𝑱𝑯𝑪𝑺𝑪 𝑯𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒔 𝑫𝑩𝑴-𝑳𝒆𝒅 𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒌𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒑 𝒐𝒏 𝑵𝒆𝒘 𝑮𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒄𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝑨𝒄𝒕, 𝑬𝒏𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑬𝒇𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒚 𝒊𝒏 𝑰𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒕𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒄𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒔

In an effort to advance transparency, efficiency, and sustainability in government procurement processes, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Regional Office IX conducted a two-day training workshop on Republic Act No. 12009, also known as the New Government Procurement Act (NGPA), at the J.H. Cerilles State College (JHCSC) Pagadian City Extension Campus Hostel on May 21–22, 2025. The activity was led by DBM Regional Director Mark Louie C. Martin, CPA, CESO III, and Supervising Budget and Management Specialist Mr. Giovanni O. Tabanao, with the support of the JHCSC President, Dr. Edgardo H. Rosales.

The training was facilitated by the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) Office led by the BAC Chairman, Dr. Joel M. Sabellano, Jr., which brought together key officials and stakeholders from across the institution, including Vice President for Administration and Finance (VPAF) Mr. Wilfredo M. Barnido Jr., campus directors Dr. Moises Glenn Tangalin of the Dumingag Campus, Prof. Bobby S. Piscos of Canuto Campus, Dr. Patricia D. Bahian of Pagadian Campus, and Dr. Trinidad C. Abapo of Main Campus, as well as selected heads of offices, and staff from the budget and finance units. Their presence demonstrated the institution’s commitment to enhancing procurement practices and aligning with the latest national standards.

In his comprehensive presentation, Director Martin outlined the key reforms introduced under Republic Act No. 12009, emphasizing its departure from the previous procurement law, RA 9184. He highlighted the law’s shift toward a modernized, digitalized, sustainable procurement system rooted in transparency, competition, and value-for-money. Among the major reforms he discussed were the adoption of a fit-for-purpose approach over a one-size-fits-all model, the integration of Green Criteria to prioritize quality, cost-efficiency, and environmental sustainability, and the institutionalization of electronic procurement. He also explained the expanded modes of procurement and updated rules on contract implementation and sanction mechanisms, all aimed at increasing efficiency, accountability, and responsiveness in public procurement.

Mr. Giovanni O. Tabanao presented the Modernized Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (MPhilGEPS), highlighting its upgraded features that facilitate a full transition to an e-government procurement framework by enhancing transparency, reducing paperwork, minimizing delays, and improving access to real-time procurement data. A key component of MPhilGEPS 2.0 is the Virtual Store, a digital marketplace for Common-Use Supplies and Equipment (CSE) that functions like an e-commerce platform, allowing government agencies to quickly purchase pre-procured items, thereby reducing procurement time and promoting cost-efficiency. Integrated with budgeting systems and managed by PS-DBM, the Virtual Store ensures standardized, transparent, and accountable transactions. This innovation reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to create a streamlined, efficient, and corruption-resistant procurement process through digital transformation.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Edgardo H. Rosales expressed support for the training initiative, emphasizing its vital role in enhancing the institution’s responsiveness and service delivery. He stressed that the workshop goes beyond compliance, reflecting the college’s commitment to improving services for students and stakeholders. Dr. Rosales noted that the streamlined procurement process introduced under the new law would enable JHCSC to address the needs of its student body and academic community more efficiently. He also extended his appreciation to the DBM team for sharing their expertise and guiding the college through the updated procurement framework.

The workshop marks a pivotal step for JHCSC in aligning its procurement operations with the government’s broader goals of modernization and transparency. By empowering its personnel with the knowledge and tools under the new law, the college is poised to make smarter, faster, and more sustainable procurement decisions. This initiative not only strengthens institutional governance but also paves the way for improved public service delivery, particularly in enhancing the quality of education and student welfare.