To promote transparency and strengthen community participation, the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 7-Central Visayas, through the KALAHI-CIDSS Regional Program Management Office, conducted a procurement training on Thursday, May 8, 2025, in Barangay Bulacao, Talisay City.

DSWD 7 oriented 32 community volunteers on Republic Act 9184, or the Government Procurement Reform Act, which ensures a fair and transparent use of public funds.

Bulacao is preparing to construct a daycare center funded by the KALAHI-Pag-Abot Program that could serve children starting August 2025.

The procurement discussion, led by Mr. Edgar Mabunay, former budget officer and BAC chairman of Talisay City Government, and currently the city consultant, is vital under KALAHI-CIDSS, a program that empowers communities to lead and manage local development projects.

This activity is part of a continuing series of capacity-building sessions, with upcoming training on financial management systems and Community Infrastructure and Environmental and Social Safeguards.

Cristhyn Abing, a KALAHI community volunteer who is also a member of the procurement team of a private company, said the session provided them clarity on their role as volunteer observers during procurement processes in their barangay.

“Our procurement team was confused about our exact responsibilities, so we had to ask for clarification on our specific tasks. I now understand how complex and demanding procurement is, especially concerning accountability,” Abing said in Cebuano.

“We also need to speak up and stay curious. But at the same time, we must be careful not to overstep the BAC’s role,” she added.

Community volunteers attend and observe procurement activities such as bid openings, evaluations, and contract awards to ensure the process is fair, competitive, and in line with guidelines (including RA 9184). They also help record minutes, gather procurement documents, and ensure accurate process documentation.

Moreover, they serve as a check against irregularities and help foster shared ownership of the project.

Meanwhile, Barangay Councilor Florita Burbos, Bulacao BAC chairman, said it makes a difference when volunteers are involved and well-informed about the process.

“When you provide them with the correct information, they understand how things work—and that is what sets this approach apart,” Burbos said in Cebuano.

“Involving community volunteers in the implementation is beneficial because there is often a public perception of rigged projects or bidding processes. But if people are informed and volunteers are present, they can help explain the process and clear up misunderstandings,” she added.

Burbos added that Barangay Bulacao is the first in Talisay to register with PhilGEPS, as a KALAHI requirement for communities implementing projects. They completed their registration this year.

PhilGEPS is a unified online platform that provides the primary and official source of information on all government procurement activities.

In a separate interview, Bulacao Barangay Captain Banjo Abastillas expressed his support for the community volunteers’ training, saying it helps build the confidence of his constituents by giving them the chance to participate, regardless of their social status. ###