Empowering Bicol EPAHP RCT: Seminar-Workshop Enhances Understanding of Procurement Practices

Empowering Bicol EPAHP RCT: Seminar-Workshop Enhances Understanding of Procurement Practices

The Seminar-Workshop on the Utilization of Negotiated Procurement-Community Participation (NP-CP) Mode of Procurement is a collaborative effort between the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) Regional Program Management Office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Regional Office 5 and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Regional Office 5 aimed to to equip the EPAHP Regional Convergence Team and other implementing partners with technical expertise in NP-CP procurement. This will enable them to offer technical support to direct recipients such as local farmers, community-based organizations, and government procuring entities.

Naga City, May 24, 2024 - Government stakeholders from various agencies converged in Naga City on May 23-24, 2024, for a Seminar-Workshop on the Utilization of Negotiated Procurement-Community Participation (NP-CP) Mode of Procurement.

 The two-day training delved into the intricacies of procurement activities as mandated by R.A. 9184 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, with a particular focus on Section 53.12, which outlines guidelines for the conduct of community participation in procurement. Through a series of informative sessions, interactive discussions, and practical exercises, attendees gained valuable insights into the NP-CP procurement modality, including its benefits, challenges, and best practices.

Mr. Judex Donnel G. Llamoso, Administrative Officer IV/Procurement Officer of DSWD Field Office V, served as the resource speaker for the seminar-workshop, bringing his wealth of experience and expertise to the table. He delivered an extensive presentation on the NP-CP mode of procurement. His discussion covered the procedure, its application, significance, and recommendations to address potential challenges in procuring agricultural and fishery products from accredited local farmers, fisherfolk cooperatives, and enterprises.

The inter-agency training saw participation from several government bodies, including the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), Department of Agriculture (DA), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), National Nutrition Council (NNC), Department of Health (DOH), National Dairy Authority (NDA), DSWD, and NIA R5. Participants actively engaged in the sessions, exchanging ideas and experiences to enhance their understanding of procurement practices. They expressed their commitment to applying the knowledge gained from the training to their respective areas of responsibility, with a focus on ensuring effective and efficient implementation of the NP-CP modality.

“Through the EPAHP Marketing Agreement, hopefully mas mapataas pa natin ang kita ng ating magsasaka dahil mas madadagdagan na ang kanilang market o bagsakan ng kanilang mga ani at produkto. Kapag may inter-agency partnership kung saan tayo ay sama-sama, kayang-kaya nating makamtan ang ating tungkulin bilang mga kawani ng gobyerno. Kayam maraming, maraming salamat po dahil nandito kayong lahat. Welcome na welcome po kayo dito sa NIA. At ang mga bagong kaalaman na tinuturo at ituturo niyo sa amin ay hindi para sa amin dahil ito ay para mas mapagbuti pa ang pamumuhay ng ating mga magsasakang Pilipino”, said Engr. Gaudencio M. De Vera, Regional Manager of NIA Region V.

The Seminar-Workshop on the Utilization of Negotiated Procurement-Community Participation (NP-CP) Mode of Procurement served as a platform for capacity-building and knowledge-sharing among government stakeholders. Moving forward, participants are poised to integrate and cascade the knowledge gained to their direct recipients or beneficiaries, paving the way for positive change and progress in their respective communities.