Mel Sarmiento takes oath as Marcos’ presidential peace adviser

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday administered the oath of office to Mel Senen Sarmiento as the new chief of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (Opapru) in Malacañang.

Sarmiento succeeds Carlito Galvez Jr., who stepped down from the post to spend more time with his family.

As presidential adviser on peace, reconciliation and unity, Sarmiento will lead efforts to advance inclusive peace initiatives, strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders, and sustain programs that promote unity and development in conflict-affected and vulnerable communities.

According to Malacañang, the change in the leadership in the Opapru “marks a natural progression of the country’s peace work.”

READ: Galvez resigns; Sarmiento next Marcos peace adviser

“With security and normalization milestones largely in place, the process now enters a phase that calls for civilian leadership — centered on reconciliation, local governance, and socio-economic reintegration,” Palace press officer Claire Castro said.

“This is especially vital in the Bangsamoro as it moves toward its first parliamentary elections and the full realization of the Comprehensive Agreement, and Secretary Sarmiento’s background in local government and public administration equips him well for the task,” she added.

Sarmiento brings extensive experience in public service. He currently serves as Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Galing Pook Foundation, a position he has held since November 2021.

He previously served as secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) under the administration of the late President Benigno Aquino III from September 2015 to June 2016.

Sarmiento was also secretary-general of the Liberal Party during the term of Aquino.

READ: Group lauds Galvez’s service as he steps down as peace adviser

Prior to his role in the national government, Sarmiento served as congressman of Samar’s 1st District for nearly two terms from 2010 to 2015.

He also served as mayor of Calbayog City, Samar, for three terms from 2001 to 2010, and as vice mayor from 1992 to 1995.

In recognition of his service, Sarmiento has received several national honors, including the Order of Lakandula (Rank of Gold Cross), the Order of Sikatuna, and the Rank of Grand Cross (Datu), all conferred by former President Aquino.

He was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Merit by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Sarmiento is an honorary member of the Philippine Military Academy Maharlika Class of 1984.

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (Opapp) was established in 1993 through Executive Order No. 125 to define the government’s framework and administrative structure for comprehensive peace efforts. It was further strengthened in 2001 through EO 3.

In 2021, the office was renamed the Opapru under EO 158, expanding its mandate to oversee the Comprehensive Peace Process and promote national reconciliation and unity. /das