EAP IPPC: Forging a bright future through procurement

Assalamu alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. I've always believed that public procurement plays a pivotal role in shaping the socioeconomic landscape of nations. As governments balance innovation, fiscal discipline, and accountability, there is an increasing need for procurement systems to drive tangible benefits for society.

- DBM SECRETARY AMENAH F. PANGANDAMAN

This is why I am glad to share that our country, through the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB), and its Technical Support Office (TSO), in cooperation with the World Bank and other development partners, successfully hosted the East Asia and the Pacific International Public Procurement Conference (EAP IPPC) from April 28-30, 2025.

The Conference, attended by around 150 delegates from 20 nations, highlighted procurement's role in enabling sustainable development, empowering marginalized sectors, and bridging global and local priorities.

This year's theme, "Procurement for the People: Bridging Innovation, Value for Money, and Accountability," emphasized procurement's role as a driving force for prosperity, a platform for change when wielded with integrity and innovation.

The IPPC showcased procurement as a driver of innovation that addresses pressing global challenges from sustainability to technological disruption. It also highlighted procurement systems that translate policy into meaningful benefits for marginalized groups, including women entrepreneurs, MSMEs, and local communities.

I believe that the Conference strengthened trust in procurement by showcasing global best practices in transparency, ethical governance, and integrity. It served as a platform to share practical lessons, regional success stories, and forward-looking strategies that strengthen procurement across diverse contexts, advocating for regional cooperation to address climate change, leverage digitalization, and build resilient supply chains.