QUEZON CITY – In preparation for the full implementation and utilization of the Modernized Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (mPhilGEPS) in government entities, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), through the Administrative and Finance Unit – Office of the Director (AFU-OD), conducted the “Elevating the Procurement Process: Training on mPhilGEPS.” The training was attended by 50 participants, including members of the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), Technical Working Group (TWG), and BAC Secretariat from the ATI Central Office and its network of Training Centers. The training aimed to equip procurement officers with comprehensive knowledge and skills for navigating the mPhilGEPS platform.
The mPhilGEPS is an upgraded version of the existing Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) 1.5, featuring new capabilities such as the uploading of the Annual Procurement Plan (APP) and Purchase Requests (PR), as well as functionality for Online Public Bidding—from Pre-Bid Conference to Contract Implementation. Under the guidance of certified mPhilGEPS trainers, Mr. Arniel A. Abellonar and Mr. Rogelio DP. Labrador, Jr., participants gained in-depth knowledge and practical skills in account management, APP uploading, and both manual and electronic bid preparation and submission through inputting sessions and workshops. In anticipation of the release of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 12009, or the New Government Procurement Act, a special session was included to introduce its features, definitions of terms, new procurement modes, and key amendments.
The ATI Directorate emphasizes in their messages that to elevate the procurement process and ensure compliance with evolving regulations, it necessitates a commitment to thorough planning, continuous learning, and collaborative improvement within the BAC, TWG, and Secretariat. Mr. Vladimir Caliguiran, BAC Chairperson of ATI-RTC Cagayan Valley, shared his thoughts on the significance of the training, “The training is very timely in preparation for the migration to mPhilGEPS and the implementation of RA 12009. I’ve learned how to navigate mPhilGEPS, from creating the APP and PR to posting Bid Notices and awarding contracts. mPhilGEPS will help us systematize our procurement activities and ensure that all our procurement projects are included in the APP.”
Following the training, a Special Order will be issued for personnel responsible for managing mPhilGEPS accounts, and a Technical Guidance and Inputting Session on mPhilGEPS is scheduled for November to further immerse procurement officers in the platform and facilitate a full transition to electronic processes.
The training took place from September 16-20, 2024, at the ATI Central Office in Diliman, Quezon City.
