“Philippines in Figures 2008″ now off the press, says NSO

By Rizalie A. Calibo

Manila (4 August) — The local National Statistics Office (NSO) here announces the release of the Philippines in Figures (PIF) 2008, a handy, pocket-size booklet that features the most relevant and up-to-date data on the socio-economic facets of the country.

The publication, according to the NSO, contains about 250 indicators covering a wide range of topics such as population and demography; labor and employment income and prices, construction and housing services and tourism; education and literacy; health and welfare crime and delinquency; and other statistics on different sectors like agriculture, fishery; and forestry; manufacturing; mines and minerals, energy, gas, and water; transportation and communications; trade; banking and insurance; national accounts; and public finance.

It also includes a brief historical background of the country; its construction and government, an updated list of the number of provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays in the Philippines, as well as the latest population counts based on the 2007 Census of Population, the NSO said. Some international statistics on world population, area, and density are likewise presented, it added.

The data, which were sourced from the National Statistics Office and various government agencies, are presented on a three-year series for easy comparison and trending. This makes it ideal for students, researchers, planners and policymakers, businessmen, and travelers who would like to have a quick glance of the country.

The PIF is available in hard copy at the Databank and Information Services Division, Publication Sales Unit located at the Ground Floor, Solicarel Building II, Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard, Sta. Mesa, Manila, with telephone numbers 713-7081. Copies may also be available at NSO Siquijor Provincial Office, Siquijor, Siquijor. It is likewise downloadable from the NSO website: http://www.census.gov.ph. (NSO/RTG)