To prepare the household data gathered in Community Based Monitoring System (CBMS) Module I as an input to local development plan formulation, DILG Region 3, provided Module 2 training to 3 LGUs in the region namely, Municipalities of Bustos and Guiguinto (Bulacan) and Talavera (Nueva Ecija) on July 21-23, 2015 at the DILG Regional Office, LGRRC-3, City of San Fernando, Pampanga. The training was attended by MPDC and MIS staff of these LGUs and DILG Provincial CBMS Focal Persons.

The activity was aimed to equip the participants with knowledge and skills on CBMS data processing, poverty mapping and building of their respective CBMS database.

Course content of the 3-day training included Data Processing using the StatSimPro (downloaded by CBMS International Network to the LGU) and by means of importing the Module I Data, Database Creation (tabular presentation of CBMS Core and Other Key Indicators), and Exporting Data for poverty maps generation using Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS). Hands-on exercises were also facilitated.

One participant from Bustos, Bulacan expressed their appreciation on the benefit and usefulness of CBMS in the LGU saying that it will truly identify the situation and needs at the household level as well as the type of intervention and services that should be delivered by the local government unit to its constituents.

At the end of the activity, CDD Chief Martin Porres B. Moral challenged the LGU participants to utilize the CBMS data to the fullest towards better local development planning. He also encouraged them to apply and enhance their CBMS skills as they can be tapped to share their experiences with other LGUs.

CBMS is one of the demand-driven programs being implemented by the Department to the LGUs in partnership with the CBMS International Coordination Network, Angelo King Institute and De La Salle University (DLSU). It is an organized process of data collection, processing, validation and integration of data in the local development processes using a core set of household indicators.