Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) in Batac City, Ilocos Norte has intensified efforts to strengthen institutional governance and operational efficiency by conducting a university-wide training on procurement and financial management in line with the New Government Procurement Act (Republic Act No. 12009) and its implementing rules and regulations.

The capacity-building program gathered university personnel involved in procurement, supply management, and project implementation to enhance their technical knowledge and ensure compliance with updated government procurement policies.

The training was led by Vice President for Administration and Finance Fides Bitanga, with resource speakers from various administrative offices discussing key aspects of procurement and financial management.

The sessions covered budget execution, financial reporting, procurement planning, market scoping, Project Procurement Management Plan (PPMP) and Purchase Request (PR) preparation, procurement methods, and documentary requirements for government transactions.

Participants also received briefings on procurement governance, including the roles of the Procurement Directorate, Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) Secretariat, Technical Working Group (TWG), and Procurement Inspection Committee (PICOP), as well as contract management, quotation processing, project implementation, and delivery procedures.

Each session concluded with an open forum where participants raised operational concerns, clarified procurement regulations, and discussed challenges encountered in their respective offices.

MMSU said the training is part of its continuing efforts to strengthen procurement practices, promote financial accountability, and improve coordination among administrative units while ensuring compliance with national government standards.