A pleasant morning to all. Happy New Year. This is the first joint meeting of the Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB) and the Inter-Agency Technical Working Group (IATWG) this year and I would like, first and foremost, to say THANK YOU. The past year was a transition period for many of us and yet we managed to deliver above and beyond what is expected of us. Our GDP growth was 7.6 for the entire year. Congratulations. I am confident that this year, we will achieve so much more. Dahil mahusay kayo at tapat sa pagseserbisyo.
Our main discussions today are brought about by two things: the soaring prices of commodities and the call for adaptive measures in order for the government to improve public service delivery. Thinking about it, we could say that our first meeting comes immediately with challenges. We will formulate guidelines on the price escalation of infrastructure projects due to inflation and discuss possible amendments in the IRR of R. A. No. 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act. Both topics have huge implications for the nation and our people.
On one hand, we have the government target of 5.0 to 6.0 percent of GDP for infrastructure spending as defined in our Medium-Term Fiscal Framework. And we know how these projects define the daily lives of our fellowmen who commute or drive to work, and businesses that need to transport their raw materials and products on time.
On the other hand, we have a procurement system that determines whether or not we will have savings on our MOOE and Capital Outlays and of course, affects the day-to-day processes in every department.
I want us to have this perspective today—that every decision we make and every action we take should serve the best interest of the public we are sworn to serve.
To put simply, I request that we all give our best throughout this meeting. Feel free to share your suggestions, opinions, disagreement, and contentions in a constructive manner. We will make sure that your insights are heard and discussed. Although the upcoming topics are challenging, I know that with proactive participation and willingness to exchange ideas, we will accomplish not only the task at hand, but also our ultimate goal of serving the Filipino people and providing them the quality of life they deserve and desire.
Again, thank you for your service to the country. Mabuhay po kayong lahat! Assalamu alaikum.
