BUTUAN CITY – Five procurement personnel from the Agricultural Training Institute–Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) XIII participated in the Training on the New Government Procurement Act (NGPA) or Republic Act No. 12009 on June 16–18, 2026, at the VCDU Convention Hall, Villa Kananga, Butuan City.

The ATI-RTC XIII participants were Engr. Matt Andrew G. Baquiano (BAC Chairperson), Ms. Ginalyn V. Arbutante (BAC Member), Mr. Francis H. Iriarte (AFU Chief), Ms. Mary Grace B. Salve (BAC Secretariat Head), and Ms. Ligaya M. Antiola (BAC Secretariat).

The training aimed to enhance participants’ understanding of the new procurement law and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), promoting transparency, efficiency, accountability, competitiveness, and value for money in government procurement.

Organized upon the request of the Department of Agriculture–Caraga Region, the training was facilitated by Elevand Organization Inc. (Exquiro Training PH), a GPPB-recognized training provider.

During the opening program, Ms. Emmylou T. Presilda, OIC-Chief of the Administrative Division, emphasized the important role of procurement practitioners in ensuring the efficient and responsible use of government resources.

The three-day training covered the key provisions of RA 12009, various procurement methods under the NGPA with emphasis on Direct Acquisition and Negotiated Procurement-Sagip Saka Act, and topics on contract implementation, dispute resolution, sanctions, and administrative liabilities. Resource persons included Mr. Decejon C. Alipao, MPA, a GPPB-recognized trainer, and Engr. Junrey Labatos from the Commission on Audit (COA) Regional Office.

Through the training, ATI-RTC XIII procurement personnel gained updated knowledge and practical insights to help ensure the effective and compliant implementation of procurement activities under the New Government Procurement Act.