The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has introduced the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) eMarketplace, a digital platform aimed at modernizing government procurement processes.
DBM secretary Amenah Pangandaman and the Procurement Service (PS)-DBM led the unveiling of the eMarketplace on Friday, Dec. 13, at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.
The DBM said the eMarketplace is designed to be inclusive, providing opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), social enterprises, and women-led businesses to participate in government procurement by simplifying the registration and bidding process.
As the country continues to embrace digital transformation, Pangandaman noted that launching the eMarketplace is a significant step towards efficiency, transparency, and sustainability in public service.
“With the eMarketplace, government agencies or procuring entities can now simply ‘Add to Cart’ or directly purchase their common-use supplies and equipment (CSE) requirements from competent and reputable suppliers,” Pangandaman said.
“With just a few clicks, we can now purchase the same way we would shop on Shopee or Lazada using our digital devices, reducing the regular procurement process from three months to just 60 days.”
The DBM said the launch of the online marketplace aligns with the government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable and marginalized sectors.
The eMarketplace, a component of the updated PhilGEPS, is aimed at helping combat corruption by verifying merchants and suppliers, ensuring they meet the technical specifications and budget requirements set by procuring entities.
PS-DBM deputy executive Director Rommel Rivera expressed confidence that the eMarketplace would serve as a digital tool for centralized procurement and “a catalyst for good governance, economic development, and social progress.”
Pangandaman also praised the swift completion of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) draft ahead of schedule.
“Through the collaboration of DBM, the Government Procurement Policy Board – Technical Support Office (GPPBTSO), and the PS-DBM, we now have a draft IRR available for stakeholder comments and inputs, in line with our commitment to incorporating open government values in procurement reform,” she said, noting that the IRR was completed in only a month.
“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. We assure you that the PS-DBM is committed to continuously institutionalizing public procurement reforms to achieve our Agenda for Prosperity,” Pangandaman added.
