Following the organizational restructuring of the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR), the bureau’s key officials, Bids and Awards Committee, and end-user representatives underwent training on Republic Act No. 9184, or the Government Procurement Reform Act, and its 2016 revised implementing rules and regulations on 10, 12, and 14 May 2021.

The training webinar served as a refresher or follow-up course for concerned staff with regards to their duties in performing activities involving procurement, delivery, and payment of goods and services among others.

This was also to enhance appreciation among officials and staff regarding the importance of implementing the abovementioned law for efficient service delivery of DA-BAR despite the pandemic crisis. 

Topics that were discussed include efficient procurement measures during a state of calamity or implementation of community quarantine; key features of the RA 9184 and procurement organizations; procurement planning and budget linkage, including early procurement activities; standard bidding procedures for goods and infrastructure projects, as well as for consulting services; and alternative methods of procurement. 

Dr. Cheryl Ramos, Administrative Services Division director; and Ronnie Gutierrez, chief procurement officer, of the Central Luzon State University were tapped as resource persons for the three-day activity. Both were Government Procurement Policy Board recognized trainers.