Establishing a professional licensing program of procurement positions in the government is a significant step towards enhancing the efficiency, transparency, and integrity of public procurement processes, and ensuring that procurement professionals are well-equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to handle complex procurement processes.

The New Government Procurement Act (NGPA) or Republic Act No. 12009 significantly elevates the professionalism of procurement practitioners. This law mandates the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), in consultation with the Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB), to establish, administer, and regulate a professional licensing program. Additionally, it requires the continuing education of public procurement professionals as a prerequisite for holding a procurement position in government.

A well-established professional licensing program provides the following outcomes:

𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀: By setting specific educational and professional standards, the licensing program ensures that procurement officers are highly competent and maintain integrity in their roles.

𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: Licensed procurement professionals are held to strict ethical and professional standards, which enhances accountability and reduces the risk of corruption.

𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆: Properly trained and licensed procurement officers can streamline procurement processes, leading to more efficient use of government resources. This results in cost savings and timely delivery of goods and public services.

𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗸 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: Licensed professionals are better equipped to identify and manage risks associated with procurement, including managing supplier relationships and ensuring compliance with regulations.

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: Licensing often requires ongoing education and professional development, ensuring that procurement officers stay updated with the latest best practices and regulatory changes.

By mandating rigorous standards and continuous professional development, the NGPA not only enhances the competency of procurement officers but also builds public trust and accountability. This initiative paves the way for more effective use of government resources, and ultimately, a more robust and reliable procurement system.

Together, we can achieve a higher standard of excellence in government procurement, benefiting both the public sector and the communities we serve.

• Follow us for more NGPA updates!!

#ProcurementProfessionalization #ProcurementProfessionalLicensing #GPPBeProfessionalized #WeMakeThingsHappen