By Kenneth Marcos 
Inside a conference room in Quezon City, government workers pored over flowcharts, manuals, and draft templates. The discussions were detailed and focused, but the goal was simple and shared: to make public spending faster, cleaner, and more accountable for Filipino farmers and the public they serve.
From January 26 to 30, 2026, the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM) held a five-day Capability Enhancement Training and Writeshop for its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), Technical Working Group (TWG), and Secretariat. The activity aimed to strengthen skills and update knowledge on government procurement under Republic Act No. 12009, also known as the New Government Procurement Act.
The training was organized by the BSWM Procurement Management Section under the leadership of Director Gina Parde-Nilo, PhD, and Assistant Director Denise A. Solano. It brought together key personnel responsible for planning, evaluating, and approving procurement projects that support soil, water, and farm-related programs nationwide.
In her opening remarks, Assistant Director Solano, who also serves as BAC Chairperson, stressed the critical role of the BAC and TWG in ensuring efficiency, transparency, and fairness in government transactions. She encouraged participants to share experiences and practical insights to improve existing processes and develop clearer procurement tools for the bureau.
The first sessions focused on an overview of RA 12009 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations. These were led by the Procurement Management Section and BAC Secretariat Head Ms. France Josephine C. Bautista. Discussions centered on the changes introduced by the new law, including streamlined procedures, stronger accountability measures, and clearer standards for public bidding.
The second and third days shifted to hands-on workshops. Participants reviewed and improved the BAC process flowcharts, standardized TWG reports and templates, and worked on crafting and updating the BSWM Procurement Catalogue. These activities aimed to reduce delays, avoid confusion, and ensure that procurement steps are easy to follow and consistent across offices.
On the fourth day, Director Parde-Nilo delivered an inspirational message, reminding participants that public service is about integrity and purpose. She emphasized that the training was not only about compliance, but also about building a professional legacy that reflects honesty and dedication to the Filipino people. Her message highlighted the importance of values in everyday decisions, especially when handling public funds.
Following her remarks, Ms. Bautista presented the workshop outputs to the BSWM Management Committee. These included draft procurement manuals, standardized purchase request documents per category, and proposed catalogues for various procurement needs. The outputs are expected to serve as reference tools for future transactions and audits.
The training aimed to achieve several key outcomes. These include enhancing understanding of RA 12009, improving technical writing skills, promoting transparency, increasing compliance with procurement laws, and fostering collaboration among procurement teams. By standardizing documents and procedures, BSWM seeks to minimize errors and strengthen internal controls.
Efficient procurement plays a crucial role in agriculture agencies like BSWM, which handle projects related to irrigation support, soil conservation, and farm productivity. Delays or inefficiencies in procurement can affect the delivery of services and support to farmers, especially in rural areas.
By investing in capacity building, BSWM officials said they are reinforcing trust in the bidding process and ensuring that government resources are used wisely. The training also aligns with the broader push for good governance and professionalization in the public sector.
As the bureau moves forward with updated tools and a more skilled procurement team, officials hope the improvements will translate into faster project implementation and better services for the agriculture sector. Strong systems behind the scenes, they said, are key to delivering real benefits on the ground.
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