Community-Based Monitoring System Enhances Disaster Preparedness in Local Governments

ILOILO CITY – The Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS), implemented by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), is playing a crucial role in strengthening disaster preparedness among local government units (LGUs).

Junavy Ricopuerto, Development Management Officer IV from the Department of the Interior and Local Government, emphasized the system's benefits during the breakout session at the 2025 Regional CBMS Convention and Data Festival held on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, in Iloilo City. She detailed how the CBMS utilizes household data collection, geotagging of facilities and government projects, and community validation to aid LGUs in crafting responsive and risk-sensitive disaster plans.

"The CBMS allows us to integrate crucial data, enabling LGUs to identify and locate households most vulnerable to disasters through geotagging," Ricopuerto explained. "This leads to more precise and targeted preparedness and response strategies, fostering community participation and empowerment."

PSA Regional Director Nelida Amolar highlighted the convention’s focus on leveraging CBMS as a high-impact developmental tool, providing essential data to support research and local community development.

"Our goal is to encourage LGUs to employ CBMS not only for immediate community needs but also in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be achieved by 2030," Amolar stated. She added that the convention incorporated initiatives aimed at enhancing statistical literacy among students, preparing future generations to make informed, data-driven decisions.

A significant feature of the event was the unveiling of the new CBMS Portal and E-learning Platform, offering easier access to data. Amolar remarked, "CBMS is comprehensive, covering multiple poverty indicators, health, education, disaster risk, and thematic mapping, providing LGUs with indispensable tools for development planning."

The ongoing CBMS initiative marks a substantial advancement in fostering resilient and well-prepared communities across the Philippines.