MANILA, Philippines – Former Lanao del Sur governor Soraya Alonto-Adiong, one of only two women to have served as leader of the predominantly Muslim province, died on Friday, December 27, just days before her 81st birthday on January 7.
Adiong, who served as governor from 2016 to 2019, was known as a steadfast leader and compassionate public servant who earned the respect and admiration of her constituents, particularly for her resilience. During the 2017 Marawi siege, she helped in coordinating relief efforts and providing support to the affected communities.
The late ex-governor was a daughter of the late senator Ahmad Domocao Alonto, a respected statesman who advocated for an autonomous region for the Bangsamoro in Mindanao. Her mother, Momihna Malawani Alonto, was also a prominent figure in Lanao del Sur’s history.
Adiong’s political roots reached deep into the early 20th century, a lineage intertwined with the shaping of modern Muslim Mindanao, where history and power met at the family table.
She was the granddaughter of Alauya Porad Alonto, a signatory to the 1935 Constitution. She was also the grandniece of Berua Alonto, the first mayor of Marawi City when it was still known as Dansalan, and the niece of Abdul Ghaffur Madki Alangadi Alonto, the first Muslim Cabinet member under the presidency of Carlos P. Garcia, who later became Lanao del Sur’s first governor.
She was the wife of the late Mamintal “Mike” Adiong Sr., who served as governor of Lanao del Sur until his death in 2004. Their political family continues to influence the province and the Muslim-majority Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The late ex-governor was a devoted mother to her children, who continue her political legacy. Her son, Mamintal “Bombit” Alonto Adiong Jr., presently serves as the incumbent governor of Lanao del Sur, while her other children, Representative Zia Alonto Adiong and former representative Ansaruddin “Hooky” Alonto Adiong, also followed in her footsteps.
In the history of Lanao del Sur politics, she joined the ranks of Princess Tarhata “Babu Tata” Alonto-Lucman as one of the province’s two lady governors. Lucman served as the predominantly Muslim province’s first lady governor in the 1970s.
Condolences poured in from all over the country, with many remembering Adiong as a devoted matriarch and an extraordinary leader.
Former vice president Leni Robredo wrote in a Facebook post that she remembered the former governor with great fondness.
“Gov. Soraya treated me like her own daughter and always welcomed me to her home whenever I visited Marawi,” Robredo said.
The Marawi City government stated: “Her legacy and contributions to our community will be remembered with gratitude and respect. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time.”
The interior ministry of the BARMM also released a statement: “The loss of a mother is an immeasurable sorrow, but it is also a moment of reflection and gratitude for a life lived with purpose and service. Bae Soraya Alonto Adiong will forever be remembered for her contributions to the province and her enduring legacy as a pillar of strength and compassion for her family and community.”
House Speaker Martin Romualdez, in his message of sympathy, described the late former governor as a tireless public servant whose life’s work uplifted her people and served as an example of true leadership.
“Her passing is a profound loss not only to her family but to the people she selflessly served,” Romualdez said. – Rappler.com
