Procurement in the Philippine government, with emphasis on transparency, efficiency, and accountability, will be enhanced through the New Government Procurement Act or Republic Act 12009, which was signed into law in 2024. As a way to cascade the new procurement modalities within the procurement act, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD), in partnership with the University of the Philippines Procurement Office, conducted a training session from September 3 to 5, 2025.
The training was organized by the Procurement Coordinating Unit of the Office of the Executive Director for Administration, Resource Management, and Support Services (OED-ARMSS) of DOST-PCAARRD.
Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora, DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director, highlighted the significance of the training in facilitating the Council's transition from the previous procurement law (RA 9184) to the new legislation, RA 12009. He also highlighted the importance of this transition in ensuring that all procurement activities of the Council are effectively executed and are compliant with the legal provisions.
The training was facilitated by Atty. Flor “Rissa” L. Ofilada, Director of the UP Procurement Office, along with her team, Supervising Administrative Officer Jerry M. Jaena, Jr., Administrative Officer V Edbert P. Soliven, Administrative Officer IV Floradel U. Bariso, and Procurement Officer IV Christine Joyce S. Castañeda.
A total of 122 participants attended the three-day training session composed of the PCAARRD Bids and Awards Committee-Technical Working Group (BAC-TWG), BAC Secretariat, and end-users from various PCAARRD Divisions. Representatives from other DOST agencies including the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Countryside Development, DOST-FPRDI, and DOST Regional Offices II and CALABARZON also participated in the training.
Key topics of discussion included the transition from RA 9184 to RA 12009 and adapting to the new procurement landscape; strengthening procurement through proactive and strategic planning; drafting the Procurement Program and Monitoring Plan (PPMP): a step-by-step guide to an effective PPMP; crafting technical specifications; understanding the new award criteria: the Most Economically Advantageous & Responsive Bid (MEARB) and the Most Advantageous & Responsive Bid (MARB); modes of procurement; post-qualification and technical evaluation: effective bid evaluation; and the fundamentals of conducting Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) meetings.
The three-day training was characterized by a variety of engaging and interactive activities for the participants. The speakers provided real-life case studies to illustrate various procurement scenarios and best practices, thereby facilitating a better understanding and practical application of the concepts discussed in their procurement transactions. The hands-on approach ensured that all attendees left with a clearer understanding of the new regulations and the skills needed to implement them effectively.