Census 2007 needs help

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor GUILLERMO TEJIDA III Desk Editor NANETTE L. GUADALQUIVER Busines Editor CEDELF P. TUPAS Sports Editor (On Leave) RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

It is about time that the National Statistics Office conducts a new data-gathering census nationwide. The last national census was taken in 2000. It is the 12th census so far in the country.

The data generated from the census will be used in redistricting and apportioning of congressional seats. The census data will also be used as basis for the Internal Revenue Allotment of local government units and the creation of barangays as well as the elevation or conversion of a barangay to a higher level.

According to NSO statisticians in Dumaguete City, the national government postponed the census in 2005 because of budgetary constraints. But due to the need of the public officials in updating and adjusting their IRA, the national government allocated P2.6 billion for the conduct of this year's census.

The population is one of the bases in determining whether an administrative boundary needs to be redistricted or if another congressional district is needed.

In Negros Oriental, as of the 2005 census, there is, roughly, a 1.125 million population with a growth rate of 2.11 percent every year. The projected population for the province for 2010 is approximately 1.350 million.

The NSO is appealing to the public to cooperate and support the trained census-takers or enumerators, who will be hopping from house to house nationwide to make a complete count of all residents in the country.

We should help them achieve their goals because the census data will be used, not only for political exercise, but also for determining the law of supply and demand in a locality.*