Training for DPRK Delegation on Utilization of Population Data in Development Planning Completed

The SRTC, in coordination with the UNFPA, successfully conducted the training on Utilization of Population Data in Development Planning for selected staff of the Central Bureau of Statistics, State Planning Commission and Ministry of Health of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). Resource persons were Directors Erlinda Capones, and Myrna Clara Asuncion, Donald James Gawe, Arlene Cruz, Nheden Amiel Sarne, Ramon Paul Falcon and Cleofe Pastrana, all from the National Economic and Development Authority.

The training provided a comprehensive understanding of the population and development interaction model, understanding linkages between population and development; how population can be integrated into development planning; and what tools and methods can be used for integration. The participants from DPRK were Director Myong Son Jang, Deputy Director Su Gil Kim; Senior Officials Ryu Gum Han, Chang Sil Ri and Won Ryong Jo.

SRTC Completed Successfully the Third Country Training Program for Royal Government of Cambodia
The Statistical Research and Training Center (SRTC) successfully completed the implementation of Phases 1 and 2 of the Third Country Training Program (TCTP) for Strengthening Policy, Research and Statistics Capacity intended for the Economic and Public Finance Policy Department of the Ministry of Economy and Finance Cambodia. The TCTP, jointly organized with JICA-Philippine Office, opened on July 13, 2009 (Phase 1) and culminated on October 30, 2009 (Phase 2). Phase 1 covered 5 training courses conducted on July 13 to August 14 while that of Phase 2 had 3 training courses held from October 12 – 30, 2009. The SRTC Executive Director, Gervacio Selda, Jr. delivered his special messages for both the opening and closing ceremonies.

The opening ceremonies for the 1st Phase was held on July 13, at the Richmonde Hotel, with the Ambassador of the Royal Embassy of Cambodia, H.E. In May, Chief Representative of JICA-Philippine Office, Hon. Norio Matsuda, and NEDA DDG Nestor Mijares as guests. Also present were the resource persons of the 5-week course, PSA President Nieves Osorio, Dr. Lisa Grace Bersales and Mr. Benjie Turiano. The closing program, on the other hand, was held at the SRTC with JICA-Philippine Office Senior Representative Kenzo Iwakami; Minister Counsellor of the Royal Embassy of Cambodia Tith Sarunreth; and NEDA DDG Rolando Tungpalan as honored guests. Impressions from the participants were given by Hap Chanthea of EPFPD-MEF and Som Nita of National Bank of Cambodia, right after the impressions of the resource persons.

For Phase 2, the SRTC hosted both the opening and closing ceremonies. The program was graced by the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, His Excellency Hang Chuon Naron; Ambassador of the Royal Government of Cambodia, His Excellency, In Mãy; Senior Representative of Japan International Cooperation Agency Philippine Office, Kenzo Iwakami; and Deputy Director-General, National Economic and Development Authority, Margarita Songco.

The trainings aimed to enhance the capability of EPFPD Cambodia in undertaking and implementing quality policy advice, analysis and research, and preparing quality statistical outputs. It focused on: (i) statistics and econometrics; and (ii) macro-economic analysis and fiscal and budget policies. The impressions from participants were given by Mr. Khim Sophea and Ms. Kim Dora, both from the Ministry of Economy and Finance, while the impressions of the resource persons were given by PSA President Nieves Osorio and Dr. Lisa Grace Bersales.