Supported by local authorities, the IBGE State Unit in Paraíba launched on Thursday (4) the 2022 Population Census Dress Rehearsal in the state. The opening event, which counted with the presence of the local media, was held at the City Council of Capim, the location selected for the operation.

_{Opening event counted with representatives from the IBGE, City Hall and Legislative Power}

In the beginning, Roberto Salgado Beato, head of the UE-PB, highlighted the importance of the operation, not only to the IBGE, but also to managers and the entire population. “It is a first mobilization that we do. The aim is to show that the IBGE is already in the field and that, in 2022, we will carry out a survey that was tested and underwent several quality processes,” stated him.

The explanation on how the dress rehearsal was conceived was due to the IBGE´s deputy director of Surveys, who was also in the event. When talking with observers and survey agents, Maria Lúcia Vieira wished a good work and highlighted that everybody should pay attention to the operation, taking note of whatever could be improved.   

“We understand that a successful Census is a Census that is tested, tested and tested. Because we always have something to adjust or improve. Moreover, the dress rehearsal serves to create the mood of ‘we have already started’. The Census has already begun, the IBGE teams are mobilized, the society is watching. We have already noticed some enthusiasm inside the houses,” commented her.

_{CNEFE coordinator talked about the importance of the Census to public policies and academic studies}

The influence of the Census results along the next years was stressed by Wolney Colgoy, coordinator of the National Address File for Statistical Purposes (CNEFE). Moreover, he emphasized the key role of the census operation, especially in view of the delay of two years of the survey and the particular scenario of the country, due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I have already listened many times a comparison between the Census and a war operation - it is common to say this. Under the point of view of the scope, complexity and participation needs, it is true, though the Census does not destroy anything. The Census builds, builds the future of our country,” highlighted him.

The need to update the data about the population of the municipalities of the region was a point highlighted by Tiago Lisboa, mayor of Capim. The manager recognized the relevance of the work that will be developed in the dress rehearsal and the partnership with the City Hall. “It is a pleasure that Capim was selected as the city to represent Paraíba in this test. The IBGE has a great credibility in the entire country and this work is very important to the preparation of the municipalities,” said him.

The opening session also counted with the operational coordinator of the Census in Paraíba, Francisco Eugênio, who presented the step-by-step of the operation in the municipality, as well as with the president of the City Council, councilor Manoel Veloso. The ceremony was conducted by Jorge Alves, coordinator of communication of the 2022 Census in the state. After the speeches, interviews were granted to journalists of local communication vehicles present in the venue.

_{Event was followed by journalists of local communication vehicles}

The event also counted with the presence of Gilberto Cavalcante, technical coordinator of the operation in Paraíba, Lamartine Candeia, state coordinator of the Repacs, Felipe Fraga, area coordinator of the region in which the municipality is located, Fernando Lins, coordinator of the Census Territorial Base in Paraíba, as well as sub-area census coordinators and members of the coordinations of Information Technology and Communication. 

Due to local protocols of health security, the other servants who comprise the census structure watched the event through a Webex video-conference. Journalists who were not on-site also had access to the broadcast.

The following municipal managers also participated in the event: Ingrid Araújo, secretary of internal control, Fabiana Gonçalves, secretary of Health, and councilors José Lourival, Daniel Paulino and José Adauto. Other servants of the City Hall and City Council also followed the event.

Inauguration of the data collection station

At the time, the keys of the data collection station, to be installed in a room granted by the City Council, were symbolically given to the IBGE. Felipe Fraga, the area coordinator in charge, received the keys from the president of the City Council and highlighted how fast the IBGE´s demands were addressed by local authorities.

_{Symbolic transfer of the key of the data collection station was made in the end of the event}

“The support is being fundamental. The room and auditorium in the City Council provide the structure needed to carry out the work. Day by day we count on the personal cooperation of the servants of the City Council, as well as of the president himself, in any need that arises. Moreover, the City Council and City Hall are available to disseminate the Dress Rehearsal to the population of the municipality,” he commented.