ASOG holds Data Analysis Workshop for MMDA

On 8 and 9 August 2024, the Ateneo School of Government (ASOG), through the Ateneo Policy Center (APC), conducted a Data Analysis Workshop for the personnel of the Plans, Program Development, and Monitoring Division (PPDMD) of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in Antipolo, Rizal. 

The focus of the workshop was to enhance the division’s analytical skills with the sessions designed and structured to incorporate various data analysis techniques and tools, with the aim of providing support and capacitance to the PPDMD in its efforts to utilize data on monitoring compliance with tobacco control regulations.

Day 1: Introduction to Data Analysis and MS Excel Basics

The first day of the workshop started with opening remarks by Ms. Ma. Salome Zoleta, Chief Environmental Management Specialist of the PPDMD, followed by a brief discussion on the team’s current processes of handling data, and an introduction to data analysis in the perspective of public health facilitated by Mr. Alen Santiago, program manager of the Tobacco Control and Governance (TCG) team of APC. Mr. John Rafael Arda, a Research and Project Assistant of the TCG team, led the sessions on the basics of using Microsoft Excel.

Day 2: Data Visualization, Vision Crafting, and New Mechanisms

The second day of the workshop was dedicated to data visualization exercises and a visioning activity to examine the current role assignments of the PPDMD to better assess individual contribution to tobacco control work and to gain a deeper appreciation for these roles. Led by Mr. Alen Santiago and Mr. John Rafael Arda, the sessions concluded with the goal of revising the PPDMD’s reporting mechanisms to include quarterly and annual reports to better depict trends and progress on Tobacco Advertising, Promotion, and Sponsorship (TAPS) compliance, in support of more informed decision-making for partner LGUs.

The two-day workshop is included in an ongoing series of technical assistance provided by ASOG as an initiative to aid in the MMDA’s efforts towards tobacco control. With the analytical skills gleaned from the sessions, the members of the PPDMD can further refine their data management processes, adopt techniques on data analysis and visualization, and strengthen their data-driven recommendations and reports to improve public receptiveness.

Resources on flavor profiles and Graphic Health Warning (GHW) compliance for cigarettes and e-cigarettes were distributed to each of the PPDMD personnel, as supplementary material for their data collection and analysis processes.

A follow-up meeting with the PPDMD will be held on 28 August at MMDA's Main Office in Pasig.