DTI 'Prefer Pinoy' Cebu roadshow empowers local businesses, LGUs to boost local procurement | Department of Trade and Industry Philippines

CEBU – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) successfully hosted the fifth leg of the Prefer Pinoy Roadshow in Cebu City on October 23, 2024, bringing together local businesses and government procurement officers to promote the Domestic Bidder (DoBid) Certificate of Preference Program. The program, designed to prioritize locally produced goods in government procurement, was spotlighted as part of a nationwide effort to empower Filipino manufacturers and drive local economic growth.

The Prefer Pinoy Roadshow by the DTI Bureau of Competitive Development is part of the agency’s broader initiative to raise awareness of the Tatak Pinoy Act (RA 11981) and the New Government Procurement Act (RA 12009). These laws play a pivotal role in ensuring that government procurement gives preference to local manufacturers, producers, and growers, a key aspect of the DoBid Certificate of Preference Program. Previous roadshows were conducted in Baguio City, Clark Freeport Zone, Metro Manila, and Davao City.

The Tatak Pinoy Act mandates the prioritization of Filipino-made products, goods, and services in public procurement activities, aligning with national goals of strengthening local industries and achieving economic self-reliance. Section 12 of the Act emphasizes the preference for domestic goods, reinforcing the need for government agencies to support local enterprises when sourcing supplies for public projects.

Complementing this is the New Government Procurement Act (RA 12009), which mandates through Section 79 that all procurement processes must first consider locally produced goods before entertaining foreign bidders. This legislative development is a game-changer for domestic bidders, offering them a competitive advantage through the DoBid Certificate of Preference Program. This certificate enables local businesses to bid for government projects with a preference over foreign suppliers, thus promoting Filipino entrepreneurship and reducing dependency on imports.

The roadshow highlighted the critical role of government procurement officers and Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) members in implementing these laws. As key facilitators of public procurement processes, procurement officers and BAC members must ensure compliance with the new guidelines that favor local suppliers. The DoBid Certificate of Preference Program provides them with the tools and knowledge to prioritize Filipino-made goods, ensuring that domestic industries benefit from government spending.

During the Cebu leg of the roadshow, local producers and manufacturers were provided a walk-through of the process, application and qualifications. Procurement officers were also engaged in discussions about the operational aspects of the DoBid Program, including how to identify eligible local businesses and apply the preference system in actual bidding processes. BAC members were given in-depth insights into the proper execution of DoBid Certificates, ensuring transparency and fairness in procurement while maximizing opportunities for local manufacturers.

DTI Region 7 Industry Development Chief Ma. Theresa Sederiosa highlighted the significance of these legislative measures and the DoBid Program in boosting local economies. “With the Prefer Pinoy Roadshow and the DoBid Certificate of Preference Program, we aim to not only support local businesses but also empower our government procurement officers and BAC members to champion Filipino-made products. This ensures that the government’s procurement expenditures contribute to the growth of our local industries,” said Sederiosa.

The event included a comprehensive presentation by the DoBid Team, explaining the detailed processes for obtaining and utilizing the DoBid Certificate. Testimonials from local businesses that had already benefited from the program showcased how these initiatives helped them secure government contracts and increase their visibility in the market.

DTI Competitive Development Dir. Lilian G. Salonga also emphasized the importance of continued education for procurement officers, stating, “The success of the DoBid Program relies heavily on the partnership between local businesses and government agencies. By equipping procurement officers and BAC members with the knowledge to implement these laws effectively, we are ensuring that government procurement becomes a tool for economic empowerment and national development.”

By prioritizing local products in government procurement, the DoBid Program is expected to create significant opportunities for Filipino businesses, stimulating job creation and promoting sustainable economic growth. The roadshow in Cebu City is part of a series of nationwide efforts to enhance understanding and compliance with these new laws, ultimately leading to a more competitive and inclusive marketplace for Filipino entrepreneurs.

Participants in the Cebu leg expressed their excitement about the opportunities presented by the DoBid Program, with many local businesses and government officials voicing their commitment to utilizing the program to its full potential.

In total, DTI has certified 247 products since 2019, with 3 local companies coming from Cebu.

Following the successful Cebu leg, the Prefer Pinoy Roadshow will continue in Tagaytay City on November 08, 2024, bringing the message of local empowerment to more stakeholders across the country.

For more information about the DoBid Certificate of Preference Program and how to participate, please visit the DTI website or contact the DoBid Secretariat at CBDoBid@dti.gov.ph. (DTI 7/PR) ♦

Date of release: 25 October 2024

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