The Philippines will host the East Asia and the Pacific International Public Procurement Conference from April 28 to 30, gathering over 150 procurement experts and government officials from 15 countries to address key issues in public spending, transparency, and reform.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is expected to lead the opening ceremony in Manila, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) confirmed Thursday.
Co-organized by the DBM, the Government Procurement Policy Board – Technical Support Office (GPPB-TSO), and the World Bank, the conference aims to foster regional collaboration on modernizing procurement systems.
DBM Secretary and GPPB Chairperson Amenah Pangandaman emphasized the significance of the event: “Procurement is a major activity in government which is crucial for ensuring efficient and effective service delivery to our citizens.”
She also highlighted the country’s milestone with the New Government Procurement Act (NGPA), calling it the “biggest anti-corruption law in modern times,” promoting transparency, accountability, and value for money.
With the theme “Procurement for the People: Bridging Innovation, Value for Money, and Accountability,” the conference will feature plenary sessions, panel discussions, and case studies on inclusive, sustainable, and community-driven procurement reforms.
Topics include professionalizing procurement systems, participatory governance, and leveraging procurement to support climate action and generational investments.