With the aim to reduce the level of corruption vulnerabilities in bidding and procurement matters, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office III conducted its first Kapihan with 28 suppliers and service providers. The workshop was held at Orotel, City of San Fernando, Pampanga, August 25.

According to the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) Chairperson Armont Pecina, “It’s time for the government to get rid of its bad reputation in procurement.” General Administration and Support Services Division (GASSD) Chief Maribel Blanco added, “[We also do this] to ensure that the integrity is practiced in the public sector and to improve the public’s trust and confidence in the government.”

Assistant Regional Director for Administration Irene C Crespo attended the event and gave welcome remarks to the participants. In her message, she stressed the positive attributes of the procurement process in the DSWD, saying it is “speedy, accurate, and transparent.”

Despite the technicalities of the matters discussed in the workshop, it was filled with light, chatty vibe, as if the participants and facilitators were just having a extended coffee break, remaining true to the term Kapihan.
In the Kapihan proper, participants wrote their comments and suggestions on their transactions with the DSWD. A participant wrote, “Walang corrupt sa DSWD. (There’s no corruption in the DSWD)” Another wrote, “Isa sa tatlong ahensiyang pinagkakatiwalaan kong katransaksyon. (One of the three government agencies I trust during transactions.)” Meanwhile, some offered their suggestion to fast-track the transaction process with the DSWD. Another participant raised his issue on delayed payment.

The workshop was patterned after world café, a participative and inclusive type of workshop set-up. Here, all participants were grouped according to the type of merchandise and service they provide. During the breakout session, participants discussed technical matters related to procurement.

Facilitated by GASSD and hosted by Regional Information Officer Evelyn Manalo, the forum ended with lunch served by Orotel, San Fernando. ### (Ma. Denielle M. Lomboy)
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