UP ITDC Holds Free Webinar on IT Acquisition



The UP ITDC successfully conducted a free webinar titled Introduction to IT Acquisition on 3 September 2025, drawing an impressive turnout of 1,703 participants.

Held via Zoom, the session convened personnel from state universities and colleges (SUCs) across the country, including representatives from the University of Makati, Marinduque State University, Pampanga State Agricultural University, Tawi-Tawi Regional Agricultural College, Western Mindanao State University, University of Antique, Bohol Island State University, and Iloilo Science and Technology University. Government agencies also participated, such as the Maritime Industry Authority, Philippine National Oil Company, Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization, National Youth Commission, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development.



Serving as the resource speaker was Engr. Medel E. Aligan, a GPPB-recognized procurement trainor and seasoned academic leader. A Registered Mechanical Engineer, Engr. Aligan holds postgraduate credentials in Engineering Technology and Development Management from Bicol University, as well as a PG Diploma in Geothermal Technology from Auckland University, New Zealand. His extensive career at Bicol University includes key roles such as Director of the Internal Quality Assurance Office, Dean of the College of Engineering, and Head of the Planning and Management Office. He also served as an ISO 9001:2015 Internal Auditor and has been a GPPB Procurement Trainor since 2004. Currently, he teaches as a part-time Professorial Lecturer at the Bicol University Graduate School.

During the webinar, Engr. Aligan provided a comprehensive overview of IT acquisition, emphasizing core principles, procedural frameworks, and sector-specific challenges. Key learning outcomes included:

  • Understanding the expanded scope and compliance requirements under RA 12009
  • Identifying common challenges in SUC ICT procurement
  • Applying strategic planning and lifecycle costing in ICT acquisition
  • Aligning procurement processes with ISSP, PPMP, APP, and national development priorities
  • Exploring sustainable, digital-first, and flexible procurement modalities

This initiative reflects UP ITDC’s ongoing commitment to enhancing institutional workflows, promoting regulatory compliance in ICT procurement, and reinforcing its leadership in digital transformation within the higher education sector. (Levi Lusterio, UP ITDC, 4 September 2025)