General Services Officers in CV Gather for a 3-Day Regional Confab
Over 70 general services officers in Central Visayas gathered at the Capitol Social Hall for the three-day first regional convention of the Philippine Association of General Services Officers Inc. (PAGSO) Central Visayas.
With the theme, “A Show of Force of Solidarity,” the convention kicked off yesterday, May 30, and will end tomorrow, June 1.
Cebu Gov. Hilario P. Davide III, the keynote speaker, said that the Provincial Government is happy to host the event, which he described as an ideal platform to develop linkages and share best practices among general services offices (GSOs) in the region.
The governor said that the convention theme of PAGSO 7, having been organized in July 2017, is very fitting. He said it is through unified commitment and dedication that the group can strengthen their efforts toward the achievements of their objectives and to advance the interest and welfare of the GSO in pursuant to the principles and policies enshrined in the Local Government Code.
Davide also recognized Provincial GSO chief Jone Seigfred Sepe for doing well on his task in managing the office since the latter took over the post in 2014. The governor said he is proud of Sepe, who now sits as the regional president of PAGSO 7 and the vice president of the national association.
The GSO, as a frontline office in the local government unit, plays a vital role in ensuring fast and efficient delivery of programs and services to the public, specifically in terms of procurement, disposition, maintenance and utilization of property and resources.
“As general services officers, it is one of your important responsibilities to ensure that the public financial resources that are limited are best spent according to the needs of our constituents and the priorities of our local government units (LGUs),” said Davide.
He said that it is the GSO officer’s role to carefully examine purchases to achieve economic, efficient, and effective procurement of the needed goods and services for the LGUs.
“Looking at any development agenda in the government, there is no way to achieve any of them without the support coming from the General Services Office. Importante gyud ning opisina ninyo kay kamo may gimanduan sa balaod ug sa mga chiefs, heads of offices inig pagpamalit mga ballpen, papel, supplies sa opisina, computers… ug vehicles. Bug-at gyud na inyong trabaho,” said Davide.
In line with its objective to improve and quickly deliver the services to Cebuanos, Davide said that the Cebu Provincial Government has adopted a system called Sugbo, which stands for Smart Utilities for Government Business Operations. The goal of the system is to automate and establish government system by introducing smart utilities in purchase request, preparations of procurement in accordance with the Government Procurement Reform Act and the Supply and Property Management Guidelines.
Davide added that Sugbo provides a platform and mechanism that monitors the procurement process, addresses the issue of understanding, ensures on-time processing of purchase request, release of payments and encourage competitive bidding procedures.
The governor said that Sugbo hastens the delivery of goods and services and efficiently keeps track of the assets and resources of the Cebu Provincial Government.
“May your respective offices continue to aspire for excellence guided by the principle of good governance, honesty, transparency, and accountability in all transactions,” Davide said.
Antonio Chan, PAGSO national president, in his message praised Sepe’s leadership for organizing the convention. He said that the gathering is a great opportunity to learn from each other and to improve their skills and knowledge as GSO officers.
Chan encouraged his fellow GSO officers to always “put the public good first and our personal interest second.”
Chan echoed Davide’s statement the importance of the responsibilities that each GSO officers is holding. He described their role as the “MVP” or the most valuable personnel in the local government unit.
“Yes, we are the most valuable personnel. When our boss in our office is in need of supplies, materials or equipment. We are important when inventory of assets is required. We are important when the house is in disarray and things and places have to be kept clean, orderly, and secure. And sometimes, we are also the favorite ‘punching bag’ of our friends from COA (Commission on Audit),” he said.
Apart from the participants from the provinces of Siquijor, Bohol, Negros Oriental and Cebu, GSO officers from Misamis Occidental in Region 10 also joined the convention.
