DepEd Boosts Procurement Reforms with Suppliers’ Registry and Faster Supply Delivery to Schools

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Department of Education (DepEd), under the leadership of Education Secretary Sonny Angara, is making bold strides in procurement reforms to ensure greater transparency, efficiency, and fairness in government transactions. These initiatives are in line with President Bongbong Marcos Jr.’s commitment to good governance and accountability.

Sec. Angara emphasized these reforms at the inaugural Suppliers’ Summit, held from March 19-20 at Century Park Hotel, Manila. The event brought together around 250 suppliers and service providers, fostering dialogue on procurement improvements, regulatory compliance, and dispute resolution.

“Sa ating mga suppliers at bidders—hindi lang kayo negosyo. Kayo ay kaagapay po natin sa reporma. Wala nang dahilan para maantala. Green light na—para sa mas maayos na procurement, para sa dekalidad na edukasyon,” Angara declared.

Suppliers’ Registry: A Game-Changer in Procurement

At the forefront of these reforms is the launch of the DepEd Suppliers’ Registry, a digital platform that streamlines supplier engagement and procurement processes. By providing businesses with direct access to bidding opportunities, the registry aims to eliminate inefficiencies, enhance market participation, and reduce bureaucratic delays.

Suppliers can now register their products and services at:

➡ https://suppliers.deped.gov.ph/

Through this portal, suppliers receive real-time bid alerts and can communicate directly with DepEd, ensuring faster transactions and timely delivery of learning resources to schools nationwide.

As the principal author of the New Government Procurement Act (NGPA), Sec. Angara stressed that reforming procurement processes is crucial to prevent delays and enhance the efficiency of the education sector.

P2.7 Billion in Projects Awarded for Learning Resources

DepEd’s procurement reforms are already making an impact. Undersecretary for Procurement and Finance Oversight Rowena Ruiz reported that through Early Procurement Activities (EPA), the department has successfully awarded:

₱1.9 billion worth of DepEd Computerization Program (DCP) projects, which include 64,000 laptops and smart TV packages

₱864 million worth of learning resources, providing 87 million modules and 74,000 tablets

“Under the leadership of Secretary Sonny Angara, DepEd has taken bold steps to streamline the procurement process, eliminate inefficiencies, and uphold integrity. Simple lang ang mantra namin. Tatlo lang iyon. Three words: maayos, mabilis, malinis,” said Undersecretary and Head of Procuring Entity Peter Irving Corvera.

Suppliers as Partners in Education

The summit underscored the critical role of suppliers in providing educators with the necessary tools to enhance learning outcomes. Undersecretary and Chief of Staff Fatima Lipp D. Panontongan highlighted the importance of partnerships in advancing DepEd’s mission.

“This is the perfect example of the collaboration and partnership with our suppliers. You help us equip our schools, empower our teachers, and inspire learners,” Panontongan stated.

Showcasing Innovation and Future Opportunities

The event also featured a Market Opportunities Exhibit, where suppliers showcased cutting-edge educational products and services alongside DepEd’s 2025 project plans.

Additionally, a series of plenary and breakout sessions covered key topics, including:

The New Government Procurement Act (NGPA)

The Tatak Pinoy Act

DepEd’s major procurement initiatives for 2025

Prominent experts from various organizations contributed valuable insights, including:

Atty. Catherine Jennifer Francis Gonzales (World Bank)

Ms. Soma Misra (Asian Development Bank)

Atty. Herminio Bagro (US-ASEAN Business Council)

Ms. Carmen Zubiaga (WOWLEAP)

Driving a Transparent and Efficient Education System

With these reforms, DepEd is ensuring that procurement processes are more transparent, supplier-friendly, and aligned with the needs of the education sector. Through initiatives like the Suppliers’ Registry, Early Procurement Activities, and an inclusive supplier engagement strategy, the department is setting new standards in government procurement.

As Secretary Angara puts it:

“Green light na—para sa mas maayos na procurement, para sa dekalidad na edukasyon.”

With these reforms, DepEd is paving the way for a faster, fairer, and more efficient supply system—one that benefits schools, teachers, and millions of Filipino learners.

Popular Roblox Toy Found to Contain DEADLY TOXINS – Is Your Child at Risk?

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Environmental watchdog BAN Toxics has raised red flags over a popular toy inspired by the online game "Roblox," found to contain hazardous levels of toxic chemicals. This revelation underscores the pressing need for vigilant consumer awareness and stringent regulatory enforcement to safeguard children's health.​

Toxic Findings in "Roblox" Toy

During routine market surveillance, BAN Toxics procured a mini-action figure resembling "Roblox" characters from a street vendor in Quezon City. Subsequent analysis using a Vanta C Series HH XRF Analyzer revealed alarming concentrations of toxic substances:​

Lead: Detected at levels reaching 1,460 parts per million (ppm), significantly surpassing safety thresholds.​

Other Hazardous Chemicals: The toy also contained antimony, arsenic, bromine, chromium, and mercury—elements known for their detrimental health effects.​

Moreover, the product failed to comply with the labeling standards mandated by the Toy and Game Safety Labeling Act of 2013 (Republic Act 10620). ​

Health Implications of Lead Exposure

Lead exposure is particularly perilous for children, as emphasized by the World Health Organization (WHO). It can impair brain development, leading to reduced intelligence quotient (IQ), attention disorders, increased antisocial behavior, and diminished educational attainment. Chronic exposure may also result in anemia, hypertension, renal impairment, immunotoxicity, and toxicity to the reproductive organs. ​

Legal Framework and Regulatory Gaps

The discovery of such hazardous chemicals in children's toys highlights significant lapses in regulatory enforcement:​

Chemical Control: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources' Administrative Order 2013-24 strictly prohibits the use of lead in the production and sale of toys and school supplies.​

Labeling Requirements: Republic Act 10620 mandates comprehensive labeling on toy packaging, including the License to Operate (LTO) number issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), age grading, cautionary statements, instructional literature, manufacturer's details, and item model or Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) number.​

The non-compliance observed in the "Roblox" toy case indicates a pressing need for more robust enforcement of these regulations. ​

Previous Studies and Ongoing Concerns

This incident is not isolated. A study titled "Not Suitable for Children: Toxic Chemicals in Plastic Toys Sold in Bangladesh and the Philippines," published by BAN Toxics in 2024, revealed that 62.64% of 161 toy samples exceeded safety standards, posing serious health risks. The study highlighted the prevalence of hazardous chemicals in toys, particularly in low-cost products targeting low-income communities. ​

Recommendations for Enhanced Safety

To address these critical issues, the study and BAN Toxics propose several recommendations:​

Alignment with International Standards: National toy safety regulations should be updated to match international guidelines, incorporating stricter toxicity controls and enforcement mechanisms.​

Transparency and Traceability: Implement harmonized labeling of chemicals used in toy production to enhance monitoring and control, and investigate the transboundary hazardous toy trade to inform regional or international policy interventions.​

Strengthening Regulatory Agencies: Enhance the capabilities of regulatory bodies to monitor imports, identify potential hazards, and swiftly remove unsafe toys from the market. This includes reviewing and strengthening the enforcement of legal requirements, particularly for imported toys.​

BAN Toxics urges regulatory agencies, such as the FDA and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), to conduct post-market surveillance and confiscate unlabeled and unnotified toys and childcare articles (TCCA) in the market. A concerted effort by regulatory agencies, local government units, and the public is essential to raise awareness about safe toys and prevent the sale of unregistered and hazardous children's products. ​

Conclusion

The detection of toxic chemicals in toys beloved by children serves as a stark reminder of the continuous vigilance required from parents, regulatory bodies, and manufacturers. Ensuring the safety of children's products is a collective responsibility, necessitating stringent adherence to safety standards, robust enforcement of regulations, and heightened public awareness to protect the well-being of future generations.​

The Philippines’ Last Dugongs? Shocking Truth Behind Their Mysterious Disappearance?

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The dugong, often called the "sea cow," has long been a symbol of the Philippines' rich marine biodiversity. These gentle giants, grazing peacefully on seagrass meadows, were once a common sight along the archipelago's coastlines. Today, however, their presence has dwindled alarmingly, casting a shadow over the nation's natural heritage.

A Vanishing Presence

Historically, dugongs thrived throughout the Philippine archipelago. Yet, by 1997, their confirmed habitats had shrunk to a few areas: Palawan, Romblon, Guimaras, and Pujada Bay in Davao Oriental. This decline is attributed to factors such as illegal hunting, accidental capture in fishing gear, and the degradation of seagrass beds—their primary food source—due to coastal development and pollution. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed dugongs as vulnerable to extinction since 1982, with populations continuing to decline globally. 

Innovative Conservation Efforts

In response to the dugong's plight, conservationists in the Philippines have embarked on pioneering initiatives that blend modern technology with traditional knowledge. A notable example is the collaboration between Community Centred Conservation (C3) Philippines and indigenous communities on Calauit Island, Busuanga, Palawan. This partnership employs drone technology to monitor dugong populations and their habitats. In a recent survey, drones documented 25 dugong sightings around Calauit Island, providing critical data to inform conservation strategies. 

Patricia Davis, a board member of C3 Philippines, highlighted the significance of this approach, stating that using drones for dugong research is a first in the country and enhances the capacity of local scientists to protect these endangered species. 

Global Implications and Future Prospects

The integration of drone technology into conservation efforts offers a beacon of hope not only for the Philippines but also for global initiatives aimed at protecting marine megafauna. Efficient drone observations can monitor dugong feeding areas, aiding in the preservation of their habitats and informing management actions. 

However, technology alone cannot save the dugongs. The involvement of local communities is crucial. By collaborating with indigenous populations, conservation programs ensure that efforts are culturally sensitive and sustainable. This holistic approach fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among locals, leading to more effective protection measures.

A Call to Action

The plight of the dugong serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance within our marine ecosystems. As stewards of the environment, it is imperative to support and expand innovative conservation efforts that harmoniously blend technology with traditional wisdom. Only through such collaborative endeavors can we hope to ensure that future generations will witness the serene grace of the dugong in Philippine waters.