Training participants listening to a presentation of a resource person during the FAO-facilitated workshop on procurement processes.

To help improve knowledge and skill of procurement staff of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MAFAR-BARMM), an implementing partner under the New Zealand-funded “Support to Agriculture-based Livelihoods and Agribusiness Enterprises for Sustainable Peace and Development in Maguindanao and Cotabato Project”, FAO held a training workshop on Procurement Policies, Procedures and Processes (RA 9184 and its 2016 Revised IRR) for 30 staff of the Ministry's Bids and Award Committee (BAC) and Head of Procurement Entities (HoPE).

The three-day training, held from 14 to 16 March at The Horizon Suites and Arcade in General Santos City, was undertaken to improve the capacity of MAFAR-BARMM procurement personnel in implementing RA 9184 and its 2016 Revised IRR and observe principles in procurement and good governance.

The workshop involved six training modules, including Procurement 101 (key Features of GPRA and Procurement Organization including latest GPPB Issuances and Updates; Procurement Planning and Budget Linkage, and Standard Bidding procedures for Goods and Infrastructure; Standard Bidding Procedures for Goods and Services; Alternative Methods of Procurement; Procurement Monitoring (Procurement Monitoring Report and Overview of the APCPI); and Penal, Civil and Administrative Provisions.

Hon Mohammad S. Yacob, Minister of MAFAR-BARMM, who dropped by on Day 2 of the training, encouraged the participants to be “champions” for the Ministry in properly observing government standards and protocols in procurement. This is to enhance MAFAR’s efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of good and services to benefit the people of the Bangsamoro Region.

Serving as resource persons during the training were Elvie V. Diaz Ph. D., Professor VI, Elmer C. Buenavidez, DIT, Associate Professor V of the Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU) and accredited trainers of the Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB). Ms. Edcelle P. Evangelio, FAO Procurement Associate, also discussed FAO Procurement Policy and Procedures. Minister Yacob gave plaques of appreciation to the resource persons during the closing of the workshop.