A YOUNG member of the parliament in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm) has been elected as Maguindanao first district representative, beating the incumbent and veteran lawmaker in May 9 national and local elections.

Dimple Mastura, Barmm member of parliament, won by a margin of 49,520 votes, garnering 149,648 as against the 100,128 votes garnered by incumbent Maguindanao first district Representative Datu Roonie Sinsuat, Sr.

At 31, Mastura is currently the youngest female member of the interim Barmm Parliament and has authored several important pieces of legislation.

These include measures providing for a microfinancing program for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Barmm, promoting clean water, and a measure assuring programs and services for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the region.

Mastura is poised to become the youngest member of the House of Representatives in Barmm.

"It is an honor to represent district 1 of Maguindanao province. Now the work starts, as we will prioritize important bills that we intend to file before the House of Representatives that will benefit our people once we assume office this July," Mastura said. (SunStar Zamboanga)