Sorsogon State University (SorSU), in partnership with the Government Procurement Policy Board – Technical Support Office (GPPB-TSO), hosted a two-day Training on Republic Act No. 9184 (Government Procurement Reform Act) and its 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), alongside key updates on the newly enacted Republic Act No. 12009 or the New Government Procurement Act. Held on June 26–27, 2025, at Clover Leaf Place, Brgy. Cabid-An, Sorsogon City, the event aimed to strengthen public procurement practices within university offices and was attended by top executives, procurement officers, faculty members, and non-teaching personnel from the university.
Day 1 opened with remarks from Mr. Gerald E. Fulay, J.D., SorSU Vice President for Administrative and Finance, followed by a message from SUC President III, Dr. Geraldine F. De Jesus, who emphasized the university’s role in promoting integrity and efficiency in governance. Mr. Jhonnel D. Francisco introduced the keynote speaker, Dr. Pritzie S. Rey, who discussed the key provisions of RA 12009, particularly procurement by electronic means, and strategic procurement planning.
Day 2 began with a recap by Mr. Joebert L. Tarraya and the introduction of the day’s speaker by Mr. Arvin B. Pura (Head-Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) Secretariat). Dr. Maria Sara P. Padua-Labilles led the sessions on the modes of public procurement, contract implementation, and sanction mechanisms under existing and new procurement laws.
Dr. Maria Luisa P. Mirasol concluded the seminar with key insights and takeaways, highlighting how the New Government Procurement Act transforms procurement from a static, price-driven, and paper-based process under RA 9184 into a dynamic, digital, sustainability-focused, and strategically guided system anchored in accountability and professionalism.
Likewise, Mr. Arvin B. Pura also shared that the most valuable insight he gained from the seminar was a deeper understanding of the revisions to RA 9184 and the key principles of the New Government Procurement Act (RA 12009). He emphasized how the updated law promotes transparency, value for money, environmental and economic considerations—particularly through the application of Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA). He also highlighted the importance of strategic procurement planning, noting, He also highlighted the importance of strategic procurement planning, noting, “Proper planning prevents poor performance.” He further stressed that accountability and integrity are essential, especially among key stakeholders such as the end-users, BAC members, the Technical Working Group, and the Secretariat, to ensure the effective and ethical implementation of procurement processes.
Engr. Rufo D. Durian III closed the event by reaffirming SorSU’s continued commitment to governance capacity-building. He emphasized the importance of understanding and applying the different modes of procurement to maximize government benefits—ensuring the best possible quality at the most cost-efficient rates.
The event served as a vital platform to align procurement practices with current legislation, promote transparency, and support the successful implementation of RA 12009 nationwide. (SorSU PIO)
Photo credits: SorSU PIO & Mr. Joebert L. Tarraya
