In preparation for the first-ever parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), 18 representatives from 10 regional political parties gathered from August 19 to 21, 2024, for PARTICIPATE’s Academy of Multiparty Democracy.
The three-day training course, held at Ateneo de Manila University, focused on essential aspects of party politics, including institutionalization, financing, communications, and election developments ahead of the 2025 BARMM parliamentary elections.
Dr. Julio C. Teehankee, Chief of Party for PARTICIPATE, emphasized the significance of this milestone election, not just for BARMM, but for the entire nation.
“The freedoms that we are trying to enrich and enhance in BARMM are products of the blood, sweat, tears, and lives of the Bangsamoro,” Dr. Teehankee said, highlighting the gravity of the region’s political transition.
The participants, representing political parties such as the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) and the Indigenous Peoples Democratic Party (IPDP), were trained in key areas crucial for the upcoming elections.
These included party operations and financing, social media strategies, and effective media engagement. The workshop also provided hands-on exercises to apply these learnings, preparing the parties for a successful campaign.
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) played a vital role during the Academy, with spokesperson Atty. Rex Laudiangco demonstrating the use of the Automated Counting Machine (ACM) to be deployed in the 2025 elections.
He also provided updates on COMELEC’s preparations, including the first-ever parliamentary elections in BARMM.
The Academy of Multiparty Democracy – BARMM is a critical component of PARTICIPATE BARMM, a program designed to support the political transition in the region.
The initiative aims to lay the groundwork for lasting peace and development in BARMM, reinforcing democratic principles and safety for all.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Teehankee reiterated the ultimate goal of the initiative: “Ultimately, it is about peace. The dividends of sustainable peace are development, and the dividends of development are genuine democracy and safety for all.”
