The Procurement Service–Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) Regional Office Cebu and the DBM Office VII collaborated with the Association of Local Budget Officers-Central Visayas (ALBO CV) to conduct the first batch of its three-part Client Learning Engagement (CLE) on “Digital Platforms for Government Procurement” on July 1–3, 2026, at Mezzo Hotel in Cebu City.
The three-day activity was organized in response to the growing demand from local government units (LGUs) across Cebu and Bohol for capacity-building on digital procurement. The first batch drew nearly 300 participants, including members of the Bids and Awards Committees (BAC), Technical Working Groups, BAC Secretariats, accountants, budget officers, end users, and other personnel involved in their respective LGUs’ procurement processes.
Formally opening the activity was DBM ROVII OIC-Director and PS–DBM Cebu Depot Supervisor Maricor Baquial, who, in her message, emphasized the importance of embracing digital transformation and continuously strengthening the competencies of government personnel to effectively implement technology-driven procurement systems.
Resource persons from the PS-DBM Main Office led the discussions on key developments in the digital transformation of government procurement and the strategic direction of PS-DBM in the full implementation of the New Government Procurement Act (NGPA)
Deputy Executive Director of the Administrative, Finance, and Legal Group Marlita Dagsa presented the overarching role of PS-DBM and the modernized Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (mPhilGEPS), including its features and role in the procurement process. Joining her was Marketing and Sales Division Deputy Chief Mary Rose Aganon, who tackled the technical sessions alongside PS-DBM Cebu Officers, Engr. Frederick Porras and Mr. Joshua Talam.
These sessions included in-depth discussion and hands-on demonstrations, such as the eBidding modules for manual and online submission, the Virtual Store, and the eMarketplace, allowing participants to navigate the platforms through guided demonstrations.
In his closing remarks, ALBO Central Visayas President Samuel Penales thanked the participating agencies, resource persons, and participants for their support and encouraged them to apply the knowledge gained in their respective offices.
The Regional CLEs, promoted with the encouragement of DBM Acting Secretary Kim Robert de Leon, align with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s commitment to empower local and regional governments through-capacity building and digital innovation. August 4, 2026 | MB