Undersecretary Claire Dennis S. Mapa, National Statistician and Civil Registrar General of the Philippine Statistics Authority delivering his keynote message during the 2024 FLEMMS Regional Data Dissemination Forum.

30 May 2025 – BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS ISLAND REGION. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Regional Statistical Services Office (RSSO) – Negros Island Region (NIR) successfully hosted its first ever 2024 Functional Literacy, Education and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS) Regional Data Dissemination Forum on 30 May 2025 at the SMX Convention Center, Bacolod City. The event, also streamed live on Facebook, brought together key officials and stakeholders to unveil and discuss crucial insights into the region's educational landscape.

A highlight of the forum was the presentation of the 2024 FLEMMS results for the Negros Island Region. The survey revealed that 87 percent, or approximately 9 out of 10 Filipinos aged 5 years and over in NIR, possess basic literacy. This indicates a strong foundation in reading and writing across a broad age range.

However, the data also pointed to an area for continued focus regarding practical application of literacy skills. The survey found that 65.7 percent, or about 7 out of 10 Filipinos in NIR aged 10 to 64, are functionally literate. Functional literacy refers to the ability to apply reading, writing, numeracy and comprehensive skills to daily life and work situations.

The forum was graced by esteemed speakers who provided valuable perspectives on the implications of these findings. Among those present were Usec. Dennis S. Mapa PhD, National Statistician and Civil Registrar General of the Philippine Statistics Authority; Interim Regional Director John F. Campomanes of RSSO NIR; and Supervising Statistical Specialist Diesah S. Biaoco of PSA Negros Occidental. Their presence underscored the national and regional importance of the FLEMMS data.

Also contributing to the discussions were Chief Economic Development Specialist Marlon T. Jinon of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development NIR, and Officer-in-Charge Serafin G. Fariñas of the Policy, Planning, and Research Division of the Department of Education NIR. Their insights are crucial for integrating the survey results into regional development plans and educational policies.

Open forum juncture of the 2024 FLEMMS Regional Data Dissemination Forum, from left to right: PIA Negros Occidental Officer-in-Charge, Bernard P. Susbilla; Statistical Specialist II of the PSA Central Office, Michelle Lusanta, Interim Regional Director of the PSA RSSO NIR, John F. Campomanes; Chief Economic Development Specialist of DepDev NIR, EnP. Marlon T. Jinon, and Officer-in-Charge of the Policy Planning and Research Division of DepEd NIR Serafin G. Fariñas III.

The discussions revolved around leveraging the high basic literacy rate as a springboard for enhancing functional literacy across the region. Participants explored strategies to bridge the gap and equip more Filipinos with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly complex environment.

The successful conduct of the 2024 FLEMMS Regional Data Dissemination Forum marks a significant step for RSSO NIR in providing timely and relevant statistical information crucial for evidence-based policymaking and program development aimed at improving the lives of Filipinos in the Negros Island Region.

For further information, please contact the Statistical Operations and Coordination Division at telephone number (034) 435-5385 and email address rssonir@psa.gov.ph.