Fifty-seven students from Notre Dame of Midsayap College (NDMC) joined a youth-focused forum last Friday, July 25, that spotlighted election monitoring insights and pre-election voter education efforts in the Special Geographic Area (SGA) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The Independent Election Monitoring Center (IEMC) presented findings and recommendations from its May 2025 monitoring work, followed by collaborative planning with students targeting municipalities across the SGA.

IAG Director for Programs Sheila Algabre underscored both the progress and persistent setbacks from the 2025 Midterm Elections in BARMM. She highlighted gains such as the prioritization of vulnerable sectors and the implementation of effective ceasefire protocols. Yet, she emphasized that vote buying, fear-driven politics, and weak institutional coordination continue to undermine electoral integrity.

Algabre also lauded NDMC students who served on the frontlines of election monitoring last May and have committed to volunteer again for the upcoming October 13 BARMM parliamentary elections.

NDMC President Fr. Ramon Maria Bernabe stressed the significance of the upcoming vote, a historic first for BARMM. “Credible elections ensure that we have leaders who truly represent the interests of people and who will be accountable to the people as well,” he said.

Recognizing both systemic challenges and student resolve, Fr. Bernabe added: “It is inspiring and energizing that we have here with us our young volunteers, who are not only volunteers but stakeholders to this whole election process and to this effort to secure the future of the Bangsamoro.” He thanked the student volunteers, calling them “already the bearers of hope and change here and now.”

This initiative builds on the partnership agreement signed on March 8, 2024, between IAG and NDMC—a shared commitment to pooling resources and engaging stakeholders across the SGA’s 63 barangays. The collaboration focuses on promoting the rule of law, good governance, and fostering interreligious and intercultural dialogue. In the lead-up to the October 2025 parliamentary elections, voter education and public awareness campaigns are key priorities.

The IEMC also continues its coordinated work with COMELEC, security agencies, and the media to ensure transparency, credible reporting, and rapid response to election-related incidents. Through formal linkages with election monitoring action centers at both provincial and municipal levels, the IEMC plays a vital role in advancing fair, inclusive, and democratic elections in BARMM and Sulu.

This initiative is supported by the Australian Government.