Al-Bari B. Macalawan earned his master's degree in political economy from the University of Asia and the Pacific. As a member AFS Intercultural Programs and Young Moro Professionals Network, he is active in youth advocacy and programs. He was part of the LEAD ASEAN Summit 2013 in Manila, the ASEAN Youth Forum 2014 in Yangon, Myanmar, and the YSEALI United For Peace 2015.