Pasay City: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. emphasized the pivotal role of procurement as a cornerstone of good governance and a mechanism for transformation. His remarks were delivered by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin during the East Asia and the Pacific International Public Procurement Conference at The Hilton Manila.
According to Philippines News Agency, President Marcos highlighted the significance of procurement in safeguarding citizen welfare, fostering growth across key sectors, and maintaining public trust. He noted that the International Public Procurement Conference underscores the necessity for procurement to create impactful changes, improve lives, and strengthen institutions.
The President mentioned that the Philippines has enacted Republic Act 12009, known as the New Government Procurement Act, to streamline processes and fortify weak areas in the procurement system. This act enhances the previous procurement framework established by the 21-year-old RA 9184 by standardizing forms and institutionalizing electronic procurement.
Marcos stated that sustainable public procurement has been institutionalized under this act, aligning environmental, economic, and social objectives with government expenditures. He emphasized transparency as the foundation of governance, with open contracting and citizen participation ensuring trust and integrity.
Department of Budget and Management Secretary and Government Procurement Policy Board Chairperson Amenah Pangandaman remarked on the Philippines' pioneering changes in procurement law, which led to hosting the conference. She noted that the international community and development partners recognize the country's efforts to make procurement processes efficient and responsive.
Pangandaman also underscored the importance of timely procurement in stimulating economic growth, creating jobs, and ensuring program completion. She highlighted the efficiency aspect of faster procurement processes.
The East Asia and the Pacific International Public Procurement Conference, concluding on April 30, gathers experts and practitioners to address public procurement challenges and share solutions. The event is co-organized by the DBM, GPPB-Technical Support Office, and the World Bank, supported by other development partners. Topics include empowering communities through procurement, strategic investments, professionalizing procurement, sustainable spending, combating climate change, and enhancing participatory governance.
