Distinguished Members of the Government Procurement Policy Board, good afternoon.

Welcome to the GPBB inaugural meeting of the Marcos Jr. Administration. It’s my honor to be here today with new and old members of the GPPB and the Inter-Agency Technical Working Group.

As you know, procurement is an essential part of any government institution. In fact, it can make or break an institution’s public service delivery. First, it ensures the efficient implementation of government programs. Second, proper procurement can generate savings for an institution–something very important considering our limited fiscal space due to the pandemic.

If I may toot my own horn, under the capable leadership of then DBM Secretary Diokno, we reported procurement savings of Php 18.3 billion in 2018, which we were able to compute by comparing actual award costs with the approved budget of the contract or project cost estimates for foreign-assisted projects.

Third, proper and transparent procurement also contributes to trust in government institutions and the administration.

And this afternoon, we have an opportunity to ensure all three through our agenda.

Let our analyses and decisions—now and in coming GPPB meetings—be guided by bureaucratic efficiency, transparency, and service to the people.

Maraming salamat and I hope we’ll have a productive afternoon ahead.