In a remarkable display of excellence and commitment, the UPV Statistical Society of the University of the Philippines Visayas was honored for the second time with the highly distinguished recognition "Best 34th NSM Agency" award at the 34th National Statistics Month Closing and Awarding Ceremony held at RDC Hall, NEDA Region VI, Iloilo City last October 26.
With the theme “Accelerating Progress: Promoting Data and Statistics for Healthy Philippines,” this year’s NSM celebration featured a wide array of events spearheaded by the UPV Statistical Society in collaboration with the PSA Region VI which include the region-wide Statistiktok and E-Poster Contests for Junior and Senior high school students.
This accolade represents the highest recognition given to a participating organization or agency that has made significant contributions through a variety of initiatives during the region's monthlong 34th National Statistics Month celebration.
According to Ms. Marlene Alviar, the overall NSM secretary of PSA-RSSO VI, the "Best NSM Agency" was selected based on specific criteria, including the variety of statistical activities undertaken, the extent of involvement in NSM activities regionally and nationally, volunteerism in assuming responsibilities, and the sharing of resources and expertise.
Among the notable activities conducted by the UPV StatSoc were the “Data Mode: A Game for Significant Pearsons,” “Alumni-Talks III: Unknown Parameters,” as well as the free statistical services and the statistics information drive, which made them take the lead in organizing activities throughout the region during the NSM celebration.
Furthermore, the organization played an active role in co-hosting the traditionally held Western Visayas Junior High School Regional Statistics Quiz alongside NEDA and PSAI Region VI.
Czar Jerwin C. Pagunsan and Prof. Leah A. Araneta, UPV StatSoc president and UPV Representative to the 34th NSM respectively, accepted the award on behalf of the organization.
Pagunsan, the current President of the UPV Statistical Society, expressed his surprise and gratitude for the prestigious award, emphasizing that the organization's success was made possible through the support of their Statistics Advisers, Mr. Jaser John Dago-oc and Prof. Jhoanne Marsh Gatpatan, faculty, executive committee members, and UPV Statistical Society members.
"We really did not expect to receive the award for the second straight time but because of the collective effort of the organization, the faculty, and the support from the administration, we have been able to create a vision and made this a reality towards a data-powered future,” Pagunsan stated.
Established in 1990, the National Statistics Month aims to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the significance and value that statistics offers to various sectors of society. This initiative seeks to cultivate widespread awareness and support for enhancing the quality and standards of statistics across the nation as highlighted in Presidential Proclamation No. 647 issued by President Corazon Aquino on September 22 of that year.
