ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA POLYTECHNIC STATE UNIVERSITY — The first suppliers’ forum of the university for the fiscal year 2026 was formally held to discuss the prevailing procurement process and procedures of the university among the identified suppliers in attendance today, February 05.
The discussion was backed up by the Republic Act No. 12009, known as the New Government Procurement Act (NGPA) – a modernized public procurement process to enhance transparency, sustainability, and efficiency, as well as a mandate directed to government entities to abide by, including State Universities and Colleges in the Philippines.
“This [Suppliers’ Forum] is no longer just an initiative – it has become a platform, a practice, and a commitment of the university. This was guided by a simple but powerful belief that transparent, fair, and open procurement thrives when there are dialogues, trust, and shared understanding between the institution and its suppliers,” Chairperson of the Bids and Awards Committee for Infrastructures and the Vice President for Administration and Finance Ms. Josephine Sulasula emphasized.
In her report, the forum is indeed effective as the participation among suppliers has increased, from forty (40) registered suppliers in 2024, it has grown to ninety-three (93) in the year 2025.
“As the proponent of this initiative, I firmly believe that procurement is not merely a transactional function – it is a governance function that plays a critical role in how public resources are safeguarded, how services are delivered, and how institutions uphold integrity,” VPAF Sulasula added.
Further, ZPPSU Legal Assistant Atty. Mary Therese G. Sadaya talked about the RA 12009 and its implementing rules and regulations – to provide an opportunity to align expectations, clarify procedures, listen to concerns, and work together toward a procurement system that is competitive and corruption-free.
Certificates of excellence were awarded to suppliers for exemplary performance and significant contributions to the university’s FY 2025 plans and programs.
“As we move forward, may this forum further strengthen collaboration, deepen trust, and reinforce our shared commitment to good governance,” VPAF Sulasula exclaimed. (JRA/ABC/Photos: Norvin A. Partosa/Public Information Office)