Something remarkable happened in the wee hours of Jan. 13. The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) finally passed the districting law that redraws the parliamentary map of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Parliament Bill No. 415 establishes 32 single-member parliamentary districts across the region, demonstrating the Bangsamoro government’s unwavering commitment to democratic inclusion and equitable representation under the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

The districting law does not only pave the way for the first BARMM parliamentary elections. It is a gift to Bangsamoro people, empowering them to choose their rightful leaders, shape their communities, and most of all, have a stake in building their future.

I commend the BTA, headed by Speaker of Parliament Mohammad Yacob, for shepherding his co-members of Parliament in passing the bill and BARMM Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua for throwing his full support behind the landmark legislative measure.

The passage of this districting law reflects the BARMM government’s political maturity, its capacity to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges, as well as reaffirms the region’s rightful place in our nation’s democratic fabric.

But what gives the passage of this districting law more meaning is that the BARMM is set to celebrate its seven founding anniversary on Jan. 21, when 1.5 million people voted to ratify the BOL, leading to the establishment of the Bangsamoro region and its government.

We cannot think of a better way to commemorate the region’s anniversary than by passing a law that strengthens the region’s democratic foundation and deepens the people’s participation in the affairs of governance.

The districting law is a testament to the courage, resolve and vision of Bangsamoro leaders, particularly their commitment to fostering inclusive representation, which is the very essence of autonomy. It is a beacon of progress, growth and pride.

However, as we celebrate this major milestone, let us keep in mind that there is still a lot of work ahead of us.

Under the Philippine Constitution, the authority to set the official date of elections rests with Congress. Unlike the legislative prerogative exercised by the Bangsamoro Parliament, only the House of Representatives and Senate can formally schedule the BARMM elections.

Setting the date of the much-awaited political exercise is a constitutional mandate of Congress. It would provide certainty for election administrators, political aspirants, civil society, and most importantly, to the voters themselves.

When the Bangsamoro people line up at polling precincts, they are casting their votes in the hope of creating a better, brighter and more progressive future. And it is our highly-esteemed legislators who can help make this happen.

I am, therefore, happy to hear that Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong has promised to file a bill that will fix the date of the BARMM elections. According to the congressman, he has already prepared a draft bill to be filed when Congress resumes its session on Jan. 26.

By doing so, our honorable legislators shall demonstrate their recognition to the decades-long struggle and hard-earned progress of the Bangsamoro people, and reaffirm that they deserve a government that will uplift their way of life

This will send a clear and powerful message to the rest of the nation and the world that the Philippines stands firmly behind a peace process that is rooted in justice, dignity, and democratic empowerment.

The setting of the election date will finally bring back the Bangsamoro people’s aspiration for political empowerment to exercise their right to suffrage and establish a fully functioning, duly-elected democratic government.

This will not only snowball for the electoral preparations, but increase in voter confidence, and strengthen the trust of the Bangsamoro populace in the democratic process.

The Bangsamoro people’s peace journey has been long and filled with challenges. They have lived through decades of armed conflict, marginalization and exclusion. It is time for them to write a new chapter in their history.

Through the first BARMM parliamentary elections, our Bangsamoro brothers and sisters can finally take part in creating a government that is accountable, transparent and people-centered. The districting law will be the key in realizing this long-held aspiration.

I, therefore, urge all stakeholders — national agencies, local governments, civil society, international partners, and, most of all, the Bangsamoro people — to continue working collaboratively in this crucial phase that will chart the course of the region’s future.

As we celebrate the BARMM’s 7th founding anniversary, may this milestone continue to remind us that genuine peace can only be realized through empowerment and inclusion. Setting the election date through a law passed by Congress will solidify this promise.

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