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The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) convened its faculty and staff for a seminar on Republic Act No. 12009, the new Government Procurement Act, held on August 14 and 15, 2025, at the University Commercial Building, USM, Kabacan, Cotabato.
Hon. Akmad J. Usman, CPA, CESO III, Regional Director of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Region XII led the sessions.
Usman detailed the major provisions of the law and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, pointing out that many procurement failures stem from poor planning. He stressed that planning constitutes half of the entire process, while most failures are recorded during the opening of bids. “Fail to procure means failure to deliver or implement the service,” he said.
He also outlined updated procurement procedures and introduced under RA 12009. These include direct acquisition, which allows purchases without canvass or request for quotation, and competitive dialogue, a two-stage bidding method intended for projects that require negotiation or where technical specifications cannot be clearly defined. Usman explained that these provisions are designed to make procurement more adaptive and efficient for government institutions.
USM employees who attended described the training as both useful and accessible. Information Officer Loynei F. Sumalinog, a new canvasser, said he appreciated the practical guidance and noted that the lecture was easy to follow because of the way it was delivered.
USM President Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel, represented by Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Leorence C. Tandog, thanked Usman for accommodating the university’s request to conduct the seminar.
While, Vice President for Administration and Finance Ms. Quenielyn Durendes, in her closing message, underscored that procurement reform is a shared responsibility. “No matter how capable, the Bids and Awards Committee alone cannot bring the full transformation of our procurement system. Each of us has a role to play,” she said.
The seminar was organized by the Human Resource Development Training Office under the leadership of Director Dr. Abubakar Murray, in coordination with VPAF Durendes and Prof. Myrna Tan, BAC Secretariat.
