Aklan all set for POPCEN 2007

Kalibo, Aklan -- The province of Aklan is all set for the conduct of the 2007 National Census of Population (POPCEN) this month of August.

Provincial Statistics Officer Blas M. Solidum said materials for the census have started arriving in Aklan already.

Trainings for various groups who will supervise the census had been held already, after which will follow the training for the 212 enumerators who will go around barangays here for the national activity.

Solidum said POPCEN aims to take an inventory of the total population of the Philippines and collect information about their characteristics which are vital in the formulation of policies and programs for development.

Covered in this year’s census are all households in Aklan including institutional population of hospitals, military camps and rehabilitation centers, Solidum bared in a recent radio interview here.

“We call on the full cooperation of Aklanons in this Census of Population. Your answers to the questionnaires are very important for the government planners and legislators to formulate plans and laws for your benefit. The result of the census will determine how many schools still have to be built in our province and how many teachers still need to be hired, among a few”, Solidum explained.

Solidum added that the total number of a province’ population will determine the amount of Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) it should be given by the national government.

The result of this year’s census could also determine if Aklan could already be divided into two Congressional Districts; and if a city could already be created in Aklan.

“People should not be afraid to answer the questions in the census. The National Statistics Office assures confidentiality in the census, nobody else will see their answers. We just appeal to them to give the correct answers and information”, Solidum said.

“Be counted in the 2007 Census of Population”, Solidum implored Aklanons. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)