THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has announced the launch of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) eMarketplace, a major step towards modernizing government procurement.
The eMarketplace, a component of the updated PhilGEPS, is eyed to combat corruption by verifying merchants and suppliers, ensuring they meet the technical specifications and budget requirements set by procuring entities.
“With the eMarketplace, government agencies or procuring entities can now just ‘Add to Cart’ or directly purchase their common-use supplies and equipment requirements from competent and reputable suppliers,” Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said.
“With only a few clicks, we can now purchase the same way we would shop in Shopee or Lazada using our digital devices, shortening the tedious process of regular procurement from three mo nths to just 60 days,” she added.
The digital platform was unveiled on December 13 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.
The eMarketplace is designed to be inclusive, offering opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises, social enterprises and women-led businesses to participate in government procurement by simplifying the registration and bidding process.
“As we progress, along with digital transformation, we are confident that the eMarketplace will work not only as a digital tool for centralized procurement but also as a catalyst for good governance, economic development, and social progress,” Procurement Service (PS)-DBM Deputy Executive Director Rommel Rivera said.
In July this year, President Marcos Jr. signed into law the New Government Procurement Act, which updates old procurement rules, making government operations more efficient and transparent.
“Indeed, technology’s transformative power is limitless. And despite the challenges, we have embraced positive changes. But today, we go beyond embracing — we are pioneering,” Pangandaman said.
“We assure you that the PS-DBM is committed to continuously institutionalizing public procurement reforms to achieve our Agenda for Prosperity,” she also said.
