By Dr. Rex Casiple
“The advancement of technology and evolving concerns of society paved the way for a
more data-driven world. Statistics, as a science of collecting and interpreting data for a specific purpose, was more vital than ever.
People were applying statistics in their daily lives without even realizing it. From simply choosing the best brand to buy from a wide variety of products towards describing the trends of societal sectors that affect one’s quality of living, statistics formed the backbone of our society.
But how can simple numerical data be powerful enough to make or break a society? Statistics provide a starting point. Descriptive statistics, for instance, provides clear picture of individuals or events as presently observed. Its result can provide policymakers with the current situation of the problem under study.
Hence, crafting policies based on this information. For example, the Department of Health noticed a 30% increase in new COVID – 19 cases last July 2022. This urged the Department to intensify its vaccination campaign thus launching the PinasLakas – a vaccination rollout aiming to vaccinate 90% of the senior citizen population and 30% of the general population to take the first dose.
Due to this, the vaccination rate for fully vaccinated individuals increased by 93.81%. By being aware of these digits that describe the current trend, policymakers were able to act accordingly to the needs of the country.”
This is the portion of a piece by Mr. Renante E. De La Torre Jr. of Philippine Normal University Visayas, entitled “What Lies Behind Every Digit,” which won first Place in the 33rd National Statistics Month (NSM) celebration Essay Writing Contest for College Students chaired by the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office VI (CHEDRO VI) on October 17, 2022 to October 24, 2022.
Ms Shayne M. Cajilig of West Visayas State University bagged second place. The title of her essay is “Boosting the Country’s Recovery with Informed Decisions, Better Policies”.
Third place went to Ms Pia Jovel O. Liquigan also of West Visayas State University. The title of her essay is “Statistics: The Road to Recovery and Prosperity”. The three winners received a cash award plus trophy and certificate.
The contest was participated by 51 eligible contestants from 22 higher education institutions in the Region: ISAT University, Western Institute of Technology, Filamer Christian University, Capiz State University, Aklan State University, Aklan Catholic College, West Visayas State University, HerCor College, TUP-Visayas, Libacao College of Science and Technology, Northern Negros State College of Science and Technology, University of St. La Salle, STC-MTC Colleges, La Carlota City College, Garcia College of Technology, Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod, Philippine Normal University-Visayas, Central Philippines State University, University of Antique-Tibiao Campus, John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation-Bacolod, UP-Visayas and Central Philippine University
The members of the Board of Judges are Dr. Ma. Mercedes Monsale, Education Supervisor II, CHED Regional Office VI; Ms. Montesa Griño Caoyonan, 4Ps Information Officer, DSWD VI; Engr. Ray Adrian C. Macalalag, Senior Economic Development Specialist, NEDA VI; Dr. Jhoanne Marsh C. Gatpatan, chair of Philippine Statistical Association, Inc.-Region VI Chapter (PSAI 6); and Dr. Engr. Rex C. Casiple, Chief Education Program Specialist, CHEDRO VI, Chair, 33rd NSM Essay Writing Contest for College Students
The Essay Writing Contest for College Students is a region-wide contest open to all college students enrolled in public and private colleges and universities in the Region. The contest was conducted on October 17, 2022 to October 24, 2022. The awarding of the winners was done on October 27, 2022.
