Introduction to ICT Acquisition

 On September 3, 2025, I attended a webinar titled “Introduction to ICT Acquisition: From RA 12009 to Sustainable Asset Management” led by Medel E. Aligan. The session focused on how ICT procurement in the Philippines is evolving with the implementation of the New Government Procurement Act (RA 12009).

The webinar connected policy, technology, and sustainability, giving participants a clearer understanding of the future of ICT systems in government agencies and organizations. It provided valuable insights into how proper procurement practices contribute to efficient and sustainable technology management.

The webinar discussed the changing landscape of ICT procurement and explained how government agencies are adapting to the new procurement framework under RA 12009.

One of the main topics covered was the importance of aligning ICT initiatives with organizational goals and national priorities. The speaker also explained common challenges faced by agencies, such as limited budgets, fragmented processes, and the need for stronger technical expertise among procurement personnel.

A particularly interesting part of the discussion was the concept of lifecycle costing. The speaker emphasized that the value of an ICT project should not only be measured by its initial cost, but also by the expenses related to maintenance, upgrades, and long-term operations.

Real-world examples and practical strategies were also shared throughout the session, making the discussion more engaging and relevant to participants.



Key Learnings

The webinar helped me understand that ICT procurement is much more than simply purchasing technology.

I learned that successful ICT acquisition requires proper planning, compliance with policies, and long-term sustainability considerations. The discussion gave me a better understanding of how procurement frameworks operate and why strategic planning is important in technology implementation.

One of the most valuable lessons I gained was the importance of lifecycle costing. I realized that the true value of an ICT project lies not only in the initial investment, but also in how sustainable and maintainable the system will be over time.

The webinar also highlighted the importance of capacity building. Many procurement challenges arise because technical expertise is limited, which can delay or complicate ICT projects. This made me appreciate the importance of combining both technical knowledge and management skills in the IT field.



Practical Takeaways

Even as a student, I can already apply the concept of lifecycle thinking in academic and community projects.

When working on future systems or technology-based initiatives, I can consider not only the initial implementation costs but also the long-term sustainability, maintenance, and impact of the solution. This mindset can help me make better recommendations and decisions in future IT-related work.

I also realized the importance of aligning technology solutions with broader organizational goals. Understanding these concepts early will help me become more responsible and strategic when managing technology projects in the future.



Positive Feedback

The webinar was well-organized, informative, and easy to understand. The speaker explained technical and policy-related concepts in a simple and practical manner, making the session accessible even to participants who were not yet familiar with ICT procurement processes.

I also appreciated the use of real-world examples and practical strategies, which made the discussion more engaging and relevant. Overall, the webinar successfully balanced theoretical concepts with practical applications.



Suggestions for Improvement

Although the webinar was already effective, future sessions could become even more engaging by including interactive demonstrations or case studies.

For example, a walkthrough of the PhilGEPS system or a simulation of an ICT procurement process would help participants gain a more hands-on understanding of the topics discussed. Adding these activities could make the learning experience more interactive and practical.

Despite these suggestions, the webinar was a valuable learning experience that expanded my understanding of ICT acquisition, sustainability, and strategic technology management.

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