Beyond the numbers: Making statistics meaningful to communities
Mathematics and statistics have long been among the most challenging subjects for many students. Yet in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and technological advancements, mathematics and statistics have become more relevant than ever.
Last October, the Philippines celebrated the 37th National Statistics Month with the theme, “Tuklas Pilipinas: Statistics as Beacon Toward Inclusive, Resilient, and Sustainable Tourism.” Beyond recognizing the importance of statistics, the celebration highlighted how reliable information can support tourism development while protecting natural resources, preserving cultural heritage, and benefiting local communities.
Speaking of tourism, I had the opportunity to travel from Luzon to Mindanao to attend SPSTAt 2026, an international conference on statistics, data science, and analytics held from Oct. 19 to 21 at the Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology in Iligan City. Carrying the theme “Evidence that Matters: Statistics for Better Decisions in an Uncertain World,” the conference brought together researchers, educators, students, and professionals to exchange knowledge and explore the applications of statistics across different fields.
One presentation during the conference particularly caught my attention. It explored how statistical methods could help researchers determine where to collect environmental data to better understand biodiversity and forest resources. The discussion featured MAMACILA, a community-based rainforest protection initiative in Mindanao involving the mapping of carbon stocks and biodiversity.
The speaker emphasized an important principle: We do not necessarily need to collect more data; we need to collect meaningful data.
That message stayed with me.
Mathematics and statistics offer valuable ways to understand complex problems, but putting research findings to practical use also requires that they reach the people and institutions best positioned to apply them. This is particularly important when research can inform decisions affecting communities and the environment.
The MAMACILA project offers a meaningful connection to this year’s National Statistics Month theme. Statistical research can support biodiversity conservation and the protection of natural resources, both of which are important to sustainable tourism. Beyond measuring tourist arrivals and revenues, meaningful data can help assess tourism’s effects on local livelihoods, the environment, and host communities. This information can guide development while helping preserve natural and cultural heritage for future generations.
The same principle extends beyond tourism. Local governments can use statistics to assess community needs, disaster risks, and public services. Farmers can rely on rainfall and production data for agricultural planning. Small business owners can examine sales trends to guide their decisions. Even households use basic statistical thinking when managing expenses and comparing prices.
Attending SPSTAt 2026 reinforced an important realization. Mathematics and statistics have value beyond academic papers and conferences. While research contributes to the advancement of knowledge in many ways, findings with potential practical applications can also benefit society when they are shared with the people and institutions best positioned to use them. As we celebrate National Statistics Month, the challenge is not simply to generate more information but to make meaningful use of available knowledge in guiding decisions, strengthening communities, and preserving resources for future generations. Ultimately, mathematics and statistics offer more than equations, data sets, and research findings. They also provide ways to better understand the world and, where possible, make decisions that improve people’s lives.
After all, statistics become meaningful not simply when we count people, but when we ensure that people count.
Shielden Grail S. Domilies,
[email protected]
For letters to the editor and contributed articles, email to [email protected]
