PAMPANGA - DILG Region 3 conducted CBMS Module II Training on August 8-10, 2016 at Orotel Hotel, City of San Fernando, Pampanga to 7 LGUs in the region to prepare the household data collected in the Community Based Monitoring System (CBMS) Accelerated Poverty (APP) Module I as an input to local development plan formulation. The training was participated in by the City/Municipal Planning and Development Coordinators (MPDC) and staff from the Aurora province: Baler, Dilasag, Dinalungan and Maria Aurora, Orion, Bataan and Palayan City, Nueva Ecija together with the DILG regional and provincial CBMS focal persons.

The activity was aimed to provide the participants with knowledge and skills on CBMS Module II components particularly on data processing, poverty mapping and CBMS database building.

At the onset, Capability Development Division (CDD) Chief Jeffrey S. Manalastas gave an overview on CBMS Module II processes and activities. He enjoined the participants to utilize the CBMS data to the fullest as it will serve as vital input in local development plan formulation towards the total development of the LGU. He likewise encouraged them to effectively apply the learnings they have gained in the training to come up with a comprehensive CBMS database in respective LGUs.

Regional Director Florida M. Dijan, in her message, said that application of the CBMS APP is beneficial to LGUs. It is the latest CBMS module developed by the CBMS International Network Team, Angelo King Institute and De La Salle University (DLSU) in partnership with DILG-Bureau of Local Government Development (BLGD) and Regional Offices. It utilizes both web technology and mobile devices to allow the utilization and deployment of forms in mobile devices for collecting community data.

She emphasized that while the system is good, it is important that the data being entered must be accurate in order to have correct information and input to local development plans. She hoped that more LGUs in the region will implement the CBMS such that benefits in using the system will be reciprocated in other communities.

The 3-day training encompassed discussions on Data Processing using the StatSimPro (software provided for free by CBMS International Network to the implementing LGU) in importing and processing the data collected in Module I, Database Creation (tabular presentation of CBMS Core and Other Key Indicators), and Exporting Data for map digitizing and poverty maps generation using Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS). Hands-on exercises were also facilitated to demonstrate actual application on the topics discussed.