SLSU Explores Partnership with GPPB-TSO for New Government Procurement Act Caravan

Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) takes part in an exploratory meeting with the Government Procurement Policy Board – Technical Support Office (GPPB-TSO) on May 19, 2026, via Zoom, to discuss a possible institutional partnership for the implementation of the New Government Procurement Act (NGPA) Caravan.

The meeting forms part of the GPPB-TSO’s continuing efforts to roll out Republic Act No. 12009, otherwise known as the New Government Procurement Act, and to strengthen the capacity of procurement practitioners, end-users, observers, suppliers, and other stakeholders in transitioning to the new procurement framework.

Representing Southern Leyte State University are Dr. Jude A. Duarte, University President; Dr. Christine Alma Mae M. Daguplo, Vice-President for Administration and Finance; Dr. Francis Ann R. Sy, Vice-President for Research, Innovation, Publication, and Extension; Dr. Constantino G. Medilo, Jr., Vice-President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Ingrid M. Uy, Director for Global Engagement and Strategic Partnerships; Mr. Danilo S. Escobido, CPA, MM, Campus Director of San Juan Campus; Mr. Leo A. Omamalin, Supervising Administrative Officer – Administration; and Ms. Leonizza D. Dacut, Procurement Officer III.

During the meeting, GPPB-TSO presents the framework of the NGPA Caravan, including its legal background, implementation streams, proposed partnership arrangements with State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), institutional responsibilities, financial autonomy, intellectual property provisions, and the process flow for requesting and conducting caravan activities. The presentation emphasizes that RA No. 12009 takes effect on August 13, 2024, while its Implementing Rules and Regulations take effect on February 25, 2025. It also highlights Section 109 of the law and its IRR, which mandate a whole-of-government approach to the professionalization of procurement practitioners through sustained training, capacity building, and stakeholder support.

The proposed collaboration recognizes the strategic role of SUCs in expanding procurement education because of their institutional credibility, geographic accessibility, training experience, and capacity to provide neutral and professional learning environments. Under the proposed arrangement, GPPB-TSO provides qualified resource speakers, standardized training materials, technical assistance, Learning Management System support, monitoring, and guidance to ensure training quality and consistency. SLSU, as the partner SUC, organizes and delivers training sessions, designates a focal person, maintains financial records, manages training logistics, and submits reports on the progress, outcomes, and evaluation of conducted activities.

If the Memorandum of Agreement with GPPB-TSO materializes, Southern Leyte State University becomes the first partner State University and College (SUC) of GPPB-TSO in Eastern Visayas for the NGPA Caravan. This milestone positions SLSU as a regional hub for procurement capacity building and as an active institutional partner in supporting the government’s transition to the new procurement regime.

The initiative is significant not only for SLSU but also for the broader public sector in Eastern Visayas. Through the NGPA Caravan, the University helps capacitate government agencies, local government units, suppliers, observers, civil society representatives, and end-users on the reforms introduced under RA No. 12009. These reforms are expected to strengthen transparency, accountability, efficiency, competition, professionalization, and integrity in public procurement.

For SLSU, the exploratory meeting reflects its commitment to good governance, public service, and institutional leadership. As a state university with expanding roles in instruction, research, extension, production, administration, and public-sector capacity building, SLSU’s possible partnership with GPPB-TSO aligns with its mission to serve as a catalyst for regional development and governance innovation.

The meeting also underscores the University’s readiness to contribute to the national implementation of the New Government Procurement Act by providing a learning platform for stakeholders who will be directly affected by the reforms. Through this potential partnership, SLSU further strengthens its role as a trusted institution for professional development, policy education, and public-sector transformation in Eastern Visayas.