The Procurement Service-Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) played a pivotal role in the Second Negotiating Round of the Philippines-Canada Free Trade Agreement (PH-CA FTA), held recently.
The discussions aimed to secure significant progress in text-based and market access negotiations, strengthening economic ties between the two nations.
Led by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Bureau of International Trade Relations, the Philippine delegation comprised various government agencies across economic, trade, and regulatory sectors.
The PS-DBM, headed by Executive Director (ED) Genmaries Entredicho-Caong, joined the Government Procurement (GP) Working Group alongside the Government Procurement Policy Board – Technical Support Office (GPPB-TSO).
As the primary administrator of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS), PS-DBM provided essential technical insights into electronic procurement. This contribution aligns with the New Government Procurement Act (Republic Act No. 12009), which mandates modernized, strategic, and transparent procurement through digital platforms.
“Our participation ensures that the Philippines’ procurement landscape remains competitive and integrated with international best practices,” stated ED Entredicho-Caong. “By leveraging PhilGEPS, we are showcasing a system that prioritizes transparency and efficiency, which are core pillars of this bilateral agreement.”
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Strengthened Cooperation: Building on the momentum of the inaugural round in February 2026, both nations reaffirmed their commitment to fairness and integrity in public procurement.
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Modernization Focus: The negotiations highlighted the importance of electronic platforms in reducing trade barriers and ensuring a level playing field for stakeholders.
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Strategic Alignment: PS-DBM’s involvement underscores the national government’s push for comprehensive procurement reforms and the promotion of Philippine trade on the global stage.
The Philippine delegation included high-level PS-DBM officials, including Deputy ED Rommel Rivera, Acting Director April Flor Borlagdatan-Vejano, and a legal team consisting of Attys. Lyodychie Camarao, Charlotte Vina Casinillo, Maricar Batocabe, Mia Jasmin Laza, and Kathleen Rose Taniñas.
