NDMC Faculty and BPA Students Participate in IEMC Monitoring of First BARMM Parliamentary Elections
Faculty members from the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) and Bachelor of Public Administration (BPA) students participated in the election monitoring efforts of the Independent Monitoring Center (IEMC)–NDMC during the first BARMM Parliamentary Elections, contributing to the promotion of transparent, accountable, and peaceful democratic processes in the region.
The monitoring activities began at 7:00 a.m., with faculty members and BPA student volunteers serving at the monitoring center established at NDMC. Their involvement focused on receiving reports from monitoring volunteers, preparing written reports, and forwarding these to the IEMC for proper documentation and consolidation.
The volunteers included civil society organization (CSO) and youth volunteers from across the Special Geographic Area (SGA) who underwent training on September 3, 2026. Their participation formed part of a collaborative effort to ensure that election-related observations and reports from various communities were properly received, documented, and communicated through the monitoring network.
The IEMC is a collaborative initiative led by the Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG), National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL), Notre Dame University (NDU), Notre Dame Broadcasting Corporation (NDBC), Climate and Conflict Action Asia (CCAA), Coalition for Social Accountability and Transparency (CSAT), Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), and NDMC as its new convener. The initiative is officially accredited by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) as an election monitor for the BARMM Parliamentary Elections.
The participation of NDMC faculty members and BPA students provided students with firsthand exposure to participatory governance and the responsibilities of socially engaged citizens. BPA Program Head Dr. Lorienel Madeloso emphasized the significance of their involvement, stating:
“The First Bangsamoro Parliamentary Election marks a defining chapter in the political journey of the Bangsamoro people. Being part of this historic milestone allows our students to witness firsthand the realities of participatory governance and democratic transition. Their presence and participation in the election observation symbolizes the power of youth engagement in nation-building and highlights the crucial role that informed and socially responsible citizens play in safeguarding democracy.
May this experience serve as a lasting reminder that meaningful change is achieved when young people choose to be involved, to serve, and to stand as guardians of democratic values. Their contribution to this historic election will remain a source of pride, not only for NDMC but also for the communities they represent and the future they are helping to build.”
Dr. Madeloso also expressed pride in the students for embracing their responsibilities with “integrity, professionalism, and courage,” emphasizing that public administration is not merely a field of study but a lifelong commitment to advancing the common good. He added that their service contributes to strengthening democratic institutions and promoting peace, inclusivity, and good governance in the Bangsamoro and beyond.
The participation of NDMC faculty members and BPA students reflects the institution’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, through experiential learning in governance and civic engagement; SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, through the promotion of transparent and accountable electoral processes; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through collaboration with academic institutions, civil society organizations, and election-monitoring partners.