The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Shoppable Business, a local startup, have joined forces to develop a secure e-procurement solution for government agencies and businesses.
Quotable, the free Software-as-a-Service platform being developed by Shoppable Business, aims to enhance the procurement process by providing buyers with access to verified suppliers and ensuring better pricing, product authenticity, and efficiency.
DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr. expressed enthusiasm for the potential of Quotable to accelerate government procurement and contribute to digital governance. “This is our way to provide solutions and open opportunities for our partners in government and in the private sector,” he stated.
Supported by the DOST Startup Grant Fund (SGF) Program, Shoppable Business is leveraging a P3 million grant to further develop its platform and expand its reach. The startup aims to automate procurement workflows and create a business-to-business marketplace, addressing the inefficiencies of traditional manual processes.
Carlo Silva, the project leader and CEO of Shoppable Business, thanked DOST and highlighted the time-consuming nature of current procurement methods, involving 16 steps and an average processing time of 21 days. “This support will enable us to enhance our platform and reach more businesses, ensuring they have access to free e-procurement software and verified suppliers,” Silva explained.
According to Silva, Quotable can significantly streamline procurement processes, reducing the time for new quotation requests from 21 days to 3-5 days. For existing suppliers, quotes can be sent within 24 hours, with potential for same-day delivery. By automating their business operations, companies can save substantial time and resources.
By digitizing their operations, companies can save thousands of workhours and millions of pesos annually. DOST-PCIEERD Executive Director Dr. Enrico C. Paringit expressed optimism that Quotable will be a valuable tool considering the new government procurement act.
“As we strive to become the Nexus of Innovation, we soldier on in finding novel approaches to the common concerns of the Filipino people. We look forward to supporting startups who want to up the ante of their products and services to the country,” Paringit said.
The DOST-PCIEERD SGF Program has supported over 61 startups with funding of more than PHP 246 million in the past five years.
Led by Silva, Sam Blanquera, Chris Blanquera, and Mark Reyes, Shoppable Business is dedicated to developing innovative supply chain technology that helps businesses enhance productivity, efficiency, and profitability.”