The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) recently held the 1st Procurement Opportunities Summit to inform prospective bidders on the new policies and issuances relative to procurement in an effort to fast track the implementation of infrastructure projects under the fiscal year (FY) 2019.
An initiative of the DPWH Procurement, the summit with the theme “Ensuring Efficient Procurement Responsive to the Commitment of the Government through Strengthened Public and Private Cooperation” enables participant members and representatives of the Philippine Constructors Association (PCA), National Constructors Association of the Philippines (NACAP), and Confederation of Filipino Consulting Organization of the Philippines (COFILCO) to learn about the new updates on the Republic Act 9184, otherwise known as the Government Procurement Reform Act.
The event supported by DPWH Secretary Mark A. Villar, provides the contractors/consultants ample time to prepare the needed requirements for the projects for 2019 procurement in order to avoid issues that may contribute to the delay of projects.
Public-Private Partnership and Planning Service Undersecretary Maria Catalina E. Cabral discussed the Department’s shift to cash-based budgeting and the projects lined up for advanced bidding starting October to December this year and are on track for implementation in FY 2019.
The importance of complying with the rules and regulations stipulated in RA 9184 to avoid penalty in delaying the projects, and possible suspension and blacklisting of the contractors was the main topic during the open forum discussion.
Also serving as resource persons in the summit are several DPWH Key Officials consisting of Undersecretary Ardeliza R. Medenilla, Assistant Secretaries B. Elizabeth E. Yap, Gilberto S. Reyes, and Antonio V. Molano Jr., Service and Bureau Directors, Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) Project Directors/Managers, and representatives from DPWH-National Capital Region and Region IV-A which showcased the Big-Ticket Projects of the Department in line with the Build, Build, Build Program of the President Rodrigo Duterte Administration.
Procurement Service OIC-Director Ma. Victoria Gregorio said that aside from contractors and consultants, suppliers and service providers who intend to do business with the Department also attended the summit for the chance to participate in the procurement of heavy and geo-technical equipment, and information technology-related goods.