5 February 2010 marked the formal launching of the Government Procurement Professionals of the Philippines, Inc. (GPPPI), an organization partnering with the government in the advancement of procurement reforms in the Philippines. Pioneer members of the organizations are composed of procurement professionals and practitioners who have undergone the 74-day Pilot Program on Professionalization conducted by the Asian Institue of Management (AIM).

The launching of GPPPI was held at the Oakwood Premier in Ortigas. It was attended by its founding members, its officers, the Advisory Council and other distinguished guests. The GPPPI logo, which represented the group’s mission, was unveiled during the launching. The mission, which is in line with the group’s five core values—good governance, proficiency, perseverance, public accountability and integrity—and the core principles that govern procurement, is geared towards the promotion of a green procurement.

GPPB Exec. Dir. Ruby U. Alvarez, member of the Advisory Council and a guest speaker at the launching of GPPPI, commended the group’s effort in continuing and pushing for reforms in our procurement system. She recognized the important role of the GPPPI in the development of the country’s procurement system, particularly in addressing the needs of those in the frontline of procurement service by providing venues to share experiences and discuss the best practices on procurement.

To close the program, DepEd Dir. Aida Carpentero, one of the founding members and officers of the GPPPI, summarized that GPPPI hopes to bring meaningful changes to have an efficient and effective procurement system in the country, in the local and national level, likewise promoting ethics through honesty and integrity. She said that the group knows that it is a challenge, as “procurement reform in the country is a continuing work in progress” and can be sustained only “if there is optimism, genuine concern, and commitment in governance.”

For membership, you may contact Engr. Malou Reyes at 0939-467-0780. For other concerns, you can inquire with Mr. Maynard Peralta at 0928-522-1250.