From a “temporary warehouse built of corrugated sheets… with limited space and less than ideal conditions,” to a permanent and more functional facility that fulfills a long-awaited dream — the Procurement Service - Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) held a groundbreaking ceremony to officially mark the start of the construction of the three-storey building for its Regional Depot VII at the DBM Compound, July 22, 2025 in Lahug, Cebu City.
The event serves as a testament to PS-DBM’s relentless efforts to improve the operational capacity of its regional depots nationwide, geared towards amplifying the agency’s mandate as the centralized acquisition arm for common-use supplies and equipment (CSE) of the whole of government, including local government units (LGU).
Deputy Executive Director for Operations, Logistics, and Supply Chain Group (OLSCG) Philip Josef Vera Cruz and Acting Director for Regional Operations Office (ROO) Judith Riza Bleza graced the ceremony, on behalf of Executive Director Genmaries Entredicho-Caong. Also in attendance were DBM Region VII Acting Regional Director (RD) Maricor U. Baquial, the Depot’s Designated Supervisor; Acting Assistant Regional Director Atty. Carlo C. Maraat; the PS-DBM Cebu workforce; and representatives from the Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Education, and the construction company.
In her message, Acting RD Baquial looked back on the humble beginnings of the depot office personnel two decades ago, operating at a workplace that also serves as a storage facility and a service hub. Addressing her colleagues in PS-DBM Cebu, she expressed admiration for their years of perseverance that came with sacrifices.
“This new building is not just about having a better workplace; it’s a recognition of the effort you’ve put in and the resilience you’ve shown. You’ve proven that good service doesn’t depend on a fancy office—it depends on dedicated people,” she added.
Indeed, the construction of the new facility lays the foundation for a new era of greater public service delivery through public procurement, supply chain management, and infrastructure development.
“Today marks a brighter future for PS-DBM Cebu—anchored in connectivity, growth, and shared success,” Acting Dir. Bleza said as she formally closed the program.
The project is set to be completed in June 2026. | July 31, 2025/LR