On 12 August 2024, the Government Procurement Policy Board – Technical Support Office (GPPB-TSO) launched three Innovative Digital Platforms to make government procurement more open, transparent, participatory, and of course accessible and efficient. The event, held at the GPPB-TSO Building, marked a major step in advancing these goals.
Present at the launch were key figures crucial to the event’s success: Chairperson of the Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB) and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Panagandaman, DBM Undersecretary Janet B. Abuel, World Bank Senior Procurement Specialist Mr. Dominic Aumentado, and esteemed guests from other development partners and other government agencies. Their presence underscored the collaborative effort and high-level support driving the initiatives forward.
The three (3) key tools introduced are the Procurement Observers’ Portal (POP), the New Government Procurement Act (NGPA) Microsite, and the Billy Bayong Chatbot. Each innovation developed plays a crucial role in the successful implementation of the NGPA.
The POP is one of the GPPB-TSO’s initiatives to make government procurement activities more open, transparent, and participatory through more meaningful observer participation. In collaboration with the World Bank, the GPPB-TSO developed an online platform where civil society organizations (CSOs) can register and participate in government procurement. This ensures that procurement is more transparent and fairer, and that our government agencies are more accountable. With the open, extensive, and industry or expertise-based observer directories on the POP, it will be easier and more appropriate for Procuring Entities to invite potential observers for their procurement activities. Online submission of observers report for the civil society organizations streamlines the whole process. This modern approach not only saves time and resources but also enhances accountability in government transactions.
The NGPA Microsite presents a significant leap forward in managing and sharing of information about the newly enacted Republic Act No. 12009. To promote inclusivity and encourage public participation in the preparation of the IRR, the NGPA Microsite is designed to be a vital resource for all stakeholders involved in government procurement. Designed to serve a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, private sector representatives, and concerned citizens, the microsite provides the following features:
- Committee Information: providing details about the groups involved in drafting the NGPA rules and regulations
- Resource Library: offering access to important documents, including provisions matrices and related issuances
- Activity Calendar: displaying schedules for committee meetings, stakeholder consultations, and other relevant events
- Feedback Portal: allowing registered users to submit inputs and suggestions to contribute to the crafting of the NGPA implementing rules and regulations
- Latest News and Updates: keeping stakeholders informed about recent developments in NGPA implementation.
This innovation is a significant step towards a more transparent and efficient procurement system in the Philippines, designed to keep stakeholders well-informed and engaged.
The introduction of the Billy Bayong Chatbot marks a significant advancement in the GPPB-TSO’s digital transformation efforts. Unlike conventional FAQ pages, this innovative tool provides interactive, real-time responses around the clock, vastly improving the accessibility of government information and streamlining communication. With the GPPB-TSO managing approximately 2,374 inquiries via letter and email, and 4,080 phone queries in 2023 alone, the Billy Bayong Chatbot meets the pressing need for a more efficient support system by delivering instant assistance and up-to-date information, enhancing overall service efficiency.
Secretary Pangandaman emphasized in her keynote message that “The Procurement Observers’ Portal, the NGPA microsite, and the Billy Bayong ChatBot are not merely tools, these are embodiments of our collective commitment to advancing a transparent, accountable, and efficient public procurement system.”
Mr. Dominic Aumentado stated that the POP is a cornerstone for digitalization which will be considered as a catalyst for better governance and improved service delivery. He added that for public procurement, digitalization is essential in ensuring quality of goods and services, accelerating their deliveries to the people.
DBM Undersecretary Abuel shared that the POP, the NGPA Microsite, and the Billy Bayong ChatBot represent more than just technological advancement. They symbolize the dedication to fostering an open and participatory environment where every Filipino is given the tools to monitor and engage with the government procurement process.
GPPB-TSO Executive Director Rowena Candice M. Ruiz highlighted that “Today’s event signifies a crucial milestone in our ongoing efforts to improve transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public procurement.” She emphasized that through the implementation of these initiatives, a PRAISE (Proactive, Responsive, Agile, Innovative, Sustainable, and Efficient) Public Procurement System can be developed that serves the public interest, maintains integrity, and fosters sustainable development.
With these innovations, the GPPB and GPPB-TSO is taking a significant step toward a more efficient and accountable procurement system, setting a new standard for good governance and open government.
#ProcurementObserversPortal #NGPAMicrosite #BillyBayongChatbot #GPPBeInnovative #WeMakeThingsHappen