A national seminar-workshop on RA 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act, Updates and Revised IRR, organized by the Office of CHED Commissioner Jo Mark M. Libre, was held on March 3 & 4, 2023 at the Philippine Gateway Hotel, Km.2, Surigao City, hosted by the Surigao del Norte State University in coordination with Caraga State University(CSU), Northern Mindanao State University( NEMSU) and Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology ( ASSCAT).
The said event was attended by 331 participants from 24 SUCs who are under the charge of Comm.Libre. SUC presidents, vice-presidents, BAC members, and other officials were present.
Dr. Charisma Ututalum, president of Sulu State College did the opening remarks on the first day of the seminar-workshop followed by messages from Dr. Nelson P. Cabral, Vice President of PASUC Mindanao, Hon. Ronnie Azura from the Office of Se. Francis Joseph “Chiz” Escudero, City Councilor Christopher “ Boyet” Bonite, who represented Surigao City Mayor Hon. Pablo Yves L. Dumlao II, and Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Christopher P. Tripoli, who came on behalf of Provincial Governor Hon.Robert Lyndon S. Barbers.
In his message, Comm. Libre enumerated some advices regarding the conduct of procurement processes which he addressed to BAC Chairs, BAC members and secretariat, and SUC Presidents. To the presidents, Comm. Libre advised, “never accept any snacks or gifts from bidders, never invite bidders to bid, and have time to reflect on and double check all documents before signing any notice of award.” The commissioner likewise encouraged universities and colleges to reach out and talk to each other and share their best practices regarding RA 9184.
Speakers during Day 1 of the seminar workshop, introduced by SNSU president Dr. Gregorio Z. Gamboa, Jr., were from the Office of the Solicitor General, namely: Assistant Solicitor General Justice James L. Cundangan, Senior State Solicitor Atty. Leney Layug-Delfin, State Solicitor II Atty, June Abigail Dela Cruz, and State Solicitor Atty.Gift S. Mohametano.
Following the series of lectures was a welcome dinner, hosted by SNSU at the Pansohoton Hall of Gateway Hotel which featured performances from the SNSU Chorale and SNSU Lingas Sagedsed Ensemble.
Those who gave a talk on the second day of the seminar were Senior State Solicitors Atty. Roel Vincent G. Castro, Atty. Lilian C. Abenojar, Atty. MA. Teresa Ana V. Bermejo, and State Solicitor II Atty. Carlos Vincent C. Trinidad, all from the Office of the Solicitor General. The closing remarks was delivered by Dr. Ambrosio B. Cultura, University of Science and Technology(USTP) president.
Dr. Gamboa in the meantime said that SNSU is proud to have hosted such a big and prestigious national event and he is grateful to the SNSU team for their full cooperation and support.
