DBM launches gov’t e-market

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Friday launched an e-marketplace for agencies seeking suppliers of various projects.

This is called the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) eMarketplace which aims to speed up the purchase process for procuring entities.

“With the eMarketplace, government agencies or procuring entities can now just ‘Add to Cart’ or directly purchase their common-use supplies and equipment requirements from competent and reputable suppliers. With only a few clicks, we can now purchase the same way we would shop in Shopee or Lazada using our digital devices, shortening the tedious process of regular procurement from three months to just 60 days,” the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) stated.

Anti-graft tool

DBM also sees the e-marketplace as an anti-corruption tool as auditing officials can view the details of the suppliers and their products, enabling verification of whether the suppliers are legitimate and if their products meet the quality requirements of government projects.

“As we progress, along with digital transformation, we are confident that the marketplace will work not only as a digital tool for centralized procurement but also as a catalyst for good governance, economic development, and social progress,” Procurement Service-DBM deputy executive director Rommel Rivera said.

Through the e-marketplace, the DBM also expects to help small and medium enterprises grow their businesses.

Pangandaman said the e-marketplace supports the New Government Procurement Act signed into law by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in July. The law aims to make procurement processes more efficient and transparent.