They present economic and social indicators for Puerto Rico

In activity between the Puerto Rico Institute of Statistics and the United States Census Bureau

San Juan, Puerto Rico. October 24, 2024. The Puerto Rico Statistics Institute, in collaboration with the United States Census Bureau, presented the conference “Economic and Social Indicators on Puerto Rico: Exploring the Economic and Social Reality of Puerto Rico”, in which they examined the main economic and social indicators that impact Puerto Rico. Experts from the United States Census Bureau and the Puerto Rico Institute of Statistics presented key issues, such as the cost of living, labor force, community resilience and migratory flow, among others. The activity took place on October 4. “Knowing some of the indicators that reflect the economic and social reality of Puerto Rico is essential for the development of effective public policies. This collaboration with the Census Bureau helps us to have more accurate and reliable data that will help us better understand the challenges and opportunities facing Puerto Rico,” said the executive director of the Puerto Rico Institute of Statistics, Dr. Orville M. Disdier.

For his part, Michael López-Pelliccia, (Chief of Staff, Economic Department) of the United States Census Bureau in Puerto Rico, said that, “The opening of the first Federal Center for Statistical Data Research in Puerto Rico (FSRDC) and events such as this conference are part of an ongoing effort to strengthen technical capacity in Puerto Rico. Through seminars, workshops, and webinars, we seek to provide local people with a more practical and accessible approach to using Census data. This type of technical assistance is key to ensuring that Puerto Rico can make the most of the wealth of information we offer.”

The conference included presentations by experts such as Ana G. Jara Castro, Clara E. Santiago Bello, Javier Gómez and Marijulie Martínez from the United States Census Bureau, who addressed issues such as building permit indicators and the “Census Business Builder” tool, among others. On behalf of the Puerto Rico Institute of Statistics, Dr. Ronald G. Hernández Maldonado presented the Cost of Living Index, while Alberto L. Velázquez Estrada spoke about the migratory flow and the structure of the labor group in Puerto Rico.

Among the various indicators presented at the conference, the following stood out:

• El Quarterly Workforce Indicators which includes 32 labor force indicators that cover employment, job changes and income. This is a single work-level data source that provides demographic information on the labor market.
• The Community Resilience Estimates (CRE), which are modeled estimates of vulnerability factors in the population such as functional diversity, poverty level, access to vehicles and internet, employment, education, and others, combining data from the Community Survey.
• The tool Census Business Builder, which is a customer-focused application. It provides access to data to develop business plans, request financial assistance, study economic development, plan strategies and create emergency plans.
• The Internet page Puerto Rico Profile which links between its tools automated profiles for municipalities with data on employment, poverty, income, education and health, among others.
• The Cost of Living Index (COLI). This reflected in the most recent results for Puerto Rico, that the cost of grocery items in San Juan, Bayamón and Caguas is 12.2% more expensive than the average of the participating urban areas in the United States.
• Regarding the Migratory Flow and Structure of the Working Age Group in Puerto Rico, it was highlighted that emigration has been a constant in the history of Puerto Rico, but this has taken a deep toll on the working population in recent years. About 70% of working-age emigration occurred at ages 16 to 44.

The presentations and materials used during the conference are available through the following link: https://estadisticas.pr/en/Conferencia-Indicadores-Económicos-y-Sociales.

The Puerto Rico Statistics Institute is an autonomous governmental entity responsible for coordinating the Government's statistical production service to ensure that the data collection and statistics systems, on which public policies are based, are complete, reliable, and have quick and universal access.

For more information you can visit the website: www.estadisticas.pr or write to preguntas@estadisticas.pr. They can also follow social networks through Facebook (@estadisticas .pr), X (@EstadisticasPR), LinkedIn (Institute of Statistics of Puerto Rico) and Instagram (@institutodeestadisticas) accounts.

Authorized by the Office of the Electoral Comptroller OCE-SA-2024-12788

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Measuring research and development in Puerto Rico

Almost half of child caregivers in Puerto Rico raise their children differently than they were raised.

Parenting Experiences Survey Reveals Generational Shifts in Discipline, Communication, and Family Priorities

The Survey of Child Rearing Experiences in Puerto Rico revealed, among other data, that 48.6% of surveyed caregivers use disciplinary styles different from those they experienced with their own parents, reflecting a possible generational shift in parenting practices and in how Puerto Rican families approach the upbringing, communication, and well-being of children.

The study, developed through an alliance between ESCAPE, the Family Strengthening Center, and the Puerto Rico Institute of Statistics, collected the experiences, challenges, and needs of 1,143 voluntary participants via a self-administered online questionnaire conducted between February and June 2025. The survey was descriptive in nature and explored topics related to parenting experiences, discipline and communication, technology and quality time, as well as support needs and expectations for children's futures.

Among the most relevant findings of the survey are:

• More than two-thirds of respondents stated that parenting is more difficult or much more difficult than they expected.

• The main challenge identified was achieving a work-life balance (62.3%).

• 44.3% cited lack of personal time and rest as one of their biggest challenges.

• 41.6% expressed a need for tools to manage stress and their own mental health.

• 57.2% reported arguments related to the use of technological devices at home.

• 4% identified the use of physical aggression as a disciplinary strategy.

• 94% of participants indicated that they praise their children's achievements "almost always" or "always."

• Most participants defined discipline as a formative tool for teaching values and setting clear boundaries.

The survey also reflected that caregivers prioritize the development of self-esteem and self-confidence, responsible decision-making, and healthy emotional management for children's futures.

"The information collected allows us to better understand how family dynamics are changing and what real challenges are faced by those responsible for raising children in Puerto Rico. This data is fundamental for developing more effective public policies, programs, and interventions tailored to the current needs of Puerto Rican families," stated Dr. Orville M. Disdier Flores, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Institute of Statistics.

Meanwhile, Yadira Pizarro Quiles, Executive Director of ESCAPE, highlighted that the results provide an important X-ray of families' emotional and structural needs. "This survey confirms the importance of continuing to strengthen families through prevention. Understanding how mothers, fathers, and caregivers are experiencing parenting allows us to better direct our efforts, develop support tools, and promote strategies that strengthen children's well-being and help prevent child abuse in Puerto Rico."

As part of the strategic recommendations derived from the study, it is proposed to strengthen emotional support initiatives for caregivers, promote flexible work policies, drive digital literacy campaigns at home, and expand preventive education efforts on parenting and those related to child well-being and protection.

The Survey of Child Rearing Experiences in Puerto Rico is available at the following link: www.estadisticas.pr.gov/productos/encuesta-de-experiencias-de-crianza-de-menores-en-puerto-rico-2025.