The GPPB-TSO welcomed Mr. Andrew Bowes, Political Counsellor, and Ms. Kristine Borja, Head of Politics and Governance, both from the British Embassy Manila, for a courtesy visit with Director General (DG) Atty. Rowena Candice M. Ruiz, where both sides discussed opportunities to strengthen cooperation on implementing the New Government Procurement Act (NGPA), Republic Act No. 12009, and advance procurement reform through digitalization, transparency, professionalization, and knowledge sharing.

The discussions explored potential areas of collaboration, including market access, quality criteria, empowering procurement professionals, digitalization, and beneficial ownership transparency. The participants also exchanged insights on procurement systems, audit and accountability, and the role of technology in shaping public procurement.

DG Ruiz, a Chevening scholar and recipient of the 2024 UK Alumni Award for Business and Innovation, also shared her insights on the UK’s new procurement regime following its exit from the European Union and the many similarities in procurement responses between the two countries during the COVID pandemic.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss the United Kingdom’s Chairmanship of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) and possible areas for practical partnership between the Philippines and the UK.

As an initial follow-up, the British side expressed interest in organizing a briefing for the British Chamber on the implications of the Philippines’ new procurement legislation for UK companies operating in the country.

Through continued dialogue and knowledge sharing, the GPPB-TSO and the British Embassy look forward to identifying concrete areas of cooperation that can contribute to a more transparent, professional, innovative, and accessible public procurement system. 🤝

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