9 September 2026
The Benguet State University – Procurement Management Office (PMO) conducted a one – day workshop focused on the Use of Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB) Issued Standard Forms and Standardization and Streamlining of other Procurement Forms and Processes to Align with the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 12009 (New Government Procurement Act).
The activity was held at the Institute of Highland Farming Systems and Agroforestry Training Center, Bektey Longlong, La Trinidad Benguet.
Attendees included members of the Bids and Awards Committees (BAC) for Infrastructure, Consulting, and Goods and Services, the BAC Secretariat, Technical Working Group (TWG) members covering Legal Matters, Infrastructure, and Consulting Services, and the PMO staff.
In his opening remarks, BAC Chairperson for Goods and Services, Josel M. Florentin expressed his gratitude to the participants for their guidance in the university procurement operations. Florentin emphasized that the RA 12009 seeks to further improve the government procurement system by making the processes more transparent, efficient, responsible, accountable, and streamlined.
“Procurement is not merely about complying with government’s rules and procedures, but also about proper and responsible use of public funds and ensuring that every procurement activity is carried out with integrity, efficiency, and accountability” he added.
TWG for Legal Matters member, Reynante B. Basco outlined the overview of the workshop addressing recurring audit issues such as Audit Observation Memoranda, Notices of Suspension, and Notices of Disallowance from the Commission on Audit.
This include establishing a flowchart so each office and end-user understands their specific mandate and role in the procurement process, aligning procurement forms with the updated legal requirements, resolving issues such as missing required steps, improper documentation in forms, and delivery timelines among others.
Basco encouraged participants to share their procurement experiences and collaborate to build a common understanding and possible solutions.
TWG member for Legal Matters and Consultancy, Allan C. Sacpa discussed the Market Scoping as required by GPPB, a preliminary planning activity conducted by the end-user or implementing unit before the preparation of the Project Procurement Management Plan, while the BAC reviews the results and determines appropriate award criteria such as Most Economically Advantageous Responsive Bid (MEARB), Lowest Calculated Responsive Bid (LCRB),or Highest Rated Responsive Bid (HRRB).
Market scoping helps procuring entities understand supply conditions, technical requirements, realistic costs, delivery timelines, and potential procurement risks before finalizing projects.
BAC Secretariat Head Arsenia L. Bayawa presented the Utilized Procurement Document Forms with the provisions under the IRR RA 12009, followed by an open discussion on the standardization of procurement document forms and requirements for various mode of procurement where comments, modifications and suggestions where raised.
Additionally, BAC Vice Chairperson for Goods and Services Andres Arnold W. Lampacan discussed the Disposal Integration in the Procurement Form identifying the terms and conditions in the contract, policies, and resolutions to be included.
PMO staff Noemi S. Mateo then presented the threshold per mode of procurement and for mandatory procurement processes such as the competitive bidding, the direct contracting, and the small value procurement.
Concluding the workshop, BAC Vice Chairperson for Infrastructure and Consulting Services Nelson S. Banos thanked the organizers and acknowledged the participants.
Banos stated that the session provided valuable clarifications and discussion on the provisions, benefiting newer team members.//DPaydowan
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