Makati:The Department of Budget and Management (DBM), through the Procurement Service-DBM (PS-DBM), is set to host a high-level regional dialogue on November 4 to advance transparent, competitive, and digitally-enabled government procurement practices across Southeast Asia.
According to Philippines News Agency, the event, titled 'From Spending to Growth Public Procurement as a Driver of Economic Competitiveness in ASEAN,' will take place at Makati Diamond Residences. It is expected to gather senior government officials, economic and procurement experts, development partners, civil society representatives, and private sector stakeholders. The dialogue aims to reinforce procurement systems to foster business opportunities, attract investments, protect taxpayers' money, and stimulate economic growth.
The DBM emphasized a strategic shift in government procurement approaches, advocating for its recognition as a tool for economic development rather than merely an administrative procedure. The agency highlighted that transparent and predictable procurement systems can enhance business participation, encourage fair competition, and minimize corruption and inefficiency, securing better value for public funds.
Streamlining procurement processes could particularly benefit micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by improving their access to government contracts. The DBM also noted that procurement reforms could bolster investor confidence and enhance the overall business environment.
The discussions will focus on three primary areas improving accountability, building investor confidence, and advancing digital procurement. The event will feature a workshop aimed at identifying priority reforms and enhancing cooperation among ASEAN member states. These discussions are anticipated to contribute to the development of a proposed ASEAN Procurement Agenda.
The dialogue will provide valuable insights to Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) members, BAC secretariats, technical working groups, procurement officers, and government end-user units to refine procurement practices. Supported by the European Union's funding and technical assistance from the United Nations Development Programme Philippines, the initiative aligns with the Philippines' 2026 ASEAN chairship and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s vision of "Bagong Pilipinas" (New Philippines), focusing on good governance, improved public spending, and a more competitive economic environment.
