Wazzup Pilipinas!?
The Department of Education (DepEd), under the leadership of Education Secretary Sonny Angara, is making bold strides in procurement reforms to ensure greater transparency, efficiency, and fairness in government transactions. These initiatives are in line with President Bongbong Marcos Jr.’s commitment to good governance and accountability.
Sec. Angara emphasized these reforms at the inaugural Suppliers’ Summit, held from March 19-20 at Century Park Hotel, Manila. The event brought together around 250 suppliers and service providers, fostering dialogue on procurement improvements, regulatory compliance, and dispute resolution.
“Sa ating mga suppliers at bidders—hindi lang kayo negosyo. Kayo ay kaagapay po natin sa reporma. Wala nang dahilan para maantala. Green light na—para sa mas maayos na procurement, para sa dekalidad na edukasyon,” Angara declared.
Suppliers’ Registry: A Game-Changer in Procurement
At the forefront of these reforms is the launch of the DepEd Suppliers’ Registry, a digital platform that streamlines supplier engagement and procurement processes. By providing businesses with direct access to bidding opportunities, the registry aims to eliminate inefficiencies, enhance market participation, and reduce bureaucratic delays.
Suppliers can now register their products and services at:
➡ https://suppliers.deped.gov.ph/
Through this portal, suppliers receive real-time bid alerts and can communicate directly with DepEd, ensuring faster transactions and timely delivery of learning resources to schools nationwide.
As the principal author of the New Government Procurement Act (NGPA), Sec. Angara stressed that reforming procurement processes is crucial to prevent delays and enhance the efficiency of the education sector.
P2.7 Billion in Projects Awarded for Learning Resources
DepEd’s procurement reforms are already making an impact. Undersecretary for Procurement and Finance Oversight Rowena Ruiz reported that through Early Procurement Activities (EPA), the department has successfully awarded:
₱1.9 billion worth of DepEd Computerization Program (DCP) projects, which include 64,000 laptops and smart TV packages
₱864 million worth of learning resources, providing 87 million modules and 74,000 tablets
“Under the leadership of Secretary Sonny Angara, DepEd has taken bold steps to streamline the procurement process, eliminate inefficiencies, and uphold integrity. Simple lang ang mantra namin. Tatlo lang iyon. Three words: maayos, mabilis, malinis,” said Undersecretary and Head of Procuring Entity Peter Irving Corvera.
Suppliers as Partners in Education
The summit underscored the critical role of suppliers in providing educators with the necessary tools to enhance learning outcomes. Undersecretary and Chief of Staff Fatima Lipp D. Panontongan highlighted the importance of partnerships in advancing DepEd’s mission.
“This is the perfect example of the collaboration and partnership with our suppliers. You help us equip our schools, empower our teachers, and inspire learners,” Panontongan stated.
Showcasing Innovation and Future Opportunities
The event also featured a Market Opportunities Exhibit, where suppliers showcased cutting-edge educational products and services alongside DepEd’s 2025 project plans.
Additionally, a series of plenary and breakout sessions covered key topics, including:
The New Government Procurement Act (NGPA)
The Tatak Pinoy Act
DepEd’s major procurement initiatives for 2025
Prominent experts from various organizations contributed valuable insights, including:
Atty. Catherine Jennifer Francis Gonzales (World Bank)
Ms. Soma Misra (Asian Development Bank)
Atty. Herminio Bagro (US-ASEAN Business Council)
Ms. Carmen Zubiaga (WOWLEAP)
Driving a Transparent and Efficient Education System
With these reforms, DepEd is ensuring that procurement processes are more transparent, supplier-friendly, and aligned with the needs of the education sector. Through initiatives like the Suppliers’ Registry, Early Procurement Activities, and an inclusive supplier engagement strategy, the department is setting new standards in government procurement.
As Secretary Angara puts it:
“Green light na—para sa mas maayos na procurement, para sa dekalidad na edukasyon.”
With these reforms, DepEd is paving the way for a faster, fairer, and more efficient supply system—one that benefits schools, teachers, and millions of Filipino learners.
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