In its pursuit of an improved procurement system in the Philippines, the Procurement Service - Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) puts digitalization at the forefront of its endeavors.
This was the statement of PS-DBM Acting Executive Director (ED) Genmarie “Gen” S. Entredicho-Caong in her Welcoming Keynote Address at the Chief Procurement Officers (CPO) Summit Philippines 2024 at the Manila Marriott Hotel on September 11, 2024.
By invitation from Malaysia-based organizer, ED Gen delivered her message before a crowd of over 120 procurement, logistics, and supply chain leaders of various companies and organizations from the private sector. With the theme, “Digital Transformation, Sustainability, and Leadership,” the event provided the participants with insights on best practices to withstand the challenges in the field of procurement, particularly with the emergence of digital transformation.
The workshop also served as a knowledge-sharing platform among experts to drive a future-proof procurement through case studies, panel and roundtable discussions, question and answer sessions, networking opportunities, and presentations to tackle mitigation strategies toward a sustainable, ethical, and incorruptible procurement.
In her message, which centered on resilient procurement transformation, ED Gen emphasized the necessity of keeping abreast of digitalization and its effect on the procurement process—highlighting the initiatives of PS-DBM to modernize its operations.
PS-DBM, with the passage of the New Government Procurement Act (NGPA) and the implementation of its own 12-point Reform Agenda, continues to strengthen its digital capabilities by upgrading the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS)—part of which is the creation of the electronic marketplace, or eMarketplace, to serve as the government’s official e-commerce platform in procuring common-use supplies and equipment (CSE).
“We commit to further modernizing the procurement process by adopting digital technologies that come with accountable systems and streamlined bureaucratic procedures,” ED Gen stressed.
ED Gen also touched on other initiatives that the agency spearheads to remain resilient in transforming public procurement. Apart from digitalization, PS-DBM looks into expanding its existing list of CSE to offer more products and items to its client government agencies. Engagements with prospective bidders are regularly held to improve market competition. Programs are in place to enforce the integration of green specifications and sustainable practices in public procurement.
In undertaking these, ED Gen recognizes the role of the participants in enabling PS-DBM to realize such aspirations. “Moving forward, as we collaborate on future partnerships, I am eager to welcome you as our partners in service,” she said.
PS-DBM welcomes opportunities like this to forge partnerships with collaborators beyond the public sector, creating a more agile and inclusive procurement environment. / September 16, 2024/LR