In view of the implementation of Republic Act No. 12009, otherwise known as the New Government Procurement Act (NGPA), the Procurement Service – Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) actively participated in the Orientation Workshop on the NGPA for Commission on Audit (COA) Auditors. Held on 14 and 16 July 2025, the workshop brought together more than 200 state auditors from various regions across the country. The event was collaboratively organized by the Government Procurement Policy Board – Technical Support Office (GPPB-TSO), in partnership with COA.
On Day 1, PS-DBM Executive Director Genmaries “Gen” S. Entredicho-Caong took part in a panel discussion on the legal and audit implications of the New Government Procurement Act (NGPA). Drawing from her extensive experience in co-developing the law and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) in collaboration with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Government Procurement Policy Board – Technical Support Office (GPPB-TSO), ED Gen emphasized the critical importance of consistent implementation across the procurement and audit landscape. She highlighted that institutional alignment is essential to reinforcing compliance, strengthening accountability, and upholding transparency in public procurement processes.
The orientation continued on Day 2, with PS-DBM Deputy Executive Director Atty. Philip Josef T. Vera Cruz delivering a comprehensive presentation on Electronic Procurement and the eMarketplace. In his session, Atty. Vera Cruz discussed the enabling provisions under Republic Act No. 12009 that support the adoption of innovative, technology-driven procurement systems. DED Philip particularly emphasized the modernization of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the institutionalization of PS-DBM’s Virtual Store and eMarketplace as key milestones in advancing digital procurement reform.
These discussions collectively reinforced the shared commitment of the GPPB-TSO, COA, and PS-DBM to foster a modernized, coherent, and auditable procurement environment. The NGPA introduces significant structural reforms and new procurement modalities, while laying the foundation for an inclusive, forward-looking, and fully digital end-to-end procurement process.
PS-DBM affirms its unwavering support for advancing the objectives of the NGPA through strategic policy alignment, platform development, and active participation in inter-agency knowledge exchanges. This commitment ensures that public procurement in the Philippines remains not only efficient and transparent, but also transformative. | July 17, 2025/PM Photos by: Government Procurement Policy Board - Technical Support Office