CITY OF MALOLOS—Firecracker related injuries in Central Luzon since Dec. 21 rose to 56 compared to only 17 last year because of the use of illegal and improvised firecracker “boga,” including other prohibited fireworks products, officials said in a report on Friday.

As of Saturday, Dec.30, there were 56 firecracker related injuries recorded in the region. Pampanga with 25 cases has the highest, Nueva Ecija with 10 as second and Bulacan with 9 as the third.

Corazon Flores, Department of Health (DOH) region 3 director during Friday’s visit at Bulacan Medical Center said that the incidents mostly involved boga, piccolo, and whistle devices. There are also cases brought by legal firecracker five-star (the regular size ones, the large sizes are the ones prohibited) and skyrocket or kwitis, also not prohibited under RA 7183, the laws on manufacture, sales and distribution of firecrackers and pyrotechnics. 

Gov. Daniel Fernando, chair of Bulacan Provincial Pyrotechnic Board, Vice Governor Alexis Castro, Bulacan Medical Center Director Lito Trinidad and Bulacan Provincial Health Office, Head, Edwin Tecson showed and briefed Flores on the readiness of the Bulacan Medical Center (BMC) in treating and responding to fireworks related incidents as the new year celebration is barely only a day left.

“We already have a protocol of treating our kababayans who suffered injuries during the new year celebration. We also have on stand-by Go Team health and response units composed of 2 BMC and one Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) ambulances” if needed, Fernando said.

According to the DOH data, hands are the most commonly affected, burned or injured from accidental explosions including head, eyes, neck, arms and abdomen.

The most common victims are ages 1-10. The oldest recorded victim is 52 years old. All the 40 cases, Flores said, involved male.

Trinidad urged parents to strictly watch their children not to buy firecrackers and only use the pyrotechnic or the “pailaw” and to also strictly remind them not to pick up firecracker left overs or those which malfunctioned and could not be lighted up.    

Castro said Bulacan does not need new laws in regulating the fireworks industry because of the already existing laws on its manufacture, sales and distribution through RA 7183.

Castro said Bulacan respects other local government units which prohibit the  manufacture, sales, use and distribution of fireworks in their respective areas because they are mandated to have their own sets of ordinances, whether they declare it as illegal or not. But he said, the province of Bulacan will always support and promote the fireworks industry. “It is the right of every LGU to implement what its leaders think will be best for their people, but here in Bulacan, we will always support and promote the legal aspect of the fireworks industry. What we do not support is the manufacture, sale and distribution of the illegal products,” the vice governor added.

According to the governor he has ordered all the barangay captains in fireworks producing towns of Bocaue, Sta. Maria, San Ildefonso, San Rafael, Baliwag and Norzagaray to check clandestine backyard and residential manufacture of firecrackers and pyrotechnics.

Fernando said obeying the law, not using or patronizing prohibited firecrackers and observing safety precautions will keep everyone safe while enjoying the sounds and the beautiful bright lights of the fireworks in welcoming the new year.

Edwin Tecson, Bulacan Public Health Officer said the province has 49 private hospitals, 13 government institutions and 24 city and municipal health offices.

Tecson also said Bulacan for the past consecutive years has not recorded a single case of stray bullet in welcoming the new year.

CAMP GEN. ALEJO SANTOS, Bulacan—Authorities arrested an unlicensed backyard firecracker and pyrotechnic manufacturer at his residence in Barangay Sta. Maria on Friday.

Bulacan police director Col. Relly Arnedo said a 31-year-old male suspect was arrested at about 2:30 pm in his place in KM.41, Barangay Pulong Buhangin, Santa Maria town by joint teams from the town police station, Civil Security Group-Firearms and Explosives Office (CSG-FEO) and the Bulacan Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU).  

The suspect was caught in the act of manufacturing fireworks without any permit from the proper authorities.

Seized from the suspect’s possession were two hundred (200) pieces of ‘kwitis’, forty (40) pieces of unfinished ‘fountain’, thirty (30) pieces of cylinder ‘fountain’, one hundred (100) pieces of unfinished ‘kwitis’, and one fourth (1/4) gallon of unfinished ‘sawa’ amounting to ten thousand pesos P10,000.00.

A criminal complaint for violation of R.A. 7183 has been prepared against him.  

Illegal firecracker production in residential zones poses severe risks to community safety, often leading to accidents, injuries, and property damage. The apprehension of the suspect underscores law enforcement’s crucial role in curbing such hazardous activities, ensuring the protection of residents, and preventing potential accidents in communities across Bulacan.

The unwavering commitment of the Bulacan PNP in enforcing pyrotechnic laws and ensuring public safety in the region echoes the directive of Police Region 3 Director, PBGen Jose Hidalgo Jr.

This arrest underscores the thrust of the police of continual dedication to upholding regulations and safeguarding the community. – “Pulis ng PRO 3, Partner ng Pamayanan”.

MANILA–Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Mina F. Pangandaman has approved the release of a Notice of Cash Allotment (NCA) amounting to P5 billion for the rebuilding, rehabilitation, and development of conflict-affected communities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The allocation—covering the Special Development Fund under the National Government’s provisions to Republic Act (RA) 11054 or Organic Law for BARMM—will be released annually for 10 years, from the ratification of the Organic Law for BARMM, or a grand total of P50 billion.

“Sa pamamagitan ng pondong ito, umaasa po tayo na magtutuluy-tuloy ang pag-unlad ng BARMM. Hinding-hindi po bibitawan ng administrasyon ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., ang pag-agapay sa BARMM, Lalo na sa transition process nito,” Sec. Mina stressed.

The release of the fund under FY 2023 was approved following BARMM Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim’s submission of the Cash Program containing the cash requirements and schedule for the programs/projects/activities (PPAs) to be funded under the Special Development Fund in the FY 2023 General Appropriations Act, RA No. 11936.

Sec. Mina earlier reaffirmed the government’s unwavering support of the peace and advancement efforts in the BARMM by proposing a financial aid of P80.6 billion for FY 2024.

The proposed budget incorporates the BARMM’s Annual Block Grant of P70.5 billion; the Special Development Fund (SDF) of P5 billion; and the BARMM’s shares in national taxes, fees, and charges of P5.1 billion, pursuant to RA 11054.

“The Agenda for Prosperity of the government aims for a promising future for the country where no Filipino is left behind. And by all, we mean all Filipinos, including Muslim Filipinos,” Sec. Mina added.

Pangandaman commends PBBM for approving service recognition incentives to gov’t employees

MANILA–Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Mina F. Pangandaman complimented President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for authorizing the grant of the Service Recognition Incentive (SRI) to more than 1.8 million government employees that began, De last Dec. 15.

“This is in recognition of the tireless dedication of our public servants. This is one way of making them feel that the government acknowledges their good work and efficient performance. On behalf of the DBM, I commend President BBM for approving Administrative Order No. 12 authorizing the grant of the Service Recognition Incentive—which has been implemented since 2019—to government employees for fiscal year 2023,” said Sec. Mina.

“As the Order notes, administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. ‘recognizes all government employees for their collective and invaluable contribution to the government’s continuing efforts in pursuing the objectives, commitments, targets, and deliverables under the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 and the President’s 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda,” Sec. Mina added.

Qualified State Workers to Receive SRI 

The AO authorizes the grant of a one-time SRI at a uniform rate not exceeding ₱20,000 for each of the following personnel: – For Executive Branch: civilian personnel in national government agencies (NGAs), including those in state universities and colleges (SUCs), and government-owned or controlled corporations (GOCCs) occupying regular, contractual or casual positions; and military personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines under the Department of National Defense, and uniformed personnel of the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology under the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Bureau of Corrections under the Department of Justice, the Philippine Coast Guard under the Department of Transportation, and the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

For Legislative and Judicial Departments and other offices vested with fiscal autonomy, local water districts, and in agencies exempted from the coverage of RA No. 6758. – For local government units (LGUs), the grant of the SRI shall be determined by their respective sanggunian depending on the LGU’s financial capability, subject to the PS limitation in LGU budgets under RA No. 7160.

To qualify to receive the SRI, the AO emphasized the following conditions: – The civilian personnel are occupying regular, contractual or casual positions; – The personnel are still in the government service as of 30 November 2023; -The personnel have rendered at least a total or an aggregate of four (4) months of satisfactory service as of 30 November 2023, inclusive of services rendered under any of the alternative work arrangements prescribed by the Civil Service Commission; – Those who have rendered less than a total or an aggregate of four (4) months of satisfactory service as of 30 November 2023 shall be entitled to a pro-rated SRI; and – The employees have not received any additional year-end benefit in FY 2023 over and above the benefit authorized under Republic Act (RA) No. 6686, as amended by RA No. 8441.

Excluded in SRI 

Excluded from the grant of the SRI are those who engaged without employer-employee relationship and whose compensation are funded from non-Personnel Services (PS) appropriations/budgets, such as consultants and experts engaged for a limited period to perform specific activities or services with expected outputs; laborers engaged through job contracts (pakyaw) and those paid on piecework basis; student workers and apprentices; and individuals and groups of people whose services are engaged through job orders, contracts of service or other similarly situated.

The President also earlier approved Administrative Order (AO) No. 13 which authorizes the grant of one-time Gratuity Pay not exceeding Five Thousand Pesos (₱5,000) for each qualified COS/JO worker in recognition of their hard work and valuable participation in the implementation of various programs, activities, and projects (P/A/Ps) in the government, as well as their pivotal role in the delivery of government services amidst the present socio-economic challenges.

Pangandaman supports PBBM’s commitment to honor taxpayers, says 2024 Budget Supports PH’s post-pandemic recovery

MANILA–Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Mina F. Pangandaman echoed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to leave a legacy free of burdensome debt for future generations.

“We are one with the President in ensuring that we honor the taxpayers who make the national budget possible. As the President said, ‘Debt is not the kind of inheritance we want for those who will come after us. Good fiscal stewardship imposes upon us discipline not to be led into the temptation of bloating what we owe,’” Sec. Pangandaman said.

To address concerns about fiscal prudence, the Budget Secretary emphasized that the 2024 national budget shall continue to prioritize responsible debt management while supporting the country’s post-pandemic recovery, guided by our Medium-Term Fiscal Framework (MTFF).

“Our MTFF started with a very high deficit, exceeding 7 percent during the pandemic… We’re making steady progress, aiming to bring it down to 3 percent by 2028. Reducing the deficit translates to less borrowing, but responsible borrowing for productive purposes remains crucial,” the DBM Secretary said.

To further demonstrate the administration’s commitment to fiscal consolidation over the long term, Secretary Pangandaman likewise confirmed a projected decrease in the deficit from 6.1 percent in 2023 to a target of slightly above 5 percent in 2024.

“Rest assured that the DBM shall continue to ensure transparent utilization, release, and monitoring of our public funds. We remain committed to delivering on our mandate to promote sound, efficient, and effective management and utilization of government resources to achieve our country’s development goals,” Pangandamam said.

Unprogrammed Funds Only Standby Funds 

Meanwhile, the DBM maintained that unprogrammed funds are standby appropriations, distinct from the approved government fiscal program, which serve as an important tool for the government to address unforeseen expenditures and prioritize essential programs and projects.

The DBM likewise noted that unprogrammed appropriations of the 2024 budget has built-in safeguards to prevent unconstitutional spending.

They are not automatically allocated, and can only be released if several funding conditions are met, such as when the government, through the Bureau of Treasury, is able to collect excess revenue/income beyond its initial projection, or should foreign or approved financial loans/grants proceeds are realized.

The DBM also highlighted that should there be excess revenues that may trigger the availability of the unprogrammed funds, government agencies are required to submit necessary requirements before given access to the standby fund. Such conditions ensure that spending stays within legal limits.

Social Security System (SSS) Zamboanga Branch recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the member agencies of the Department of Labor and Employment 9 – Regional Coordinating Committee (DOLE 9-RCC) for the social security coverage and protection of their Job Order (JO) workers.

Through the KaSSSangga Collect Program, 70 JO workers under the DOLE-attached agencies will be registered as SSS self-employed members since they are not covered by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).  Through an automatic salary deduction scheme, JO workers’ monthly contributions will be remitted properly, thus making themselves qualified to benefits and privileges under the Social Security (SS) and Employees’ Compensation (EC) Programs.

Participating member agencies under DOLE 9-RCC are National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC), National Conciliation Mediation Board (NCMB), Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC), and Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC).

Photo shows (from left to right) SSS Zamboanga Branch Acting Head Irene D. Laxamana, ECC Regional Advocacy Manager Cerna I. Ahmad-Ayub, NLRC Executive Labor Arbiter Hon. Lizanilla J. Amarga, DOLE 9 Regional Director Albert E. Gutib, SSS Mindanao West Division Acting Head Ma. Salvacion F. Alam, DOLE Undersecretary Atty. Benjo Santos M. Benavidez, TESDA IX Regional Director Tarhata S. Mapandi, NCMB Regional Director Oliver C. Jao, RTWPB IX Board Secretary VI Joel M. Ijirani, OSHC Regional Program Manager Engr. Leni R. Garcia, and PRC IX Professional Regulations Officer Maricar Siason, presenting the MOA during the 8^th Mindanao Occupational Safety and Health Summit held at the Garden Orchid Hotel’s Convention Center in Zamboanga City on October 10, 2023.

Ni Shane F. Velasco

LUNGSOD NG MALOLOS, Bulacan (PIA) – Isinusulong ng Cultural Center of the Philippines o CCP na mas mapaigting ang pakikipagtulungan nitong institusyon sa Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Bulacan, 20 bayan at apat na lungsod nito upang lubos na itaguyod ang mayamang sining at kultura ng bansa.

Ayon kay Michelle Nikki Junia, president ad interim ng CCP, layunin nito na mas mailapit sa pinakakaraniwang mamamayan ang mga presentasyon, serbisyo at adbokasiya ng CCP na nakatindig sa prinsipyo ng katotohanan, kabutihan at kagandahan o ang pamosong ‘the truth, the good and the beautiful.

Iyan ang ipinaabot ng CCP sa mga Bulakenyo at mga local chief executives sa ginanap na pagtatanghal ng Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra o PPO ng CCP sa harapan ng makasaysayang simbahan ng Barasoain, bilang sentro ng pagdiriwang ng Ika-24 Taong Anibersaryo ng Pagkalungsod o cityhood ng Malolos.

Para kay Malolos City Mayor Christian D. Natividad, akmang akma ang inisyatibong muling makapagtanghal ang PPO ng CCP sa lalawigan, partikular dito sa lungsod, upang makapagbukas ng mas maraming pintuan ng oportunidad para sa mga nasa creative industry sa larangan ng musika.

Kaya naman minarapat ng Pamahalaang Lungsod ng Malolos na anyayahan din ang League of the Municipalities of the Philippines o LMP-Bulacan Chapter upang tuwirang maiugnay ang 20 punong bayan at apat na mga punong lungsod sa CCP.

Bukod sa posibleng malapitang pagtatanghal ng PPO sa iba’t ibang panig ng Bulacan, magiging pagkakataon din ito sa CCP upang mailapit sa mga Bulakenyong nasa creative industry ang anumang angkop na tulong o pag-agapay sa lalo pang ikagaganda at ikalalago ng kanilang larangan.

Sakop nito ang mga nasa larangan ng film and broadcast arts, literary and visual arts, theater, dance at music. Iniaalok ng CCP sa kanila ang mga serbisyo gaya ng workshops, seminars, anthologies, exhibits, symposia at kasanayan sa pagsasagawa at paglahok sa mga competitions. Gayundin ang pagsasagawa ng mga awarding activities.

Mayroon ding mga programa ang CCP na uubrang malahukan ng mga nasa creative industry gaya ng Cultural Content Program, Cultural Exchange Program at ang taunang Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival.  

Kilala ang CCP na tahanan ng pinakamagagaling na performing companies ng bansa gaya ng PPO, University of Sto. Tomas (UST) Symphony Orchestra, Philippine Madrigal Singers at ang National Music Competitions for Young Artists Foundation o NAMCYA sa larangan ng musika.

Sa larangan ng sayaw, nandyan ang Ballet Philippines, Philippine Ballet Theatre, Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group at ang Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company. Habang ang Tanghalang Pilipino ang resident theater company ng CCP.

Kaugnay nito, binigyang diin ni Junia na magpapatuloy ang paglibot ng CCP kahit na muling magbukas ang publiko ang 53 taong gulang na gusali ng CCP na ngayo’y sumasailalim sa malawakang rehabilitasyon.

Iniulat din niya na bukod sa mga donasyon mula sa pribadong sektor, naglaan ang Department of Budget and Management o DBM ng P400 milyon sa pambansang badyet ng 2024 bilang ambag sa P1 bilyong kailangan sa pagsasaayos ng gusali ng CCP.

Target matapos at muling buksan ito sa taong 2026 na itinaon sa pagdadaos sa bansa ng Association of South East Asian o ASEAN Summit.

Naitatag ng CCP bilang isang ganap na institusyon sa bisa ng Executive Order No. 60 ni noo’y Pangulong Ferdinand Edralin Marcos Sr. noong 1966. Unang nabuksan sa publiko noong Setyembre 10, 1969 bilang sentro ng kaluluwa at pagkakakilanlan ng mga Pilipino bilang isang lahi sa pagtataguyod ni noo’y Unang Ginang Imelda Romualdez Marcos. (SFV/PIA-3/BULACAN)

CAMP GEN. ALEJO SANTOS, Bulacan — The Bulacan police intensified anti-criminality operations that resulted in the arrest of a motorcycle thief, a store robbery suspect, a wanted person and illegal drug suspects early during the week.

Bulacan Police Director Col. Relly Arnedo  said the swift action of his men in San Ildefonso town resulted in the arrest of @Jerry and @Andrea for violating R.A. 10883, the New Anti-Carnapping Act of 2016, at Purok 2, Brgy. Sapang-Putik on Tuesday.

Their victim was a local resident and barangay tanod caught them attempting to steal his motorcycle (Skygo King SG150) from a ‘sari-sari’ store. With assistance from the authorities, the suspects were apprehended and are now in police custody.

Meanwhile, in Bulakan town, one alias Cat was arrested for robbery at Ramos Store in Cupang street Barangay Maysantol around 2:30 am on Thursday. The suspect carted away cash and valuable wristwatches valued at about P150,000 from the store and at the victim’s residence. Prompt action by Bulakan police led to the suspect’s arrest.  Appropriate complaints have been filed against him.

Huit Allenson, who was wanted for murder with no bail recommended based on the order of the Presiding Judge of Branch 52, Regional Trial Court in the National Capital Judicial Region, Manila, was arrested by Angat police and is now detained at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Balagtas town.

Three other individuals wanted for various crimes were also arrested by Sta. Maria, San Ildefonso, and Guiguinto police based on court-issued warrants. All detainees are currently held in the respective arresting stations for proper disposition.

Eight drug suspects in the City of Malolos and Bocaue were arrested following the operations of their respective Station Drug Enforcement Unit. Confiscated from them were nineteen sachets of suspected shabu valued at about P36,000, along with marked money, during these operations.

The Bulacan PNP’s strong commitment in deterring crime and ensuring public safety in the province is evident through intensified police operations, guided by Police Region 3 Director PBGen Jose Hidalgo Jr.

The successful operations highlight the dedication and effectiveness in minimizing drug-related crimes and capturing wanted individuals and law offenders under the police “Pulis ng PRO 3, Partner ng Pamayanan” thrust, Arnedo also said.

MANILA–Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Mina F. Pangandaman has expressed belief the digitalization and innovation, which are at the heart of House Bill 9648 or the proposed new Government Procurement Reform Act (GPRA), will address gaps in the system of purchasing goods and services.

“Towards efficiency, we will streamline processes through digitalization and innovation by adopting electronic (e)-bidding and by modernizing the centralized procurement system of the Procurement Service (PS)-DBM,” said Sec. Mina.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has earlier urged the legislative branch to enact a new government procurement law and a new government auditing code to make procurement and auditing “more attuned to these changing times.”

The proposed new GPRA aims to promote transparency, competitiveness, efficiency, proportionality, accountability, public monitoring, procurement professionalization, and sustainability in government procurement.

“The Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) offers innovative features and solutions, including e-reverse auction, e-shopping/e-small-value procurement, and the e-marketplace which will be expanded to include non-common-use supplies with a registration facility for qualified suppliers,” Sec. Mina added.

Section 6 (Adoption of an Electronic Procurement System) of the new GPRA says PhilGEPS shall be “the single electronic portal that shall serve as the primary channel and source of information in the conduct of all procurement activities by the government for the acquisition of goods, infrastructure projects, and consulting services that covers procurement planning until payment.”

All government procuring entities are required to register with PhilGEPS for the purchase of common-use supplies and equipment (CSEs) and utilize its additional innovative features and solutions in accordance with the rules and procedures issued by the Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB).

These innovative features include the following: Electronic Bulletin Board for posting procurement opportunities, notices, awards, and reasons for awarding; Registry of Manufacturers, Suppliers, Distributors, Contractors and Consultants in a centralized electronic database; Electronic Catalogue of common-use goods, supplies, materials, and equipment; Virtual Store, which is open only to registered procuring entities and may not be accessed by suppliers; Electronic Marketplace, an online platform that allows procuring entities to search, view, compare, select, and procure common-use and non-common-use supplies and equipment from legally, technically, and financially capable suppliers.

For non-common use goods, the electronic marketplace allows suppliers to present their goods and inventory on a consignment basis, from which procuring entities may choose either the lowest complying bid or the most economically advantageous bid based on their needs and requirements; Electronic Reverse Auction, an online auction where a procuring entity invites suppliers to submit bids for specific goods and services on a specific date and time duration, based on defined specifications for design, quantity, quality, delivery, and related terms and conditions, and compete by outbidding each other through lower offers or amounts they are willing to accept.

At the close of the reverse auction duration, to be defined by the procuring entity, the procurement contract shall be awarded to the last complying bid; Electronic Small Value Procurement, a facility that allows procuring entities to resort to shopping or small value procurement under Article VIII of the Act; Electronic or Digital Payment, an inclusive digital payment system including stored money credits in an electronic wallet and direct electronic payment, and the use of credit cards for government purchases of CSEs or payments of the bidder for bidding documents, and bid securities; Electronic Bidding, a facility that allows the submission of an annual procurement plan, the conduct of pre-bid conferences, submission, receipt, and opening of bids electronically.

It covers the entire procurement process from planning, posting of bid opportunities and bidding documents, pre-bid conferences, receipt and opening of bids, evaluation of bids, post qualification, recommendation and award of contract, contract management, and implementation, including contract terminations, and payment which shall apply to goods, infrastructure, and consulting services.

All government procuring entities are required to register with PhilGEPS for access to an online network to facilitate the open, speedy, and efficient online transmission, conveyance, and use of electronic data messages or electronic documents. Procuring entities with established electronic procurement systems shall provide for a seamless interface of systems with the PhilGEPS to ensure efficient sharing of procurement information.

MANILA–The new Government Procurement Reform Act (GPRA) will soon integrate sustainable and green public procurement practices aimed at minimizing negative environmental impacts, promoting social responsibility, and supporting long-term economic sustainability.

The bill, which has been passed in the House of Representatives on third and final reading, shall establish sustainable and green public procurement as one of the notable amendments to the decades-old Republic Act No. 9184.

This is also in line with the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s thrust to promote climate resiliency and green economy as building blocks of progressive, livable, and sustainable communities. “Because sustainability is one of my advocacies and a commitment of this Administration, we will adopt a Green Public Procurement Strategy to procure goods, infrastructure projects, and consulting services with reduced environmental impact throughout their life cycle. We will also integrate green practices and environmentally relevant criteria in the procurement design of a project,” DBM Secretary Mina F. Pangandaman said.

Green Public Procurement is a process whereby public authorities seek to procure goods, services, and works with a reduced environmental impact throughout their life cycle.

This strategy has been provided in the proposed measure, which states that government procurement “shall integrate green practices, as well as environmentally relevant criteria or requirements, in the design of their procurement projects in order to achieve broader policy objectives on energy, water, and material efficiency, waste reduction, pollution and emission prevention, climate change mitigation, local and rural development, greening supply chains, greening infrastructure and work, industry productivity, innovation and competitiveness, inclusive business models, green jobs, and circular economy.”

Meanwhile, Sustainable Public Procurement “shall be used by procuring entities in goods, infrastructure, and consulting services to achieve value for money on a whole life basis not only to meet their specific needs but for the benefit of the society and the economy, while reducing adverse environmental impact.”

The new GPRA also seeks to develop a Green Local Market to attract green investments and improve the competition in government procurement.

Moreover, towards the promotion of certified sustainable products, a list of sustainable goods shall be published and updated regularly in the PhilGEPS.