Papers, Newsletters, Reports & StatementsOFFICIAL STATEMENT ON THE SERVICE OF FORMER SECRETARY CARLITO G. GALVEZ, JR. AND ON THE APPOINTMENT OF SECRETARY MEL SENEN SARMIENTO AS THE PRESIDENTIAL ADVISER ON PEACE, RECONCILIATION AND UNITY

The Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy (PCID) warmly welcomes the appointment of Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento as the new Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity. As a long-standing civil society partner in peacebuilding, the PCID reaffirms its full support to the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU).

We also extend our sincere appreciation to former Secretary Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., for his leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing the Philippine Comprehensive Peace Process. The progress achieved, particularly in sustaining the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), strengthening normalization efforts, and advancing the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (NAPWPS), provides an important foundation upon which to build.

At a time of both opportunity and uncertainty in our peace processes, this leadership transition comes with renewed responsibility to sustain hard-won gains and to address emerging challenges with clarity, inclusivity, and resolve. Peace is not a static achievement but a continuing process – one that demands vigilance, innovation, and the participation of all sectors. At this critical juncture, the PCID respectfully highlight the following priorities that require sustained and strengthened attention:

1. Meaningful Transition in the Bangsamoro and for Sulu – The transition in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) remains fragile. Institutional strengthening, fiscal autonomy, and effective governance must be accelerated. Particular attention must be given to resolving emerging governance gaps, including those arising from the evolving status of Sulu, and ensuring continuity in public service delivery.
2. Advancing Normalization and Security Sector Reform – The Normalization track of the CAB must move with greater urgency, particularly its decommissioning, reintegration, and transformation dimensions. An effective integration and implementation of the WPS agenda into the security sector is essential to ensure that peace dividends are inclusive and sustainable.
3. Strengthening Local Peace Mechanisms and Conflict Prevention – Local conflicts or rido, resource-based tensions, and political violence continue to threaten stability. Investing in community-based mediation, conflict resolution, early warning systems, and local peace infrastructures must remain a priority.
4. Institutionalizing Women, Peace and Security (WPS) and Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) – The Philippines has long been a global leader in advancing the WPS agenda. However, gaps remain in implementation, particularly in localization and integration into leadership in governance and security institutions. There is also an urgent need to elevate the YPS agenda, ensuring meaningful participation of young leaders in peacebuilding processes.
5. Expanding Peace Education and Public Engagement – Peace must be understood, owned, and sustained by grassroots communities. Expanding peace education through partnerships with key educational institutions can build a new generation committed to dialogue, inclusion, and democratic governance.
6. Sustaining Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships – The gains of the Philippine Comprehensive Peace Process have been made possible through a whole-of-society approach as seen in the collaboration between the national government, civil society organizations, diplomatic corps, international and development partners, and provincial and community leaders and citizens. These partnerships must be sustained and expanded, particularly in addressing complex and evolving challenges.

The PCID remains prepared to continue its meaningful collaboration with the OPAPRU and its peace partners and champions from the Bangsamoro Government, academe, and civil society networks in pursuing the aforementioned priorities for an inclusive and durable peace. Our experience in community engagement, policy research, and capacity-building remains at the service of the nation.

As we welcome this new leadership, we are reminded that the success of the peace process depends not only on institutions, but on the collective will of all Filipinos to sustain dialogue, uphold justice, and build a future anchored in dignity and inclusion.###