From exclusion to suffrage: Badjaos cast their ballots for first time
By NiΓ±a Jonalyn Gambe-Diamante
BUTUAN CITY - For the very first time, members of the Badjao community of Baramgay Manapa, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte participated in the democratic process, heading to polling precincts to vote in the 2025 National and Local Elections (NLE). This milestone in their collective lives marked a significant step toward political inclusion for one of the country’s most marginalized indigenous groups.
Breaking barriers to representation
The Badjaos, sometimes referred to as “sea nomads” due to their seafaring lifestyle, have long faced challenges in citizenship, education, and political participation. Many lacked proper identification, preventing them from registering as voters.
In the case of the Badjao community in Buenavista, the appointment of their new leader also brought about a new perspective for their community in terms of exercising their rights and privileges—more importantly, suffrage.
Voices of the first-time voters
Basilio Majid, 45, is the incumbent leader of the Badjao community residing in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte. According to him, although they have been living there for four years now, it was only under his leadership that he was able to convince his fellow Badjaos to register and participate in this year’s national and local elections.
“Adtong unang panahon wala pa kaayo mi mahibalo sa importansya sa pagbotar. Pero karon nga mas nakasabot na mi, gi-awhag nako ang akong mga kaubanang Badjao nga magparehistro na pud. (We had no idea about the importance voting [during elections]. But now that we know more about it and its relevance, I encouraged and convinced my fellow Badjaos to register [as voters] as well),” said Majid.
After casting his first-ever ballot, Majid went out of his designated precinct with a distinct smile on his face, a visible testament of the pride he felt as he took part in the democratic process of voting.
“Karong adlawa, nakabotar na ko uban sa akong tribo. Dako nakong pasalamat nga karon botante na ko. (Today, I voted together with the rest of my tribe. I am very grateful to say that now I am a [certified] voter),” added the teary-eyed Majid.
Meanwhile, another member of the Badjao community, Nolida Milikan, believes that being a registered voter goes far beyond just casting a ballot. More importantly, it entails a sense of inclusivity and belongingness, especially for them who have long felt being ostracized by society.
“Nagparehistro na gyud mi para bisan asa mi moadto welcome mi ug makasinati mi nga apil mi sa komunidad. (We really took the chance to register so that anywhere we go we will be welcomed, and we will also feel that we belong to the community),” shared Milikan.
“Nanghinaut pud mi nga karon nga rehistrado na kami nga mga botante, makadawat na pud mi sa mga programa ug hinabang sa gobyerno. (We also hope that now that we are already registered voters, we will be able to receive and enjoy the programs and assistance given by the government),” she added with great enthusiasm, eagerly looking forward to exercising one of their fundamental rights as Filipinos in both the national and local elections.
Challenges and future hopes
Despite this historic achievement, many Badjaos still face barriers to full political participation, including language barriers, discrimination, and lack of access to voter education.
Advocacy groups and government agencies such as the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) are calling for the public’s continued support to ensure that indigenous communities remain engaged in future elections.
As the votes are counted, the Badjao people wait with hope and anticipation, knowing that their votes—once unheard—now carry the power to shape their future. (NJGD, PIA Caraga)
