COTABATO CITY (Feb. 3, 2025) — The Bangsamoro Youth Commission, in collaboration with its partner institutions, conducted the second leg of its Voter Empowerment Forum, engaging around 2,000 youth leaders from various colleges and departments of Mindanao State University (MSU) – Maguindanao.
Aimed at educating and engaging Bangsamoro youth in the electoral process, the forum, held on Friday, January 31, was a collaborative effort led by the Commission in partnership with MSU-Maguindanao, through its Supreme Student Council (SSC) and the Institute for Peace and Development in Mindanao (IPDM), along with the Commission on Elections-Maguindanao del Norte (COMELEC-MDN) and the Provincial Government of Maguindanao del Norte through its Provincial Youth Development Office.
BYC Commissioner Nasserudin Dunding urged the youth to actively participate in the upcoming elections, emphasizing that voting is not only their right but also their primary instrument to voice their beliefs, aspirations, and shape the future they envision.
“The Bangsamoro Electoral Code paves the way for fair, transparent, and inclusive elections that empower us all, especially the young people who will shape the future of our region,” Dunding said.
“Sa pamamagitan ng pag-aaral sa mga probisyon nito, hindi lamang tayo nagiging botante kundi tagapagtaguyod ng pagbabago. Binibigyan natin ng kapangyarihan ang ating mga sarili upang gumawa ng mga desisyon na tumutugma sa ating mga pangarap para sa mas magandang Autnomous Region,” he added.
Moreover, MDN-PYDO Sittie Khairon Tago, emphasized that initiatives like this are a priority for the province under the leadership of Governor Abdulraof Macacua, reaffirming their strong support for youth empowerment and electoral education.
During the forum, Gerardo Conception III, Secretariat Head of the BTA Committee on Rules, explained the key provisions of the Bangsamoro Electoral Code (BEC) and emphasized the participants’ role in ensuring public awareness of the law.
Meanwhile, COMELEC Election Officer Bai Maseda Abo demonstrated the use of the automated vote counting machine, which will be implemented in the May 2025 elections. Sheikh Saiful Gayak also discussed the topic, “Ang Halalan sa Pananaw ng Islam,” providing insights on elections from an Islamic perspective.
The forum is part of the Transitional Development Impact Fund (TDIF) initiatives supported by various MPs. BYC plans to conduct similar forums in other universities across BARMM to encourage informed participation among young voters. (BYC PR Unit/AAA)
