party and put on such a good front that no one will ever
know your true feelings. You like everything to be safe and secure,
the way you’ve always known it. You will help your friends at all
times. If you were born in the Year of the Dog, you will get on well
with those born in the Years of the Rat, Ox, Snake, and Pig, and
may have difficulty with people born under the signs of the Dragon
and Horse.
Pig (1959 1971 1983 1995 2007) If you were born
in a Year of the Pig, you probably think well of
everyone. You don’t worry about things, you let life
take its course, and you’re calm and laid back.
Your philosophy is to enjoy life to the full, and you
are sure that all will be well in this best of all worlds.
You’ll give people the benefit of the doubt. Kind
and generous, always pleased to help others, especially those
in real need, you will still look after number one, and if someone
pushes you beyond the limit, your temper is fearful.If you were
born in a Year of the Pig, you will get on well with those born in
the Years of the Tiger, Rabbit, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster and Dog,
and may have difficulty with those born in the Year of the Dragon.
Rat (1948 1960 1972 1984 1996) In the legend,
the Rat was the first animal to answer the call of
the Buddha, and that’s a good clue to the Rat.
Don’t think of him as being the creature we all
dislike. The Rat in the Chinese calendar has
ingenuity, intelligence, independence and is
something of a magician. Rats like to win. If you’re
a Rat, you know how to get what you want, and you’re inventive
and original. You’ll be very friendly, and generous to your friends
and those you love, but your enemies should steer clear! A
complicated person with quick nervous energy, you worry about
tomorrow, and push yourself to your limits, yet you are quick to
criticize others. You need time to be yourself, and to be on your
own. If you were born in the Year of the Rat, you will get on very
well with people born in the Year of the Ox, Dragon, and Dog,
and probably hardly at all with those born in the Years of the
Rabbit, Horse and Monkey.
The Chinese New Year
The origin of the
Chinese New Year is
itself centuries old - in
fact, too old to actually
be traced. It is popularly
recognized as the
Spring Festival and
celebrations last 15
days.
Preparations tend
to begin a month from
the date of the Chinese
New Year (similar to a
Western Christmas), when
people
start
buying
presents,
decoration
materials, food and clothing.
A huge clean-up gets
underway days before the
New Year, when Chinese
houses are cleaned from top
to bottom, to sweep away
any traces of bad luck, and
doors and windowpanes are
given a new coat of paint,
usually red. The doors and
windows are then decorated
with paper cuts and couplets
with themes such as
happiness, wealth and
longevity printed on them.
The eve of the New Year
is perhaps the most exciting
part of the event, as
anticipation creeps in.
Here, traditions and
rituals are very
carefully observed in
everything from food to
clothing. Dinner is
usually a feast of
seafood
and
dumplings, signifying
different good wishes.
Delicacies include
prawns, for liveliness
and happiness, dried
oysters (or ho xi), for all
things good, raw fish salad
or yu sheng to bring good
luck and prosperity, Fai-hai
(Angel Hair), an edible hairlike seaweed to bring
prosperity, and dumplings
boiled in water (Jiaozi)
signifying a long-lost good
wish for a family. It’s usual
to wear something red as
this colour is meant to ward
off evil spirits - but black and
white are out, as these are
associated with mourning.
After dinner, the family sit up
for the night playing cards,
board games or watching TV
programs dedicated to the
occasion. At midnight,
fireworks light up the sky.
Ox (1949 1961 1973 1985 1997) In Chinese
mythology, Lao-Tse, the great philosopher, rode
astride the Ox on his journey to the mountains to
seek immortality. If you were born in the Year of
the Ox, you are stoical and patient, can endure
great hardship and will never give up. Work is
something you take pride in, and you just get on
with the job without fuss, doing the best you can. You don’t rush
about and get worked up, and you’re laid back until provoked too
far, but then watch out! The might of an enraged Ox is not to be
trifled with. You save money rather than spend it, and are
resolutely ambitious. If you were born in the Year of the Ox, you
will probably be good friends with those born in the Years of the
Rat, Rabbit, Dragon (especially in business), Rooster and Dog,
but, in fact, the Ox will get on well with most people.
Tiger (1950 1962 1974 1986 1998) The King of
the Jungle, the Tiger is fierce and courageous ,
his stripes an enchanted armor, symbol of both
Yin and Yang. He represents luck, power and
royalty. If you were born in the Year of the Tiger, you
are enthusiastic, impulsive, loyal and honorable.
Just as the Tiger is both revered and feared, a
Tiger can be savage or wise. You will like taking risks and thrive
on danger; routine is not for you. You like the open road, freedom,
continued on page 8
7
January-March 2005
Chinese Horoscope...
from page 7
NSO Supports METAGORA
and the chance of something around the corner. You despise
treachery and falsehood, and you can be very generous, but you
like your authority to be acknowledged and you are not the easiest
animal to live with. If you were born in the Year of the Tiger, you
will find that you get on reasonably well with most people up to a
certain point, but less well with other Tigers, and not very well at
all with those born in the Years of the Snake and Rooster.
METAGORA is a pilot project on measuring democracy,
human rights and governance. This is a joint undertaking of the
Commission on Human Rights, the National Commission on
Indigenous Peoples, the NSCB, the SRTC and the NSO. The
survey aims to monitor the indigenous peoples’ key human
rights issues.
Rabbit (1951 1963 1975 1987 1999) If you were
born in the Year of the Rabbit, you are imaginative
and sensitive, like a quiet and peaceful life and
don’t like change, but paradoxically, you need
freedom. Security is important, and you hate
arguments; if there is a quarrel in the air, you
probably try to defuse it and negotiate between
those involved. You won’t rush into anything, and you tread
cautiously, always making sure there’s a Plan B, but if backed
into a corner you can be menacing and ferocious. You’re not as
weak as you sometimes seem.If you were born in the Year of the
Rabbit, you especially like the company of people born in the
Years of the Ox, Snake, Sheep, and Pig, but have great difficulty
with those born in the Years of the Rat and Rooster.
The project was designed to develop methods and
statistical tools that should be able to measure the awareness
and perception of as well as mechanisms for the realization of
indigenous peoples’ key human rights issues, focusing on
issues on IPs rights to their ancestral domains. The design
was based on the operational conclusions of the International
Conference on Statistics, Development and Human Rights held
in Montreaux, as well as results of subsequent consultations
and workshops after the said conference.
Dragon (1952 1964 1976 1988 2000) The Dragon
of mythology was a creature of inaccessible
places, high mountains or underground caves,
breathing fire and ready for battle. The Dragon has
been a symbol of deep desire, of wisdom and of
luck, and has often been used to ward off evil
spirits. Powerful, brave, obstinate, enthusiastic
and always lucky, if you were born in the Year of the Dragon you
can accomplish things that others consider impossible. Nothing
is beyond you, but you’re not easy to live with. You can be cranky
and demanding, and upset others with your blunt way of
speaking, but you’re scrupulously honest, and genuinely very
charming. If you were born in the Year of the Dragon, you enjoy
the company of those born in the Years of the Rat, Snake, and
Rooster, but there could be problems with those born in the Year
of the Dog, as well as other Dragons!
Snake (1953 1965 1977 1989 2001) In Chinese
mythology, from the mouth of the Snake, Nu-Wa,
came the first human being, who was the ancestor
of the Emperors of China. Rich in symbolism, the
Snake is both the instrument of temptation in the
Garden of Eden, and the symbol of eternity when
depicted as the snake biting his tail. If you were
born in the Year of the Snake, you have a magnetic personality,
with poise and elegance, however you dress. You almost certainly
love reading and learning, enjoy deep conversations, dislike
arguments unless they are abstract and philosophical, and have
an almost telepathic intuition. You don’t like making any more
effort than you absolutely have to, but when you decide on a
course of action you are unstoppable. You probably remember
wrongs done to you for a long time, yet you are wise, and much
sought after for your good advice. If you were born in the Year of
the Snake you will get on well with most people, especially those
born in the Years of the Dragon and Rooster, but there may be
difficulties with those born in the Year of the Tiger.
Horse (1954 1966 1978 1990 2002) The mythical
centaur, half horse and half man, symbolizes the
bond between man and horse, and if you were born
in the Year of the Horse you will be popular and
likeable. With your sparkling wit, you love the
company of your friends, and you’re impulsive and
8
enthusiastic, and can’t wait to get on with the next thing. Yet,
sociable, as you are, you like to do your own thing, and deep
inside you are a very private person. Above everything, you are
proud and independent.If you were born in the Year of the Horse
you get on well with almost everybody, but especially well with
the those born in the Year of the Tiger, and only with difficulty with
those born in the Year of the Rooster.
Sheep (1955 1967 1979 1991 2003) All manner
of creative and artistic activities will probably be
what you like most, if you were born in the Year of
the Sheep. You are just not bothered with the
essentials of life like making money...you need it,
definitely, but it would be nicer if it just arrived! You
are peaceable and calm, imaginative and
inventive, and you never bear a grudge. You’ll do anything to
avoid falling out with people, even giving up your own wishes to
keep things pleasant. You may be very skilled in your profession,
but will never work for the sake of it, only if you enjoy it. You can
get upset at first if people insist on trying to make you do things
you don’t really want to, but at the end of the day you will dig in
your heels. If you were born in the Year of the Sheep, you won’t
have much trouble in getting on with anyone, but you will
particularly like the company of those born in the Years of the
Rabbit, Monkey and the very different Ox, and will have little in
common with those born in the year of the Rooster. In some
versions of the Chinese Zodiac, you may see a Goat instead of
a Sheep.
Monkey (1956 1968 1980 1992 2004) Highly
intelligent and ingenious, people born in the Year
of the Monkey are known as the jokers and
pranksters of the Chinese Zodiac. If this is you,
you can do almost anything you set your mind to,
for of all the signs, the Monkey is the most versatile.
You are original, independent and articulate, with
a gift for persuading others to your own way of thinking. You
dislike routine, love acting and playing a part, and love to talk
and exchange news and ideas. You can be very generous, and
sensitive to the needs of others, but at times people
misunderstand your waywardness and think you dishonest,
which you find very hurtful. If you were born in the Year of the
Monkey, you will get on well with almost everyone, but especially
well with those born under the sign of the Sheep, and other
Monkeys.
Source: http://www.astro-services.com
January-March 2005
ILO Develops Decent Work Index with LFS
The
International
Labor
Organization (ILO) developed a set
of indicators in measuring different
dimensions of decent work in the
context of NSO’s Labor Force
Survey (LFS). This was presented
on the National Forum on Decent
Work on February 24 at Sulo Hotel,
Quezon City.The project aims in
testing the indicators to some 600
to 800 households representing a
range of economic activities carried
out in both urban and rural areas in
the Philippines.
The pilot test was conducted at
San Pablo, Laguna on May 3 to 7,
2004. Successfully interviewed were
about
932
s a m p l e
households
both in urban
Ang sakit na
and rural areas.
They used the
questionnaires
of LFS with
additional
ay nakamamatay
questions in
kung hindi mabibigyan ng maagaran at tamang lunas.
measuring
Ano ang Meningococcemia?
Ang Meningococcemia ay isang nakahahawang sakit
sanhi ng mikrobyong “Neisseria Meningitidis.”
Meningococcemia
Paano nakukuha ang Meningococcemia?
Ang mikrobyo ng sakit na ito ay maaaring makuha sa
secretions mula sa ilong o lalamunan ng taong may sakit
na Meningococcemia sa pamamagitan ng sumusunod:
• Paglanghap ng mikrobyo galling sa ubo o bahing ng
taong may sakit,
• Paghalik sa taong may sakit.
various indicators of decent work
elements in the country. Results
were compared with the outcome of
April 2004 LFS conducted by NSO.
The editing and coding of
accomplished questionnaires were
tasked to IESD, Central Office.
The pilot test in the Philippines
was one of the pilot surveys being
conducted throughout the world
including Bangladesh, Guatemala,
Mali, Moldova, and Ukraine to
examine the feasibility of measuring
certain indicators of decent work.
These results were integrated with
the obtained variables from the
measurement of quality of
employment in the European Union
and other countries.
Functional Literacy
Status of Filipinos
Of the estimated 57.6 million
Filipinos 10 to 64 years old…
♦ About 48.4 million or 84 percent
Filipinos are functionally literate.
Ano ang mga palatandaan ng sakit na
Meningococcemia?
• Biglang mataas na lagnat,
• Malarosas o mangitim-ngitim na pasa o pantal sa
katawan sa loob ng dalawampu’t apat na oras mula
nang lagnatin.
Maaari rin magkaroon ng mga sumusunod na sintomas:
• Matinding sakit ng ulo,
• Paninigas ng leeg,
• Pagsusuka,
• At kung minsan kinokumbulsyon.
♦ Eight in ten Filipinos are functionally literate.
Ano ang dapat gawin sa may sakit na
Meningococcemia?
Dalhin agad ang pasyente sa pinakamalapit na
hospital sa inyong lugar.
♦ Only 81.6 percent of those who graduated from
elementary are functionally literate.
Paano maiiwasan ang sakit na Meningococcemia?
• Panatilihing malinis ang sarili at ang kapaligiran.
• Panatilihing malusog ang pangangatawan.
• Iwasan ang mataong lugar.
• Kumunsulta ang mga kasambahay sa doktor upang
mabigyan ng proteksyon kung kinakailangan.
The government, private sector, and
nongovernment organizations are enjoined
to support the implementation of RA 8976
or the Food Fortification Law which took
effect on November 7, 2004 focusing on
prevalent disorders such as malnutrition.
♦ Females are more functionally literate (86.3%) than
males (81.9%).
♦ Those who graduated from high school or completed
higher level of education are considered functionally
literate.
♦ About 89.5 percent of those who reached high school
even if not completed are functionally literate.
♦ About 64.7 percent with some elementary education
are functionally literate.
♦ Only 2.4 percent of those with no formal education are
functionally literate.
♦ By regional ranking of functional literacy level, NCR,
first (94.6%), CALABARZON, second (90.4%), Ilocos,
third (88.6%) and ARMM recorded the lowest (62.9%).
Note: Functional literacy is a higher level of literacy which includes
not only reading and writing skills, but also numerical and
comprehension skills. The 2003 Functional Literacy, Education
and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS) covers a national sample
of about 25,697 households and 75,558 individuals aged 10
to 64 years. This survey aims to provide information on
basic and functional literacy status and exposure to mass
media of the population.
Source: NSO, 2003 Functional Literacy, Education and Mass
Media Survey.
9
January-March 2005
The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork
To achieve great things, you
need a team. Building a winning
team requires an understanding of
the qualities that will enable you to
successfully reach your goals.
1. The Law of Significance
One is too small a number to
achieve greatness but each
individual makes a significant
contribution to a team. When
each significance merges, they
form a synergy which eventually
conquers.
2. The Law of the Big Picture
The goal is more important than
the role. Members must be
willing to subordinate their roles
and set aside their personal
agendas to support the team’s
vision.
3. The Law of Assessment
All players have a place where
they add the most value.
Essentially, when the right team
member is in the right place,
everyone benefits.
4. The Law of Challenge
As the challenge escalates, the
need for teamwork elevates.
Focus on the team and the
dream should take care of itself.
5. The Law of the Chain Reaction
The strength of the team is
impacted by its weakest link. The
stronger members can assists,
counsel or eliminate the
weakest when proven to be
hopeless. When a weak link
remains with the team, the
group becomes less effective.
CNA Signing Bonds
NSO and USE
Officials of
NSO and the
Union of Statistics
Employees (USE)
pushed
the
signing of the
Collective
Negotiation
Agreement (CNA)
after deliberations
and consultations
between
the
selected members Administrator Carmelita Ericta and
President Emako Naldoza share
of the two panel. USE
agreements with the signing of CNA
The program was
(CIU), brought his
held on February 21,
2005 at the NSO
message. Also in the
gathering were Mr. Carlos
training room. The
Antonio
Anonuevo,
theme
“Quality
Employment for Quality
Project Coordinator of
Fredrich Ebert Stiftung,
Public Service” was the
and Undersecretary Luis
highlight of
the
ceremony with hosts Ms.
Liwanag
of
the
Department of Budget
Ruby Gonzales and Dr.
and Management. The
Edwin de Veyra.
rules and regulations of
the CNA will be made
Secretary General
available to employees
Danilo Ricafranca of
the Confederation of
and members of the
union after its finalization.
Independent Unions
6. The Law of
the Catalyst
Wining teams
have
players
who make it
happen. These
are the catalysts:
people who are
n a t u r a l l y
communicative,
passionate,
t a l e n t e d ,
creative, and
who take the
initiative.
7. The Law of
the Compass
A team that
embraces
a
vision becomes
f o c u s e d ,
energized and
confident.
It
knows where it’s
headed and why
it’s going there.
8. The Law of
Bad Attitude
Rotten attitudes
ruin a team. The
place to start is
with yours self.
9. The Law of
Accountability
Teammates must
be able to count
on each other
when it counts.
10. The Law of Sacrifice
The team fails to reach its
potential when it fails to pay the
price. Sacrifice, time commitment,
personal development, and
unselfishness are part of the price
we pay for the team success.
11. The Law of the Scoreboard
The
team
can
make
adjustments when it knows
where it stands. The scoreboard
is essential to evaluate
performance at any given time,
and is vital to decision-making.
12. The Law of Improvement
Great teams have great depth.
The key to making most out of
the team is to continually
improve the members.
13. The Law of Identity
Shared values define the team.
Values give the team a unique
identity. Values must be
constantly stated and restated,
practiced and institutionalized.
14. The Law of Communication
Interaction fuels action. Effective
teams have teammates who are
constantly talking, and listening
to each other.
15. The Law of the Edge
The difference between two
equally talented teams is
leadership. A good leader can
bring a team success by
providing them with values and
work ethic with a shared vision
in its place. The person with
greater skill, experience and
productivity in a given area
therefore should be assigned to
a more important role in the
team.
16. The Law of the High Morale
When a team has high morale,
it can effectively deal with
damaging criticisms thrown at
them.
17. The Law of Dividends
Investing
in
the
team
compounds over time. Make the
decision to build a team, and
decide who among the members
are worth developing. Gather
the best team possible, delegate
responsibility and authority, and
give credit for success.
Source: Philippine Panorama
10
January-March 2005
NSO Crossword
False Friends
(Deceiving Familiarity)
A particular nightmare for people
learning a foreign language is the ‘false
friend’ - a word that looks familiar, but
really means something quite different
from what you might expect. False
friends lurk even with English itself. The
word ‘indifferent’ looks as if it ought to
mean ‘similar’ or, in other words, ‘not
different’. In fact it means ‘uninterested’
or ‘uncaring’. In the list below, choose
the word or phrase that you believe is
nearest in meaning to the keyword.
1. disinterested
a. bored b. unbiased c. dug up
2. limpid
a. awkward b. clinging c. very clear
3. enervate
a. weaken b. strengthen c. excite
4. lurid
a. glittering b. shocking c. dark
5. stricture
a. brainwave b. virtue c. criticism
6. friable
a. trapped b. crumbly c. steamy
7. noisome
a. riotous b. irritating c. disgusting
8. tortuous
a.reptilian b. high c. twisting
9. unstudied
a. lazy b. rare c. natural
10. ingenious
a. shining b. clever c. stupid
1. b
6. b
2. c
7. c
3. a
8. c
4. b
9. c
5. c
10. b
Answers:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
10
13
14
9
11
Key to Last Issue’s Puzzle
12
F
15
16
18
R
N
A
19
L
22
23
24
25
B
E
27
M
L
E
R
W
I
U S
E
N
D I
D
K S
N T
Y E
K
O
F E
O C
U S
B
L
E
L
T A T
A
N I
A
26
28
I
S
G
G
D T R
20
21
R M
N A
M
I
E T
S
R
S
I
F
V O
P O
N E
W E R
S
I
D
S
29
ACROSS
DOWN
1. _ _ _ _ values; basic, essential
4. a contract of insurance, spelled backwards
7. a dwarf
8. hello
11. not gas, abbreviation
12. not even
13. _ _ _ _ A; document for travel
16. _ _ _ _ davit; sworn statement
18. New Business Establishment; abbreviation
19. pledge
21. bodily parts performing coordinated
functions
23. absence of
26. aluminum; abbreviation
27. not Purefoods but _ _ _
28. a survey
29. D_ _ _ _ _ _ _ registration
1. a head count
2. about; abbreviation
3. _ _ _n; verve, poise
5. Maternal and _ _ _ _ _ Health Survey
6. Cesar _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ; new finance czar
8. Households Statistics Department
9. Philippine Yearbook
10. statistical arm of the government in
formulating statistical programs
11. musical note
14. _ _ so; mascot
15. offense
16. an instrumentality
17. Aida, Lorna, and _ _
20. the Vice President
22. _ _ _n; Swiss chemist
24. lyric poem
25. an indication of agreement
Source: Reader’s Digest: How to Write
and Speak Better
For salutations:
17
I
O
Tips in Drafting Business Letters
•Don’t use the word “Greetings!” when
you have already addressed someone
as “Dear...” Only Mr./Ms./Dr./Hon. are
allowed abbreviated titles. All else
must be spelled out. Use these titles
in addressing government officials.
For the body:
•Avoid stilted starts. Open your letter
with the reason for writing and a brief
hint of what you want to be done.
•Always end the letter on a firm and
positive note. Refrain from being
overly solicitous like using please,
kindly several times in a letter.
For the complimentary close:
Writing Emails:
•In government, we adopt “Very truly
•Follow standard guidelines and rules
yours” when the addressee is higher
in rank than the signatory. “Truly
yours” when the signatory is higher
in rank than the addressee.
“Respectfully yours” is for the
President. “Yours” is very informal and
should only be used when you are in
first-name terms with your readers.
•PS (Postscript) is not a device that
should be used habitually. A good
letter comes to the point quickly and
need not to put a PS. But, use one if
you are determined to put a vital detail
in the reader’s minds.
on capitalization.
•Keep messages short and not more
than 25 lines. As much as possible,
restrict each message to one subject.
• No need to indent the paragraph
starts but leave one blank line
between paragraphs.
•Reply only when message explicitly
tells you to do so.
•NSO house rule, as stated in the office
manual, emails should be answered
in two days.
11
January-March 2005
Photo Gallery
Birth Registration
Project campaign
Central Office
Planning Workshop
3rd Collective
Negotiation Agreement
DZMM interviews
Administrator Ericta
Way of the Cross
(via cruxis)
outstanding security
officer
12
6th Civil Registration
Quiz
Poverty Monitoring System Study Tour
Signing of MOA with
China Bank