OPAPRU turns over, breaks ground on PAMANA projects across ZamBaSulTa
Presidential Peace Adviser Mel Senen Sarmiento led the turnover and groundbreaking of ₱60 million in PAMANA projects across Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, delivering clean water systems, community infrastructure and educational assistance to MNLF communities under the 1996 Final Peace Agreement.
NEWS
6/29/20262 min read
ZAMBOANGA CITY — Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento led a two-day mission across the island-provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi from June 21 to 22, overseeing the turnover and groundbreaking of Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Program projects and the distribution of educational assistance to communities covered by the Transformation Program for Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) members.
The visit underscored the national government's commitment to fulfilling its obligations under the 1996 Final Peace Agreement (FPA) by delivering concrete development gains to MNLF communities across the ZamBaSulTa region.
Basilan: Water and community space for MNLF villages
In Tuburan, Basilan, Sarmiento led the turnover of a communal water system to residents of Barangay Lahi-Lahi and a multi-purpose community building to Barangay Tablas-Usew — projects totaling ₱20 million.
MNLF Commander Habirin Jalil of Barangay Lahi-Lahi said residents had previously relied on seawater for daily needs. The completed water system now draws people from neighboring areas to fetch water there.
Barangay Tablas-Usew Chairperson Amin Abubakar called it a "valuable project that will be shared in our barangay for many, many years to come," pledging the building would be used responsibly as a venue for community meetings, programs and services.
Tawi-Tawi: Education as a pillar of peace
In Patikul, Sulu, Sarmiento and Mayor Kabir Elias Hayudini broke ground on four PAMANA-funded water system projects worth ₱40 million, covering Barangays Kabbon Takas, Anuling, Langhub and Pansul. Residents in these areas were once displaced by armed conflict and are now rebuilding under the Balik-Barangay Program of the Bangsamoro government and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Sulu: Groundbreaking for four water systems
In Tawi-Tawi, Sarmiento joined Governor Yshmael "Mang" Sali in distributing financial assistance to beneficiaries of the Educational Assistance Program (EAP), composed of next-of-kin of MNLF members.
"Education is the strongest foundation for peace, security, and progress. It is the path we have chosen for Tawi-Tawi — one that opens doors, creates opportunities, and unites us," Sali said.
Sustaining the peace
The visit concluded with a consultation meeting with Sulu's provincial leadership and the MNLF Peace Implementing Committee under Chair Nur Misuari. Discussions centered on fulfilling remaining FPA commitments and delivering socio-economic interventions to MNLF communities.
Governor Tan II reaffirmed Sulu's commitment to working closely with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) to advance lasting peace and inclusive development in the province.
Sarmiento called for a "whole-of-nation, whole-of-society approach" to sustain these gains, urging MNLF members and their communities to remain united in the face of continuing challenges.