“Integrity Compass: Procure Right!” — this year’s Annual Procurement Conference of the University of the Philippines Procurement Office featured discussions and workshops for administrative staff from across the UP System. It was held Oct. 10 at the GT-Toyota Asian Center Auditorium, UP Diliman.
Former Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno and former Commission on Audit Commissioner Heidi Mendoza delivered powerful and inspiring messages as guest speakers. They highlighted lessons learned from case studies, personal experiences and insights, and timely reminders about integrity and transparency in procurement in the public sector. UP System officials, President Angelo Jimenez, Executive Vice President Leo Cubillan, and Vice President for Digital Transformation Peter Sy, also shared their thoughts on the university’s role in better serving the nation and the world. UPPO Director Flor Ofilada and her team reminded attendees to do procurement right. “Gawin ang tama!” they said, especially in today’s context of grave misuse of public funds.
Cubillan talked about the role of UP in society, such as: training excellent students and leaders, extending academic services to state universities and colleges nationwide, and setting a good example for fellow civil servants. He said that procurement is a moral and strategic function. “Procurement is about stewardship,” he added.
UP President Angelo Jimenez, in a video message, reiterated the call for university constituents to set the standards for integrity, transparency and accountability. He said the entire UP System depends on the attendees’ integrity and commitment in doing procurement right, so that funds, services, infrastructure and goods under the stewardship of the university are utilized wisely.
Sereno, who taught courses at the UP College of Law and later served as the country’s first female Supreme Court chief, drew lessons from historic cases involving former presidents, public officials, and private corporations entangled in past corruption scandals. “There is much to hope for but there is much reality to wake up to.” Referring to the attendees as “logistics experts who can improve the processes that can truly serve the people,” she encouraged them to “never let the bad examples dim your idealism.”
Mendoza elaborated on ways administrative officers can continue ensuring accountability and integrity in her presentation, “Understanding Fraud and Bidding.” Her discussion tackled common motives, circumstances, and excuses leading to fraud in procurement, which includes acts such as bribery, collusive bidding, product substitution, and failure to meet contract specifications, among others. She reminded attendees to be meticulous and keen in handling documents and doing procurement work. She added that although there are problems in the system and the culture that allow corruption to persist, those in the civil service, and the people, in general, can still make a difference.
Sy and UPDx Senior Research Analyst Veronica Consolacion discussed several updates on the university’s policy on procurement of IT software, equipment and services.
More modules were tackled in the afternoon sessions and workshops. These included lessons on integrity, modes of procurement, social value, inclusivity and gender sensitivity, risks and best practices in public procurement, strategic planning and project management, and other topics. The “UPPO Procurement Observatory” project was also announced. This aims to help a wider audience contribute to the government’s capacity to improve procurement processes and adapt best practices.
Ofilada challenged the attendees to “do the right thing even when no one is looking” and to help establish a culture of integrity.
UP Diliman’s Law Complex, College of Science-Natural Sciences Research Institute, and CS-Institute of Biology received their respective “Procure Right Award.” Special recognition certificates were also given to UP Los Baños, UP Manila, UP Visayas, UP Mindanao, UP Baguio, UP Cebu, UP Tacloban, UP-Philippine General Hospital, Department of Science and Technology-National Academy of Science and Technology, and DOST- Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development, which were received by their designated officers at the end of the conference program.
