The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in Batangas is experiencing a shortage of enumerators for the ongoing Census of Population and Community-Based Monitoring System, after some hired workers failed to report for duty.

Remuel Almendral, a first-time enumerator, shared the challenges he encountered despite having undergone training and being equipped with gadgets. 

“Medyo mahirap… gawa ng minsan may problema, gawa ng andito po sa mapa kaso wala po 'yung pinaka-serial number ng bahay doon ako nahihirapan,” Almendral said.

Almendral is one of over 2,000 enumerators hired by PSA Batangas for the census. However, around 200 positions remain unfilled because some individuals backed out from the job.

“Back-out, at the same time kumbaga hindi talaga sufficient enough 'yung nakuha natin per municipality, especially doon sa malalaki,” Elvin Arasula, Supervising Statistical Specialist of PSA Batangas, said.

To address the issue, PSA Batangas has reopened applications for the enumerator positions. They assured that the job comes with a salary and training for new hires. 

“May suweldo po ito at meron kaming kaunting transportation allowance na ibinibigay kung sino man po 'yung maha-hire natin… Sabi ko nga po, P504 'yung suweldo nito,” Arasula said.

As of this writing, some enumerators in Batangas have not yet received uniforms but have been issued identification cards. 

The census has yet to commence in key cities like Lipa City, with only five municipalities in Batangas having started the data collection process.