To capacitate LGU partners in identifying appropriate procurement methods for subprojects under the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), a two-day training on World Bank harmonized procurement process was held on May 3-4, 2018 in Baguio City.

In response to the findings of the previous World Bank Implementation Support Mission, new and old members of the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) secretariat from Abra and Apayao were equipped with updates and changes to the procurement methods and process for goods and works.

“This is a good opportunity to capacitate LGU partners in handling projects from planning to implementation because the more capable an LGU is, the more opportunities for funding will come,” said Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Dr. Cameron P. Odsey as he welcomed the participants and speakers from the National Project Coordination Office (NPCO).

He also urged the participants if they can convince their local chief executives to invest in capability trainings as these processes will ultimately form part of the national system.

The training started off with an overview of the I-REAP (Enterprise Development) component followed by the legal references of the PRDP procurement guidelines presented by Leslie Funcion, Associate Procurement Officer and Rossana Joaquin, Procurement Specialist from the PRDP NPCO.

Joaquin discussed that procurement in the PRDP is governed by the conditions of the World Bank Loan Agreement and the Government of the Philippines (GOP).

“As agreed between the Bank and the GOP, should there be a conflict between RA 9184 (Government Procurement Reform Act) and the Bank’s Procurement Guidelines, the latter shall prevail,” stressed Joaquin.

Further, the following topics were discussed: Prior Review and Bid Evaluation Report (BER) Review Process, PhilGEPS Posting Procedures, Procurement Procedures, Forms and Indicative Timelines for shopping for goods and works.

Hands-on workshops on the preparation of procurement forms and BERs followed the lectures. After which, outputs were critiqued for enhancement.

Meanwhile, RPCO-CAR Project Development Associate Engr. Roiston Carame said that retooling trainings on procurement guidelines will be continuously conducted to the LGUs especially those that are yet to procure goods and works for their subprojects.// (Elvy S. Taquio, RPCO-CAR InfoACE)