Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) will hold elections on 14 September — transitioning from an appointed interim government to its first democratically elected parliamentary government.
A region historically impacted by conflict, BARMM’s elections are taking place in a contentious political climate where it’s important that voters are informed and educated about their options.
In conflict-affected communities like BARMM, young people are often among those most affected — yet this also positions them to become agents of positive change. In fact, young people make up about 60% of voters in this region.
Becoming peacebuilders
During the voters’ education sessions, young people were able to experience the entire voting process hands-on.
© Photo by April Jane Romuros.
With support from the Australian Government, Relief International and local partner UNYPAD-RANAO have been working with young people in BARMM — particularly in the province of Lanao del Sur — to help build lasting peace.
The first phase of the three-year project helped to build important skills covering conflict resolution, negotiation, and inclusion, with the second phase putting this advocacy into practice in local towns.
At the Youth Peace Summit organised by Relief International in August 2025, young peacebuilders reflected on their achievements.
They also called for stronger youth networks, greater representation in local governance, and more opportunities to shape decisions affecting their communities.
“As young leaders, we are not just the hope of tomorrow; we are the builders of today,” said Sohaila, president of a youth organization in Madamba town.
From learning to leading the way
Noel Biadnes, Project Manager of Relief International’s Y-LEAD BARMM explains how the youth-led, school-based voter education initiative puts the principle of “learning to leading” into action by empowering young people to educate and engage their peers.
That vision is now taking shape through the latest stage of the project, which began in May.
Relief International and UNYPAD-RANAO are now connecting young people’s experience in peacebuilding with opportunities to strengthen civic participation and promote peaceful elections.
As BARMM prepares for its first parliamentary elections, we are helping hundreds of young people to understand their rights and to become informed, responsible participants within the democratic process.
A key component has been training Peer Election Educators who have taken what they learned back to their schools and communities.
For Sittie, a youth representative and now peer educator in Binidayan town, leadership means helping her peers make informed and peaceful choices:
“I can now educate my peers on voting rights and the importance of a non-violent election process. I will be a role model in refusing to share unverified political misinformation.”
A ripple effect
Youth participants engage during the voter education session.
© Photo by April Jane Romuros
This work reflects something important: when young people are empowered, the benefits extend to their families, schools, communities, and institutions.
Relief International Philippines Country Director Jerome Balinton believes this investment can help shape the region for years to come.
“Young people — including voters — have a vital role in shaping the future of the region. Investment in youth leadership is an investment in sustainable peace.”
Sustainable peace is not something we build for young people. It is something we build with them.
With support from the Australian Government, Relief International and UNYPAD-RANAO will continue to create opportunities for young people to shape the future of BARRM.
