Kathryn Barry, U.S. Census media specialist, said the 2010 Census will determine the number of every individual residing in the CNMI regardless of age and nationality.
“Census data will guide local decision-makers in important community-planning efforts, including where to build new roads, hospitals and schools,” she said.
Barry was accompanied by U.S. Census adviser Rebecca Diaz-Cartagena during the Kids Fun Night organized by the United Workers Movement on Saturday.
Barry emphasized the importance of participating in the 2010 Census, which will officially start on April 1.
From April to July, Census representatives will visit households to collect questionnaires or interview respondents, Barry said.
On Sunday, during the free health screening conducted by the Philippine Consulate General at the Marianas Business Plaza in Susupe, Barry also met with Filipino workers.
She reiterated that all responses to the Census questionnaire will be treated as confidential.
“Every person who works for the 2010 Census takes an oath to protect the confidentiality of Census responses,” she said.
By law, she added, the Census Bureau cannot share an individual’s answer with anyone, including welfare and immigration agencies.
She said not even the president of the U.S. can access and identify any individual and the responses provided to the Census office.
“The results from the Census are reported in statistical format only,” she said.
Philippine Consul General Medardo Macaraig encouraged the Filipino community “to participate in the Census.”
He described the information campaign of the Census Bureau as “very successful.”
