Recognizing the vital role of local Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in fostering inclusivity and sustainability in public procurement, the Procurement Service - Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) presented the key features and functionalities of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) before a crowd of MSMEs at the 6th Annual Procurement Summit of the Government Procurement Policy Board - Technical Support Office (GPPB-TSO), held on October 22, 2024 at the GPPB-TSO Office in Diliman, Quezon City.
Represented by PhilGEPS Director Maria Teresita M. Semana, PS-DBM highlighted the ongoing advancements in its digital platforms through continuous modernization of PhilGEPS, ultimately geared towards streamlining the public procurement process. In her talk, Dir. Semana facilitated a comprehensive discussion on the upcoming launching of the Electronic Marketplace, or the eMarketplace—the government’s official e- commerce platform which would allow government agencies to “add to cart” their required Common-use Supplies and Equipment (CSE).
“Through initiatives like the eMarketplace… we are not only supporting local businesses but also aligning with national policies for economic development,” said Dir. Semana, as quoted by the GPPB-TSO.
Apart from Dir. Semana’s session, PS-DBM also put up a booth dedicated to processing of PhilGEPS registration requests and addressing of queries on the use and navigation of the system. This also served as a platform for knowledge sharing between PS-DBM and its stakeholders, providing potential suppliers with insights on PhilGEPS’s eligibility requirements, documentation and certifications, and legal compliance. This aims to increase local MSMEs’ chances of securing government contracts.
Themed “Leveraging Local MSMEs for Inclusive and Sustainable Procurement,” the event featured breakout sessions, technical discussions, and innovation exhibits which gathered procurement practitioners from both the public and private sectors, encouraging networking and collaboration among participants through exchange of best practices and experiences.
PS-DBM’s participation in engagements such as the Procurement Summit reinforces its commitment to supporting local goods and services by pushing for the inclusion of local MSMEs in public procurement projects, consequently driving economic growth within local communities. | November 4, 2024/PM