To Usec. Janet B. Abuel, Deputy Executive Secretary Atty. Dennis S. Santiago, Executive Director Atty. Genmaries S. Entredicho-Caong from the PS-DBM, our World Bank Representative, our Deputy Director of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the men and women of the GPPB-TSO, led by Officer-in-Charge Atty. Sofia Yanto-Abad; our esteemed IRR framers; our dedicated GPPB-recognized trainers; our valued partners; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen—magandang umaga po sa inyong lahat.
Before anything else, let me share a simple truth that deserves to be said more often:
“Behind every transparent procurement is a trainer who chose to teach integrity.” And that is you.
At the Trainers’ Summit in December 2025, we didn’t just celebrate the passage of the New Government Procurement Act (NGPA)—we took something on. A responsibility not just to roll out a new law, but to make sure it actually works for the Filipino people.
Because the truth is, laws do not change lives by themselves, people do. They change lives when they’re understood, when they’re taught clearly, and when they are practiced every day. And this is exactly where you come in.
Honoring the IRR Framers: The Architects of Clarity
At the heart of this reform are our IRR Framers who carried one of the most demanding responsibilities.
You did not simply write rules. You created clarity, ensured consistency, and turned the promise of the NGPA into something government can actually put into practice.
Because of your work, agencies are guided and not left guessing. Public funds are better protected. Projects move faster. Services reach people sooner.
That is your impact.
To Our Trainers: The Heart of Reform on the Ground
But if the IRR framers built the bridge— you, our trainers, are the ones who make people cross it.
You take what is written and bring it to life.
In every training session you conduct, in every question you patiently answer, in every public servant you mentor, you are shaping decisions that affect real lives.
Every procurement you teach well is a learning that echoes into hospitals built faster, roads completed sooner, and services delivered better.
Let that sink in.
Because when a procurement officer gets it right— a school gets built on time, every farmer’s livelihood is supported, and a community finally receives what it has long been waiting for.
That is the power of what you do.
And yet, much of your work happens quietly—without headlines, without applause.
But today, we say this clearly: We see you. We value you. And we thank you.
Welcoming New Trainers: Expanding the Circle of Impact
Today is also a moment of growth.
As we onboard new members into this community of trainers, we are not just adding numbers. Kanina napansin ko, from 121 to 198 trainers na tayo—it’s a growing community of trainers.
Because every new trainer means more agencies reached. More procurement professionals empowered. More public funds safeguarded.
When we grow this community, we strengthen the entire system.
And in doing so, we ensure that no agency, no LGU, no public servant is left behind in understanding the reforms we are putting in place.
A Shared Continuum of Reform
What makes this gathering truly meaningful is this:
The work of our IRR framers and our trainers is not separate—it is a continuum.
From writing the rules… to teaching the rules… to living the rules…
You are part of one shared mission: To make government procurement more transparent, more efficient, and more accountable—so that every peso truly serves the Filipino people.
Launching the Professionalization Roadmap
Today, we also take a bold step forward with the launch of the Professionalization Roadmap for Government Procurement.
This is more than a framework. It is a commitment.
A commitment to ensure that procurement is not just a function—but a profession built on competence, integrity, and service.
Because when procurement becomes truly professionalized, public trust follows.
And when trust is built— governance becomes stronger, and development becomes more inclusive.
Reconnect. Refresh. Restart.
Our theme today—Reconnect, Refresh, Restart—is not just a call to gather. It is a call to purpose.
Reconnect—with one another, because reform is never a solo effort.
Refresh—your knowledge, because excellence requires constant learning.
Restart—with renewed conviction, because the work we do matters.
DBM’s Commitment
On behalf of your DBM family, allow me to assure you: We stand with you.
We will continue to invest in your growth. We will continue to create platforms for learning and collaboration. We will continue to support you—because we know that reform does not end with policy issuance.
It lives and endures through people like you.
A Final Word of Gratitude
To our IRR framers—thank you for building the foundation.
To our trainers—thank you for bringing that foundation to life.
Because of you, the NGPA will not remain as words on paper—it will become a change that people can feel.
And ultimately, that is what matters most. Not the law itself— but the lives it improves.
As John C. Maxwell once said, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”
Today, each of you does all three.
You know the way. You go the way. And through your work—you show the way for others.
Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat.
May this Summit renew not only your knowledge—but your purpose.
Mabuhay po kayong lahat. Mabuhay ang Bagong Pilipinas!
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