DBM launching virtual store for public procurement

MANILA, Philippines — The Procurement Service-Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PS-PhilGEPS) is set to launch next month a virtual store to streamline and improve the efficiency of the country’s public procurement system, the Department of Budget and Management said.

According to the DBM, the virtual store is a platform where government agencies nationwide can purchase common-use supplies and equipment.

With this platform, agencies will be allowed to pay for their purchases using their e-wallet for ease of transaction.

The supplies will be delivered within three days for agencies within Metro Manila. Goods can also be picked up from the nearest depot, DBM said.

“Through the use of this system, transparency in government procurement is enhanced since opportunities to trade with government and the ensuing transactions are provided online,” Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said.

PhilGEPS is the government’s online procurement portal. It allows the government to post bids and awards information and enables registered contractors, merchants and consultants to participate in the procurement of goods, civil works and consultancy services.

The virtual store, for its part, is a key feature of the modernized Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (mPhilGEPS), targeted for completion by June 2019.

The mPhilGEPS  is the single, centralized electronic portal, which  will serve as the primary source of information on government procurement.