Chinese supplier gets P70M contract for mini-buses

CEBU, Philippines - The Province of Cebu has picked a Chinese supplier for the mini-buses to be awarded to top performing local government units in the implementation of its expanded Green and Wholesome Environment that Nurtures (eGWEN) Program.

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia yesterday entered into a contract with ConEquip Philippines represented by its managing director, Ralph Clinton Tio.

The company with office at Mabolo, Cebu City, will supply the Province with 26 units of medium-size, 35-seater Sinotruk mini-buses with the total amount of around P70 million.

Tio said that the units are still in China but he assured that they can deliver it on time before the awarding.

The units will be awarded in August, in time for the 443rd founding anniversary of the Province of Cebu.

Capitol Bids and Awards Committee chairman, Marivic Garces, said there were two suppliers who submitted their bids. The other one was Foton.

Garces said that ConEquip gave the lower price. Tio said that each unit costs around P2.6 million.

He said that the quality is almost the same with Japanese and Korean buses.

Garces clarified that the contract signed is not yet final as it has a conditional clause.

“If ever found not fit or substandard as set, the entity reserves the right to rescind the contract,” Garcia told reporters.

At least two members of BAC will go to China this week to conduct the actual inspection of the factory and the units.

Upon return, Garces said that they will make a report to the committee and to the governor before the Notice of Award is issued to the supplier.

Garcia earlier said that the Capitol will only purchase the first 20 units of 33-seater coaster vans for the first top 20 LGUs.

The eGwen composite team of evaluators is now on its third and final round up to July.

The top 20 in alphabetical order during the second round were Alegria, Argao, Barili, Bogo City, Boljoon, Carcar City, Catmon, Cordova, Dalaguete, Ginatilan, Liloan, Moalboal, Oslob, Poro, Samboan, San Francisco, Tabuelan, Toledo City, Tuburan and Tudela. (FREEMAN)