PH Urged to Supply More Goods, Services to UN

Philippine exporters are urged to increase their activities of supplying goods and services to the United Nations (UN).

The UN Development Program (UNDP) will be on a roadshow in the country to present export opportunities for local enterprises.

On the sidelines of the Doing Business with UNDP Seminar Monday, UN Procurement Management Section Chief Willem Tahun told reporters that the seminars aim to entice more Filipino businesses get involved with the UN opportunities.

Tahun added that through these seminars, the UN also targets to expand its sourcing and market base by registering new suppliers.

“Companies do not necessarily know that the United Nations really depend on third parties to execute their mandate,” he said.

He said UN’s procurement budget for this year is at USD17 billion.

Goods and services sourcing of the UN depends on various entities. For instance, the World Health Organization (WHO) sources pharmaceutical products and vaccines, other medical equipment, from companies. UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) needs educational supplies, water and sanitation, and bed nets, among others.

Of the total budget for this year, USD3 billion is for UN Secretariat’s procurement. Bulk of the entity’s requirement include food ration and other needs of deployed peacekeeping troops, logistics, air transport services, fuel, and construction among others.

Moreover, UNDP Philippine Country Office Procurement Associate Karyll Angeles cited UN’s needs for this year, which include various items for livelihood programs, medical equipment and supplies, solar equipment, information technology (IT) equipment, construction materials, agrivet supplies, and heavy equipment.

In 2017, UNDP’s procurement volume in the Philippines reached USD39.57 million.

Generators and solar equipment were the top goods bought by the organization from the country last year amounting to USD25.57 million. This is followed by consultancy firms’ services at USD2.59 million, local individual consultant at USD1.96 million, micro capital grants at USD 1.91 million, conference organizing services at USD1.52 million, and premises services valued at USD1.52 million.

Other goods and services that were purchased by the organization from Philippine suppliers include international individual consultant, travel, structure and building for civil works, and medical equipment. (PNA)