Capitol to launch ‘Sugbo’

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu provincial government is set to launch a program that will oversee the Capitol’s procurement procedures in a bid to avoid errors and delays.

The program dubbed as Smart Utilities for Government Business Operations or Sugbo is the brainchild of the Provincial General Services Office (PGSO).

According to PGSO Chief Jone Sepe, Sugbo is a platform and mechanism that monitors the procurement processes; and ensures fast processing of purchase requests and payments, among others.

Sepe shared the program and other best practices and innovations of Cebu before an estimated crowd of 70 people composed of general services officers (GSOs).

He also urged other local government units (LGUs) to adopt the program, which he said is “efficient and convenient.”

He explained that all transactions can be monitored online, both by the government and the contractors.

The event was the first regional convention of the Philippines Association of General Services Officers Inc. (PAGSO) in Central Visayas held recently at the Capitol Social Hall.

Some GSOs from Mindanao also took part in the three-day event.

The GSO, a frontline office in the local government unit, plays a vital role in ensuring fast and efficient delivery of programs and services to the public, specifically in terms of procurement, disposition, and maintenance and utilization of property and resources.

Among the topics tackled during the event were the duties and responsibilities of the GSO, and the challenges the office are facing, including the disposal of government properties that are no longer functional or serviceable.

"We decided to have our own regional conference kay nakita man gud nato nga ang panginahanglan sa GSO. Parehas og balaod nga gibasehan but dili tanan updated with the latest issuances," Sepe said.

Sepe sits as PAGSO-7 regional president and the vice president of the national association.

In his speech, Governor Hilario Davide III hopes the association can achieve its objectives to advance the interest and welfare of GSO in pursuant to the principles and policies stipulated under the Local Government Code.

“As general services officers, it is one of your important responsibilities to ensure that the public financial resources that are limited are best spent according to the needs of our constituents and the priorities of our LGUs,”he said. — KBQ  (FREEMAN)