The total population of Manila, as of August 1, 2007, was 1,660,714 persons. This represents an increase of 79,632 persons over the total population of 1,581,082 persons in 2000. This increase translated to an annual population growth rate (PGR) of 0.68 percent for the period 2000 to 2007, higher than the PGR of -0.97 percent recorded during the period 1995 to 2000.

Average household size was 4.3 persons. The number of households rose to 382,183 in 2007, or an increase of 48,636 households from the 2000 figure. Likewise, household population increased from 1,569,584 persons in 2000 to 1,650,712 persons in 2007. The average household size in 2007 was 4.3 persons, lower than the average household size of 4.7 persons in 2000.

General Retail Price Index in the NCR (2000=100), July 2011 

• Month-on-Month
          The monthly change of the General Retail Price Index (GRPI) in the National Capital Region (NCR) inched up by 0.1 percent in July from zero growth in June. Increments recorded in the manufactured goods classified chiefly by materials and machinery and transport equipment indexes were higher at 0.1 percent in July from -0.1 percent in June. On the other hand, slower monthly rates were posted in beverages and tobacco at 0.1 percent from 0.3 percent; chemicals, including animal and vegetable oils and fats, 0.1 percent from 0.2 percent and miscellaneous manufactured articles, 0.2 percent from 0.3 percent. The movement of the food index remained at its previous month's rate of 0.1 percent while the rest of the commodity groups have registered either negative rate or a zero growth.

The National Statistics Office marks another milestone as it commemorates its 71st founding anniversary since it was born in the 19th of August  in 1940.  This year, the theme was entitled as "70 Plus 1 na Tayo!"  The NCR, First District - Manila had series of activities in line with the celebration.  

Since the month of August was also the celebration of the Language Month, the district office conducted a mini sports fest dubbed as "Palarong Pinoy" held at the district office parking lot and at the covered court in Barangay San Isidro, Galas, Quezon City on August 16, 17 and 19, 2011.  Not like any other sports activity, the games competed by the staff were old types of games such as jack-stone, chinese garter, siopao, pick-up stick, pitikan ng goma, sipa, limbo rock, batuhang bola , agawan panyo and patintero.  These games were long been forgotten by the present generation due to the existence of electronic games readily available online and the lack of space for playground. 

"Let us work hand in hand in strengthening the network of solemnizing officers and in providing a wider venue for learning sessions that will be of help in the execution of their duties as key agents of marriage and as marriage officials."

Thus said National Statistics Office (NSO) Administrator Carmelita N. Ericta as she addressed the participants during the 7th National Convention of Solemnizing Officers (NCSO) held last August 2-4, 2011 at the Plaza Del Norte in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. Themed "Quality Civil Registration in Support of National Development Goals", the 7NCSO aimed at providing a venue for sharing of experiences and exchange of ideas on various issues and concerns on implementation of marriage laws and registration procedures.

Experts on marriage laws, practices and procedures are expected to share their knowledge and experiences during the 7th National Convention of Solemnizing Officers (NCSO) on August 2-4, 2011 at Plaza del Norte in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.

On the first day of the Convention, Atty. Joseph Peter "Jopet" Sison, President of the National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation, will talk about the marriage laws in the Philippines. Afterwards, court decrees and legal instruments affecting marriages will be highlighted in a paper presentation by the Office of the Solicitor General.

Getting your National Statistics Offices (NSO) documents is now a breeze with the recent tie-up between the SM Department Store and NSO. You can now work on your NSO papers as you shop, as SM Business Centers can now facilitate the application, processing, and releasing of copies of civil registry documents. These include copies of birth, death, and marriage documents, copies of No Record of Marriage (CENOMAR) and copies of annotated and endorsed documents.

Simply visit SM Business Centers, sign the forms, make the payments, and come back for your documents in a few days.