The history of the Bangsamoro has been defined by its decades-long struggle for self-governance. This struggle was not only witnessed but shared by the rest of the Filipino nation, which believed that the Bangsamoro people deserved better.

This shows that the spirit of collectivism goes beyond cooperation. It is a recognition that the destiny of the Filipino people – regardless of tribe, religion or personal beliefs — is intertwined and bound by their collective dreams, hopes and aspirations.

One of the clearest demonstrations of collectivism was the nationwide campaign to ensure the passage of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) in late 2018 and January of 2019. BOL is the landmark law that operationalized the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

That grinding campaign, which tested the endurance of everyone involved, was not just the work of the government or a handful of individuals or institutions. It succeeded because people from all walks of life chose to act as one.

I vividly recall the town hall meetings we held in the remotest areas of the Bangsamoro. There were days when the scorching sun burned our skin, and times when the heavy downpour drenched gatherings. Yet the people stayed, listened and showed their support.

National and local government officials, Moro front leaders, civil society workers, Moro and Christian religious leaders, teachers, students, and ordinary citizens were at the forefront of this concerted effort. Each person contributed. No one complained. They did what had to be done.

Everyone was willing to give their all and walk the extra mile because each one understood their role and what was at stake.

That collective determination paved the way for the passage of the BOL, which then became the foundation for the establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and its interim government.

The BOL became a testament to what the Filipino nation could accomplish when it came together for a shared purpose.

And today, as the Bangsamoro gears up for its first-ever regional parliamentary elections on October 13, 2025, we are once again called to summon that same spirit of collectivism that enabled us to accomplish what seemed impossible.

This historic political exercise is not just a milestone under the political track of the CAB. It is a defining moment that will ensure and sustain the gains we have achieved in the BARMM.

The success of the upcoming elections cannot rest solely on the shoulders of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), the national and Bangsamoro governments, or security forces. It needs the full participation of every sector of society.

Government institutions must provide the needed resources, manpower and safeguards. Political candidates and their parties must show utmost restraint, practice discipline, and put the common good above their personal ambitions.

For their part, civil society organizations and religious leaders must guide communities by emphasizing peace, respect and tolerance. And most importantly, the citizens must guard the sanctity of the ballot, vote responsibly, and make their voices heard.

Collectivism has shown us that strength is not defined by individual accomplishments but by the power of people standing shoulder to shoulder to achieve a common goal. It teaches us that our diversity should not divide but unite us.

We are now reaping the dividends of this communal spirit in the remarkable transformation that is taking place across the region. Former combatants who once carried arms are now tilling their fields, casting their nets, and building enterprises.

Communities that were once battlegrounds are now turning into bustling centers of trade. The BARMM has become one of the fastest-growing economies in Mindanao, attracting investments and opening opportunities that once seemed far beyond reach.

None of these achievements would have been possible without the collective will of the Bangsamoro people to break free from the cycles of conflict and poverty, and to claim what they rightfully deserved.

However, even as we celebrate these gains, we must remember that our hard-won peace remains fragile. The challenge before us now is to ensure that the upcoming elections shall strengthen the foundations of peace, progress and democracy.

To realize this, we must ensure that the conduct of the BARMM elections are peaceful, orderly, and credible. We cannot allow division, mistrust, or violence to overshadow this historic moment.

Just as we did during the BOL campaign, we, as Filipinos, must commit ourselves to act and move as one. Collectivism should become a part of our DNA as we help create a better, brighter and more peaceful future for the Bangsamoro.

(Secretary Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., is the presidential adviser on peace, reconciliation and unity.)