The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through the Listahanan or the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR), joins the biggest statistical convention of the year that will tackle the topic  “New PMT Model: Improving Targeting of the Poor for Social Protection.”

Dr. Dennis Mapa, an expert on poverty, population and economic growth will present his paper on the Proxy Means Test Model (PMT) during the 12^th National Convention on Statistics (NCS) on October 1, 2013, 2:50 p.m. at the EDSA Shangri-la Hotel, Mandaluyong City.

The presentation of Dr. Mapa will launch the DSWD’s new PMT Model. This model will be used as the main assessment tool to identify poor families.

Consistent with the theme of the 12^th NCS, which is, “Statistics that matter to every Filipino,” the discussions will revolve around the new PMT model that will determine the poverty status of families. It will also produce statistics that will be used as a resource to strategize and plan programs to combat poverty.

“PMT is an assessment tool that allows the department to determine objectively and through scientific means those who need our assistance the most. It helps us come up with data and statistics that will become the very foundation of an efficient and effective social protection programs and services whether implemented by government agencies or non-government organizations,” DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman said.

Dr. Mapa will delve into the process of improving the model — citing its new features and the differences between the old and new models. Distinguished professionals in diverse fields who will serve as panel of reactors will join him. Members of the panel will present the issues, challenges and opportunities that they see in the improved model and the new targeting system. 

Likewise, during the convention, the DSWD and its project Listahanan will also have a booth in the Statistical Information Management Exhibition or SIMEX 2013, where further information about its project, programs and services will be available.  ### (DSWD-Social Marketing Service) September 30, 2013.