Taguig city: The Philippine Army (PA) and Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank) have entered into a landmark agreement to implement a government purchase card (GPC) project, marking a significant milestone for a military organization. The Memorandum of Agreement was signed on Friday at the Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio with the presence of PA chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete and Landbank vice president Vicente Padilla Fajardo Jr.

According to Philippines News Agency, the GPC project is set to introduce a secure and efficient payment mechanism that will allow authorized PA offices to procure essential goods and services swiftly, while maintaining compliance with procurement, accounting, and auditing regulations. Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala emphasized that the initiative is designed to decrease reliance on cash advances and reduce administrative processing time, promoting transparency within the organization.

The new procurement system will enhance the efficiency of obtaining services and goods through Direct Acquisition and Direct Retail Purchase of Online Subscriptions, in line with Republic Act 12009, also known as the New Government Procurement Act. Col. Dema-ala highlighted that this project is a step towards good governance, responsible financial management, and modernization within the PA, ensuring that every public resource is used effectively to build a competent and responsive Army for the Filipino people.