(PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE)
TACLOBAN CITY — Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has formally administered the oath of office to Mel Senen Sarmiento as Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, marking a leadership transition in the government’s peace-building efforts.
The oath-taking ceremony was held at Malacañang Palace on Tuesday, April 22, where Sarmiento officially assumed the post following the resignation of Carlito Galvez Jr., who stepped down earlier this week to focus on his family.
As the new head of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, Sarmiento is tasked with advancing peace initiatives, promoting reconciliation among various sectors, and ensuring the implementation of existing peace agreements across the country.
Sarmiento, who hails from Samar, brings extensive experience in both local and national governance. He previously served as secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government from 2015 to 2016 under former President Benigno Aquino III.
He also served as representative of Samar’s first district from 2010 to 2015 and held key local positions in Calbayog City, including mayor from 2001 to 2010 and vice mayor from 1992 to 1995.
His appointment comes as the government continues to pursue inclusive dialogue and sustainable peace efforts, particularly in conflict-affected areas across the country.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
