Atty. Gerardo Panga Sirios ‘89, more known as Gerry, has charted a life shaped by both family values and professional resolve. Though his family hails from Bicol, he spent his formative years in Manila and attended elementary and high school at Benedictine Abbey School in Alabang. His long commitment to public service took root through various roles across government - in the judiciary, from local government to national agencies, where he built a reputation for competence, integrity, and a deep sense of duty.

As an undergraduate, Sirios earned his BA in European Languages, major in German and minor in Political Science, from the University of the Philippines Diliman. He pursued his Juris Doctor at the University of Perpetual Help Rizal in Las Piñas as a working student.

He has taken on roles shaped by both opportunity and obligation, and now serves as Administrator of the Land Registration Authority (LRA). His career has been marked by a commitment to fairness and good governance, earning him the UP Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumni Award for Good Governance in 2025.

Beyond accolades and titles, it is his approach to public service that defines his leadership. For Gerry, justice and governance are not separate pursuits. They are inseparable, as shown in his work at the LRA.

Early Career and Governance in Property Administration

As Administrator, Sirios has focused on improving accessibility, transparency, and integrity not just in the land registration system but in the personal property securities registry as well.

Under his leadership, the Personal Property Security Act (PPSA) was implemented through the launch of the Personal Property Security Registry (PPSR), a centralized online platform for registering security interests in movable property. This reform is especially significant because it allows small businesses and individuals to use personal property, like equipment, inventory, or receivables, as loan collateral. For many who do not own land, this opens the door to formal credit for the first time. The PPSR strengthens financial inclusion, supports micro and small enterprises, and brings the Philippines in line with global standards on secured lending.

He is undertaking reforms in land registration, starting with policy changes that will permit the streamlining of processes and the adoption of the latest technology in the registration process, including artificial intelligence (AI), block-chain, and geo-spatial information system. This openness to digital innovation is notable as it will strengthen the integrity of the registry that will do away with the usual problems encountered in land registration, such as fake titles and double titling. The innovations will also allow the introduction of a truly digital title, that may conveniently be transacted without risk of loss or fraud; many from an older generation might not be so open to the idea, but Gerry has welcomed it as necessary for improving public service.

To strengthen internal accountability, he is also set to establish an Integrity Board, envisioned to address misconduct and reinforce public trust in the land registration system.

“We are looking forward to another 3 years [in the LRA]. Hopefully, we will be coming up with improvements, especially with the mandate of the President on having a full digitalization of all processes. By next year, we are considering adopting blockchain technology.”

He is working closely with local governments to help provincial and city administrations manage land matters and local real property taxation more effectively. His aim has been to align the LRA’s work with national goals focused on equity, treating land not just as a legal asset but as a means for socioeconomic advancement.

Upsilon Sigma Phi: The Role of Brotherhood in Shaping His Leadership

His commitment to good governance and justice was shaped during his college days when he joined the Upsilon Sigma Phi in 1989 and became the Fraternity’s representative to the Nagkaisang Tugon, which fielded him as a candidate in the University Student Council in 1991. Though he was not successful in his bid, the ideals of good governance and justice have taken root in him intertwined with the values of brotherhood, integrity, excellence, leadership and service.

Incidentally, he joined Mensa in college, mainly on a whim and upon the egging of a fraternity brother. He took the exam one day simply because he had nothing better to do. He passed. And yes, he was also the print and voice model in an ad for Phoselite B, the brain-enhancing pill.

Now, as a means of giving back, he would like to instill the very same values he has learned from his college days to the younger generation. As President of the Upsilon Sigma Phi Alumni Association (USPAAI), Sirios helped strengthen ties between generations of Upsilonians. He promoted programs focused on leadership, mentorship, and service, which align with his work in government.

From Congress to Cavite to COA: Tracing His Public Service Career

Sirios’s public service career has spanned all three branches of government. He began in the judiciary as Branch Clerk of Court, then moved to the legislative branch as Chief of Staff to Congressman Gilbert Remulla in 2001. He later transitioned into the executive branch of the local government, serving in the Provincial Legal Office of Cavite under Governor Jonvic Remulla’s second term (2013–2016) and Governor Boying Remulla’s term (2016–2019). In 2020, Sirios had already moved to the Commission on Audit, where he continued his commitment to good governance and justice. He was part of an audit team which was recognized for having found an anomaly in the collection of fees in one of the agencies in government. These roles reflect the depth and breadth of his experience in public service.

The Man Behind the Role

Sirios is known to be protective of those being treated unfairly, whether it be others or his own people. When he draws the line, he expects others to respect it.

That same principle applies to his view on integrity. In one of his first speeches, he said, “Wag nyong hiyain ako at si Secretary of Justice.” It was a clear signal that he would not tolerate corruption. If someone crossed the line, they would not be protected.

He can be loud and brash, and his sentences are often laced with profanity. To those who don’t know him, he might come off as abrasive. But beneath that is a gentle soul in a bald dad bod. He plays the piano, listens to classical music, quietly helps people in need, and has put more than a few through school.

True to his name, Sirios is serious about work. No frills, no shortcuts, and no room for excuses. Just a clear focus on getting things done. When he ran for student council in college, his campaign chant said it all: “Serious na serious si Gerry Sirios.” It was catchy, but also true.

He swears. He helps. He works like he has something to prove. Maybe that’s just who Gerry Sirios is - serious na serious!