The US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) successfully concluded its 2026 Philippines Business Mission, bringing together 35 U.S. companies for high-level engagements with Philippine government leaders and key agencies.

Among the Philippine officials who engaged with the delegation were Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Acting Secretary Kim Robert de Leon, GPPB-TSO Director General Rowena Candice M. Ruiz, and Procurement Service-DBM Executive Director Genmaries Entredicho-Caong.

The engagements highlighted the importance of continued government–private sector collaboration in advancing the country’s economic priorities, strengthening public sector reforms, and creating opportunities for sustainable growth.

Held alongside the 80th anniversary of U.S.-Philippines diplomatic relations, the mission also explored opportunities in infrastructure, logistics, advanced manufacturing, energy, and digital connectivity, including initiatives under the Luzon Economic Corridor.

For the GPPB-TSO, engagements such as these underscore the value of dialogue and collaboration in advancing public procurement reforms under the New Government Procurement Act (NGPA) and supporting a more transparent, responsive, and competitive procurement system. In particular, DG Ruiz highlighted the newly approved rules on Framework Agreement, which enable Procuring Entities to make advance arrangements for their future procurement, under which orders may be made on a needs basis. Framework Agreements leverage economies of scale and provide supply security in government procurement.

Building stronger partnerships. Advancing reforms. Creating opportunities for a more competitive Philippines.