Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is BAS?

BAS is an Acronym for Bureau of Agricultural Statistics. BAS is a staff Bureau of the Department of Agriculture which aims to collect, compile, analyze and disseminate timely, accurate, and reliable statistical information in response to the needs of planners, decision and policy makers in both government and non-government organizations and those of researchers and academicians as well.

What statistical data are being generated by the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS)?

BAS generates basic data on production, prices and marketing, costs and returns of production and other socio-economic data related to agriculture and fishery. It also compiles and generates production accounts, supply and utilization accounts and agricultural development indicators.

What are the most commonly requested data by clients and stakeholders?

Production and prices data are the most commonly requested data.

In case the data are not available in the website, how can I have access to these data?

Users of the BAS website can make a request using the website's Inquiry e-form.  You can access the form through the menu "Contact Us->Send Inquiry/Data Request" or you can visit directly the URL http://www.bas.gov.ph/?ids=e-inquiry&cat=members.  Fill-up the form and submit by clicking the send button.  We suggest that the data request should be specific by stating the commodities, reference period and level of disaggregation.

How can I send a comment or feedback to help improve the website?

We value the comments, suggestions, including complaints of our clients. This is part of our service pledge.  Clients can send us their comments/feedback using the website's comments form.  You can access the form through the menu "Contact Us->Send Comments/Feedback" or you can visit directly the URL http://www.bas.gov.ph/?ids=e-comments&cat=members.  Fill-up the form and submit by clicking the send button.

If I want to contact officials or specific persons in the BAS for my inquiries/complaints, then where can I find their emails?

For inquiries other than data requests, you can contact specific persons or officials by checking out their emails using the directory of officials' link. There are two directories one for Central Office ("BAS Profile/Central Office Officials Directory") and the other for ROCs/POCs ("BAS Profile/Operation Centers Officials Directory").  You can also visit BAS Citizen's Charter directory at http://charter.bas.gov.ph/index.php?id=5.1.

What are the services being offered by the BAS?

For information on the services being offered by the BAS, please visit the BAS Citizen's Charter at http://charter.bas.gov.ph/index.php?id=3.1

How can I search for a particular subject in the website?

You can search for a particular subject in the BAS website using the search facility just above the Navigation side menu.  Type the subject you are looking for and press Enter or click the hand lens icon.  For information, the search engine used in the BAS website is powered by Google customized search.  If you are familiar with searching the Internet using Google, then you have no problem using the search facility of the BAS website. Similarly, Google tips on searching are also applicable in the BAS website.

What are the publications being produced by the BAS? How can I access these publications? How much do they cost?

There are a number of publications that is being published by the Bureau. The list of publications is available in the URL http://www.bas.gov.ph/?ids=publications.  The publications are available in several formats, i.e. hard copies, PDF and some in CDs. Hard copies are available on a limited stock at the Information Dissemination Services Section. While, electronic copies are available for download at the "downloads" section of the website.  The publications published by the BAS are available to all users for free. 

Can I use or quote data/information in the BAS website or maybe capture a publication entirely and publish it in a book or magazine?  What are the requirements?

Please read the terms of use when quoting data/information in some documents available in the BAS website.

The BAS reserves its right in publishing its own publications.  For those institutions which would like to capture or reproduce the BAS publications, please send a written request for permission to the BAS Director at the following address:

ROMEO S. RECIDE
The Director
BUREAU OF AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS
BEN-LOR Bldg., 1184 Quezon Avenue,
Quezon City 1103, Philippines

In addition, the Institution that has been given permission for reproducing or capturing pages of BAS publications is required to provide one or two copies of the said publication to the BAS.

This is a government website, why do you have a registration in your website? Which section of the site that requires registration? Is registration free? How do I register?

We know that the BAS website is a government website which means that the data and publications produced by the BAS are public property.  We also know that it is not convenient to users to register before they can access or download any information from the website.  One of the reasons why we introduce registration in the BAS website is for us to monitor the users as well as their needs by looking at which data or publications they are interested in. The statistics generated from this monitoring will serve as inputs to further enhance the BAS products and services.  Another reason for requiring a valid user ID is that it will keep the website clean and free from (spam) bots submissions.

Access to downloadable publications is limited to those who are registered members of the BAS website. The "Downloads" is the ONLY section of the site that requires registration as of now. However, it is recommended for BAS clients to register as they will benefit from this membership in the future.

Registration in the website is free.  You can register by filling-up the registration form through the menu "Members->Registration".  Upon successful submission, your account will be automatically activated. Just make sure you have filled-up the form with correct information such as valid email address.

In case I forget my user account, i.e. my username and password? How do I retrieve my user account?

As of now, the facility on retrieving password is not yet incorporated in the website.  Your password that has been stored in the database is encrypted.  So, there is no way for us to retrieve your password.  In case you are unable to remember your account, then you can register again as a new user (see previous question).

What are the benefits of being a member of the BAS website?

Currently, the only benefit of being a member is that you can download free BAS publications at the "Downloads" section.  In the future, we will be incorporating new products and services accessible only to member clients.

How do I know when the statistical data, reports, and publications of the BAS are released?

The BAS website provides the schedule of releases for both time-series data and publications. "Advance Release Calendar" is available for designated statistics produced by the BAS.  This calendar shows the date of release of designated statistics including the contact persons.  Upcoming releases are also posted in the CountrySTAT Philippines (the database sub-website of the BAS).  Schedule of release for publications is also available in the Publications section.

Is my privacy protected in case I fill up e-forms in the BAS website?

Yes. For information on privacy, please read the privacy policy of the BAS website at http://www.bas.gov.ph/?id=privacy&cat=help.

Is there any industry or commodity situation report available in the website?

Yes.  The BAS website provides situation report for selected commodities.  To check out the reports, click on the "Situationer" link at the side navigation menu.

In case I want to visit the BAS Central Office, what is the address?

In case you want to visit the BAS Central Office, check out the address and location map using the menu "BAS Profile->Central Office Location Map".  Before visiting BAS, we recommend that clients read the BAS Citizen's Charter.  The Charter spells out the types of frontline services which the Bureau offers to the public.  It contains simplified step-by-step procedures on how the data users can avail of our products and services.

I have downloaded data in the BAS website; but, I am more concerned about the accuracy of the data.  Are there any explanations with regards to the methodology, sampling method, or any related information about the data being published in the website?

Yes. The BAS website provides not only data but also explanations about the data.  These explanations are called Metadata.  Check out the Metadata link using the side navigation menu "Statistical Database -> Technical notes/Metadata".

Is there any link to related websites?

The BAS provides link to related and partner websites.  These are group into four, namely, (1) Statistical Agencies, (2) DA and its Attached Agencies and Bureaus, (3) Government Agencies, and (4) International Agencies. The links are provided only for our client's convenience (links to external sites will open in a new window). Please take note that the contents and terms of use of external sites are not under the control of BAS. As such, users are bound by the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy of these external sites.

If you can't find what are looking for, please feel free to ask questions or inquiry thru our Inquiry form; or if you are looking for the meaning of certain agricultural term use our Glossary.

Note: This information is provided as a public service by the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics.