The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento on Friday urged voters to cast their ballots wisely in the upcoming Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections scheduled for Sept. 14. He emphasized that this decision will lay the foundation for a stable government in the region.
In a statement, Sarmiento described the elections as a defining moment for the Bangsamoro people to choose the leaders they rightfully deserve, marking a new and exciting chapter in the region's history. He stressed that the elections must be viewed not only as a political exercise but also as a vital component of nation-building.
A peaceful, orderly, and credible election will establish a stable government capable of driving economic growth in the Bangsamoro, Sarmiento said. He noted that the BARMM has significant potential as a hub for commerce, investment, and tourism, which can contribute substantially to the nation's gross domestic product and internal revenue. With increased internal revenue collections alongside its Block Grant, the regional government will be fully equipped to serve and uplift the lives of the Bangsamoro people.
Sarmiento called on all stakeholders, including the academic community and civil society groups, to cooperate closely with the security cluster to ensure peaceful elections and to advocate strongly for voter education. He acknowledged the political dynamics in the region but emphasized that healthy competition is a sign of a vibrant and well-functioning democracy.
He urged that efforts during the democratic process must align with commitments under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB). Sarmiento expressed OPAPRU's vision for a Bangsamoro where every family has access to reliable transportation and infrastructure, every household can enjoy three healthy meals daily through sustainable livelihoods, children can complete K-12 education, and a robust healthcare system protects all citizens.
Once the ballots are counted and winners proclaimed, Sarmiento urged everyone to respect the results. He called on candidates, parties, and stakeholders to reconcile, restoring a stronger sense of community across the region and ensuring that Indigenous Peoples are included in the development process. He concluded that while elections are temporary, the Bangsamoro identity and shared future are permanent.
