MARAWI CITY — As the three-day filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COC) for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao parliamentary elections nears its close, candidates are beginning to outline priorities centered on jobs, agriculture, culture, and women’s welfare ahead of the Sept. 14 polls.

Among those who filed Tuesday was Amenodin Sumagayan of Serbisyong Inclusibo–Alyansang Progresibo (SIAP), who said he wants to address long-standing livelihood concerns in the 4th District of Lanao del Sur.

The district, composed of Masiu, Poona Bayabao, Tamparan, Taraka, and Mulondo, is considered one of the province’s main agricultural areas and a major rice-producing zone.

“Yong 4th District, yan yong tinatawag na ‘basak’ area. Yan ang food basket ng Lanao del Sur kung saan nagpo-produce ng rice,” Sumagayan said.

Despite its role in food production, he said many residents still struggle with limited livelihood opportunities and unreliable electricity supply.

If elected, Sumagayan said he would prioritize support for farmers, improve agricultural productivity, and push for stable power services to help local businesses and communities.

For residents, this could mean stronger support for farming communities, improved food production, and better access to electricity in underserved areas.

Read also: Tight security marks Barmm poll filing

Sumagayan is expected to face a challenge from Dr. Limpa Pandi of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), setting up a potentially competitive race between local and regional political groups.

Meanwhile, Mamintal Raki-in Adiong III, first nominee of the BARMM Grand Coalition (BGC), said preserving Maranao culture and traditions would be among his priorities if elected.

“Gusto ko siyang ipasok, isama sa mga subjects sa schools lalo na dito sa BARMM Region,” Adiong said, referring to integrating cultural education into school subjects.

Adiong also raised concern over the treatment of women deprived of liberty, saying women detainees deserve humane treatment and protection of their rights.

“Especially yong nasa jail, na hindi na tatrato nang maayos,” he said.

You may also like: Barmm polls finally begin after delay

For women and families, this may bring greater attention to detention conditions and programs protecting women’s welfare inside correctional facilities.

Meanwhile, Alauya Adiong-Alonto of the Bangsamoro Federalist Party (BFP) signaled openness to coalition-building as the elections approach.

“Wala kaming iniendorso as district representatives in respect na din sa SIAP,” Adiong-Alonto said, adding that the party remains open to working with both regional and local political groups.

Read more: UBJP fate hangs as Barmm filing nears end

Political observers note that alliances and coalitions continue to play a major role in shaping electoral outcomes in the Bangsamoro region.

As the filing period ends, early campaign messages are beginning to focus on economic survival, cultural identity, and political cooperation — issues expected to dominate discussions leading to the September elections.