Mel Senen Sarmiento

We thank The Asia Foundation for the visit and for offering support to our efforts in BARMM. We also appreciate the valuable feedback and recommendations from the Third-Party Monitoring Team, which continues to play a vital role in monitoring and assessing the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, ensuring transparency and accountability in the peace process.

Nagpapasalamat kami sa mga stakeholder mula sa iba’t ibang sektor, sa loob at labas ng BARMM, na nakiisa sa aming unang linggo ng listening sessions. Kasabay ng mga briefing at pangangalap ng datos, malaki ang naitulong ng inyong mga pananaw upang masuri kung nasaan na tayo, mapalakas ang aming mga sistema, at malinaw na matukoy ang mga prayoridad para sa mga susunod na taon alinsunod sa direktiba ni PBBM, habang inilalatag ang matibay na pundasyon lampas Hunyo 30, 2028 bilang suporta sa Ambisyon Natin 2040. Inaasahan namin ang isang produktibong linggo habang patuloy naming pinapahusay ang aming mga sistema, upang mas makapaglaan ako ng mas maraming oras sa field. Natapos na ang vetting process para sa pagpili ng Chair ng GPH Panel para sa GPH-MILF Peace Implementing Panels.

Grateful to stakeholders from across sectors, within and beyond BARMM, who joined our first week of listening sessions. Alongside briefings and data gathering, your insights are helping us assess where we are, strengthen our systems, and define our priorities for the years ahead as directed by PBBM, while laying the groundwork beyond June 30, 2028 in support of Ambisyon Natin 2040. Looking forward to a productive week ahead as we fine-tune our systems, so I can spend more time in the field. Vetting process completed for the selection of the Chair of the GPH Panel for the GPH-MILF Peace Implementing Panels.

My instruction to OPAPRU is to check on the situation of the former rebel communities we are assisting in Bicol in light of the eruption of Mayon Volcano, and to ensure that appropriate support is provided as needed. To avoid duplication, once our field office has identified those affected, it shall coordinate with the DSWD, in collaboration with the concerned Local Government Unit (LGU), to conduct a rapid needs assessment. This will enable the necessary follow-through with the DSWD for the provision of appropriate assistance, consistent with our role in facilitating support for former rebels as part of the whole-of-government approach initiatives of the PBBM administration.

I have instructed Presidential Assistant Wilben Mayor of OPAPRU to check on the situation of the former rebel communities we are assisting in Bicol, in light of the eruption of Mayon Volcano, and to ensure that appropriate support is provided as needed.

Thank you, Tito Raul, for inviting me to your exhibit with Raul Lebajo. It was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with artists from Calbayog and Catbalogan at Artist Space in Makati last Saturday evening.

Thank you to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for the trust and confidence in appointing me as Secretary of OPAPRU. We will work tirelessly toward the attainment of sustainable peace, bringing together communities, strengthening partnerships, and addressing the roots of conflict, as our contribution to achieving our shared national vision, Ambisyon Natin 2040. Together, let us build a more peaceful, inclusive, and united Philippines. (Photo taken during the Galing Pook Awards Ceremony on November 23, 2022)

I attended the 2026 Annual General Meeting of ARISE Philippines, with the theme “Accelerating Resilience by 2030: Innovate, Integrate, Impact for a Resilient and Sustainable Future,” led by Chairperson Hans T. Sy, held at the Henry Sy Sr. Auditorium. It was a productive day that also provided an opportunity to pause and reflect on how we, at the Galing Pook Foundation, can contribute, as a member, to the Philippine resilience roadmap in support of the strategic frameworks of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction for 2026 to 2030. I was joined by GPF Executive Director Jay Carizo and Adrian Adobe. The roadmap focuses on four catalytic areas: (1) risk knowledge, (2) locally led disaster risk reduction (DRR), (3) financing for DRR, and (4) recovery readiness.

I joined fellow faculty members yesterday at the 2nd Faculty Assembly of the PMDP–LGEMC, held at the Development Academy of the Philippines in Pasig and led by Acting President Leocadio Sebastian. The assembly was an opportunity to review the program’s accomplishments, align our strategic directions, and refine the LGEMC training program in response to the evolving demands of governance. The continued support and sustained funding for the program reflect strong confidence in its role in developing the second layer of leadership in our local governments. Discussions also included plans to expand short courses and introduce more flexible delivery options to reach more local government officials. Insights from the program’s Tracer Study further enriched the conversation, reinforcing how the LGEMC continues to contribute to strengthening leadership, improving performance, and enhancing service delivery in LGUs. #DAP #LGEMC

Thank you once again to SM Prime Holdings, Inc. and the Bureau of Fire Protection for the opportunity to be part of the search for the Ten Outstanding Firefighters of the Philippines, in my capacity as Chair of the Galing Pook Foundation. It is truly an honor to support initiatives that recognize excellence, professionalism, and dedicated public service. #BFP #SMPrime #GalingPook

The Bureau of Fire Protection is not just working, it is transforming into a world-class organization. With professionalism and integrity, the BFP continues its mission of delivering the best possible service to the Filipino people. The search for the Ten Outstanding Firefighters of the Philippines, a flagship initiative of the BFP PRAISE Committee headed by Rico Kwan Tiu, is part of this journey, honoring those who go beyond the call of duty in service to our nation. Let us support the BFP in this vision, just as SM Prime Holdings, Inc. has demonstrated. By standing with them, we strengthen our institutions and move forward together in nation-building. #BFP #SMPrime #GalingPook

Remembering PNoy: good governance is good economics. The 2012 IRA/NTA of LGUs—computed based on 2009 revenues—nearly doubled by 2018, supported by 6.2% average GDP growth, using 2015 revenues under his presidency. Higher NTA means more services from Governors, Mayors, and Barangay Captains.

Always a pleasure sharing insights with our men and women in uniform of the Bureau of Fire Protection at the 2026 National Joint Summit, organized by SM Prime and the BFP at the National Headquarters, led by Director Jesus Fernandez, Chief of the BFP.

I attended the One DAP Graduation Ceremony this afternoon at the PICC with my colleagues from the faculty. Congratulations to all the graduates! 🎓 Mabuhay ang LGEMC scholars! May you use your newly acquired knowledge to meaningfully improve the lives of your constituents.