First-time voters hope BARMM polls give youth a stronger voice

First-time voter Almira Kamin shows her inked index finger after casting her ballot at Malingao Elementary School in Kadayangan, SGA, BARMM, on Monday, Sept. 14, 2026. Kamin said voting gives young people a chance to make their voices heard and choose leaders who will serve their communities. Photo by Amiel Cagayan KADAYANGAN, Special Geographic Area, BARMM — For 18-year-old Jomar Ulimpaen, casting his first ballot on Monday was more than a new experience; it was also a chance to make his voice heard in the Bangsamoro region’s first parliamentary election.

Ulimpaen, a first-year student at Southern Christian College in Midsayap, North Cotabato, voted at around 11 a.m. in his home village of Malingao in Kadayangan, part of the Special Geographic Area (SGA) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

“I was excited because it was my first time to vote,” Ulimpaen said.

But for the young voter, what matters is not only who wins the election, but what the winners do once they take office.

“Whoever wins, I just hope they will genuinely serve the people,” he said.

As a student, Ulimpaen said education is among the issues he hopes the incoming Bangsamoro leaders will give greater attention to, particularly support for Bangsamoro students.

He also wants young people to have a stronger voice in the new Parliament.

“If the youth have a seat in Parliament, I think there is a greater chance that our voices will be heard,” Ulimpaen said.

Fellow student Almira Kamin shared the same hope, saying voting is one of the most direct ways for the youth to help shape the future of their communities.

Kamin underscored the importance of the youth electing leaders and representatives who are qualified and willing to serve the people.

“As a young person, voting is one of the main ways for us to express our voice, views and opinions about the future of our community,” she said.

Kamin also believes elected officials and political parties should listen to young people’s concerns, as they can contribute ideas to their communities’ development.

“Young people have the right to be heard by elected officials and political parties. We also have the ability to contribute important ideas that can help our communities develop in the future,” she said.

For Ulimpaen and Kamin, Monday’s election allowed young voters to choose their representatives and set clear their expectations from the leaders who will shape the Bangsamoro region in the years ahead./coa