MANILA, Philippines - Western Samar Rep. Mel Senen Sarmiento has a broad perspective in developing local government units, according to outgoing Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Mar Roxas II.
As he passed on Friday the leadership of the DILG , Roxas said Sarmiento has more than two decades’ worth of experience in public service.
"Siya po ay marami pong mga award sa international, sa mga city, and metropolis development. Kaya nakikita po niya ‘yung mas malawak na perspektiba sa development ng isang local government," Roxas said.
Sarmiento as DILG chief will be in charge of overseeing the local government units as well as the Philippine National Police, the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.
He earlier announced that he is ready to "accept any challenge" that will enable the continuation of "Daang Matuwid" of the Aquino administration.
Undersecretary for Local Governmnent Austere Panadero said the officials and employees of the DILG support Sarmiento's appointment, saying he would sustain the reforms initiated by Roxas.
"Just like his predecessors in the DILG, Secretary Sarmiento is very much qualified for the post, owing to his wide experience in government service both as a local chief executive and as a national legislator," Panadero said.
Sarmiento began serving the public as the vice mayor of Calbayog City from 1992 to 1995. He then served as mayor in 2001, holding the position for three consecutive terms.
During his time as mayor, he was elected as the Secretary General of the League of Cities of the Philippines for two terms.
He currently serves as the secretary-general of the Liberal Party as well as the representative of the first district of Western Samar.