In a forum held at Notre Dame University (NDU) in Cotabato City on Wednesday, Atty. Benedicto Bacani, Executive Director of the Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG), shed light on the upcoming BARMM 2025 Elections and the associated challenges and opportunities.

The forum was organized by IAG in partnership with NDU and with support from Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Philippines Office.

Addressing a gathering of around 200 faculty and staff members, Atty. Bacani emphasized the crucial role of academic institutions in fostering critical thinking and informed citizenry. He urged the university community to delve deeper into political developments beyond surface-level news and social media, encouraging students to question, analyze, and understand the underlying factors shaping the region's first-ever regional parliamentary elections.

A key takeaway from the forum was the need to bridge the information gap among young voters. A recent IAG survey revealed a significant lack of knowledge regarding the new voting system. Atty. Bacani stressed the imperative for educational institutions like NDU to play a pivotal role in disseminating essential electoral information.

The presentation delved into a comprehensive analysis of major political groups, emerging narratives, and governance platforms. The ensuing Q&A session sparked lively discussions on critical issues, including the exclusion of Sulu from BARMM, the status of the Special Geographic Area, and the overall governance challenges facing the region.

Atty. Bacani concluded by underscoring the importance of inclusive processes, the rule of law, and good governance standards in shaping the future of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. The forum's discussions extend to broader themes of autonomy, decentralization, and federalism.