Anchored on its 12-point agenda, with emphasis on market strengthening and alliance building, the Procurement Service - Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) met with its partner merchants for an in-depth dialogue on January 5 and 8, 2024 to discuss various concerns.
Organized by the Procurement Group (PG), the gathering formed part of the series of sessions for suppliers and prospective bidders which commenced in 2023. Recalling the previous activities including the first-ever appreciation event for suppliers in February last year, PG Director Atty. Genmaries Entredicho-Caong reveled in the growing partnership between PS-DBM and its stakeholders.
“Ang goal po namin is to guide our suppliers and bidders in the submission of documentary requirements and familiarize them with the procurement process in the conduct of public bidding,” she said in her opening remarks, emphasizing that there has been a significant number of failed biddings in 2023.
Apart from the technical knowledge and information shared in that regard, PS-DBM Executive Director Atty. Dennis Santiago talked about the recent developments in the implementation of the agency’s 12-point agenda, ultimately geared towards reforming PS-DBM. This includes the expansion of the Common-use Supplies and Equipment (CSE) product catalogue through rationalization of CSE and their technical specifications to make them suitable for the requirements of client-agencies.
He also encouraged the participants to learn about the utilization of the eBidding facility — a feature of the modernized Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS). Aware of the potential difficulties in adapting to digital transformation — a priority of the present administration — Atty. Santiago reiterated that PS-DBM is always open for capacity-building engagements.
“Kung may mga bagay na kailangan iparating sa amin, please do so,” he said.
Also part of the program were discussions on awarded contracts; multi-year framework agreement; delivery, inspection, and payment processes; bulk ordering; and various modes of procurement, among others. The participants were also updated with the status of procurement in its regional depot offices, which allow the agency to reach and serve even the remotest of areas in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
The meeting ended with an insightful open forum graced by the PS-DBM Executive Committee, enabling participants to voice out concerns, rectify roadblocks, identify areas for improvement, and enhance procedures in their transactions with PS-DBM for the year 2024 and beyond.
PS-DBM is committed to continually forge partnerships with its stakeholders not only to build more opportunities but also to amplify its call for a more competitive, efficient, and transparent public procurement.