Responding to the invitation from the Israel Economic Mission to the Philippines, the Procurement Service - Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) discussed the Philippine government procurement process in a virtual meeting on July 18, 2023. The meeting was aimed at exploring procurement opportunities that may be participated in by Israeli companies.
The Israel Economic Mission to the Philippines is the commercial arm of the Embassy of Israel in Manila responsible for boosting the trade and economic relations of Filipino and Israeli companies. Mr. Timer Heyvi, Israel Economic Attache and Head of the Economic Mission, and Ms. Dianne Solleza, Commercial Officer, represented their organization.
Looking into participating in such opportunities, the Israel Economic Mission was informed about the instances when foreign bidders may participate in government procurement in the Philippines. This discussion was further elaborated in the context of PS-DBM's mandate to operate a centralized procurement of Common-use Supplies and Equipment (CSE) for the whole of government.
The eligibility criteria and documentary requirements for foreign bidders under Republic Act No. 9184, otherwise known as the Government Procurement Reform Act, were also highlighted. The requirements and registration process for foreign merchants with the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) were likewise tackled, including the features and functionalities of the modernized PhilGEPS.
Also in attendance to discuss these were Atty. Genmaries Entredicho-Caong, PS-DBM OIC-Executive Director; Dr. Maria Teresita Semana, PhilGEPS Director; Engr. Jaime Navarrete, Jr., OIC-Director for Procurement Group; Ms. Mary Jane Dacumos, OIC-Chief of the Information Technology Research and Planning Division; and Mr. Brian Gerona, Head of the PhilGEPS’ Customer Service Team.
Following the productive meeting, the Israel Economic Mission expressed its gratitude to PS-DBM as it looks forward to future collaborations.
“We will share all the relevant information with Israeli companies… This will ensure that they are well-informed about the opportunities and procedures involved,” Ms. Solleza added.
PS-DBM welcomes these engagements as reinforcement of its commitment to market strengthening and alliance building, anchored in its 12-point agenda for transformational reforms and policies.