A Vision for Recovery from the Rubble

AS GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON DURING THE 2017 MARAWI SIEGE, NOW-LANAO DEL SUR FIRST DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE ZIAUR-RAHMAN “ZIA” ALONTO ADIONG NOT ONLY PROVIDED A VOICE FOR DISPLACED RESIDENTS BUT ALSO BUILT A FOUNDATION OF RESILIENCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY. HE SHARES HOW THE LESSONS HE LEARNED IN HIS PREVIOUS ROLE HELPED HIM FACE CHALLENGES AS A MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES QUAD COMMITTEE.

Cong. Zia,” as Lanao del Sur First District Representative Ziaur-Rahman “Zia” Alonto Adiong is fondly called, often encounters a common misconception about his name, with some assuming it is feminine. He explains that “Zia” is traditionally a male name in countries like Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, and that his name is a legacy from his grandfather who named him after Bangladesh’s second prime minister, General Ziaur Rahman. Adiong believes deeply in the power of a name to shape character and destiny. His first name, rooted in Persian and Arabic, translates to "light" and "mercy." These meanings, he says, have been both a guiding force and a constant reminder for accountability in his journey as a public servant. “Mercy is one of God’s attributes,” he reflects. “It’s a heavy responsibility to live up to, but one I strive to fulfill.”

THE CALL TO SERVE

Driven by a deep passion for history, culture, and travel, Adiong once envisioned a career in the foreign service as a diplomat or ambassador. However, his upbringing in Mindanao, steeped in his family’s political legacy, the region’s cultural and political struggles, and the enduring quest for selfdetermination, shaped his path toward public service. This rich tapestry of influences became an irresistible force, compelling him to not only champion the welfare of Mindanao’s people but also to advocate for the broader interests of Filipinos across the Adiong’s political journey was deeply influenced by his grandfather, the first congressman and senator of Lanao before it was divided, whose legacy set the stage for his public service aspirations. Encouraged by his family—especially his brother— Adiong embraced a career in politics despite an early passion for foreign service. His political path began as an assemblyman for the Bangsamoro Parliament from 2019 to 2022 under the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), eventually leading him to represent Lanao del Sur’s first district in Congress.

Adiong’s readiness to step into politics stemmed not only from his family’s legacy but also from his own confidence in his ability to lead and serve. His political involvement took root during his college years at Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro, where he founded the Muslim Democrats, signaling his commitment to advocacy and leadership even in his youth.

UNDERSTANDING THE PAST

Adiong is an avid reader, particularly drawn to books on politics and the works of John Grisham, the renowned author and former member of the Mississippi House of Representatives.

Adiong firmly believes that many of the country's current issues, especially in Mindanao, stem from a lack of historical awareness. He argues that the region's enduring struggles— armed conflict, land disputes, and systemic discrimination— can be traced back to the Spanish colonial era, perpetuated through American colonization and into the present. He highlights a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of Philippine history: its strong Muslim roots. Adiong points out that Manila, once dominated by Muslim settlers, is a testament to this heritage. He advocates for broader recognition of this narrative, asserting that it holds the potential to politically, economically, culturally, and socially uplift not just Mindanao but the entire country.

Moreover, Adiong stresses the importance of strengthening ties with Southeast Asian nations such as Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia, which share deep cultural and historical connections with the Philippines. He believes that aligning more closely with these predominantly Muslim nations offers a strategic pathway for fostering unity and progress, moving the country forward on a foundation of shared history and mutual respect. Strengthening economic and trade relations with these countries would not only benefit the Philippines but will also help solve conflicts in Mindanao. Adiong reminds us of what Dr. Jose Rizal said: “Ang hindi marunong lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makararating sa paroroonan. (He who does not know how to look back at where he came from will never get to his destination.)"

The congressman reflects on how early exposure to the challenges and sociopolitical issues affecting Mindanao deeply influenced his commitment to public service, not just for the region but for the entire country. “Those experiences pushed me to become more engaged with these issues,” he shares. “Whenever I encounter concerns or policies that strike me as unfair or unjust, I feel compelled to speak out. People often say I’m the most opinionated member of our family.” He credits the unique complexities of Mindanao for fostering his political maturity at a young age. It is a sentiment which he believes resonates with many in the region’s younger generation.

As a member of the House of Representatives, Adiong is determined to highlight the historical roots of Mindanao’s ongoing struggles, advocating for marginalized groups such as the Lumads and other cultural minorities. He wants to use Congress as a platform to address the unfair policies and injustices experienced by some people of Mindanao. "In our place, there is a powerful belief that if one can solve the complexities of the Mindanao situation, particularly that of the Bangsamoro Muslim minority, there's no problem in the country that you cannot solve," he explains.

BEYOND THE SIEGE

Adiong rose to prominence during the 2017 Marawi Siege as government spokesperson, facing not only a professional challenge but a deeply personal ordeal. Like the thousands displaced, he lost his family’s ancestral home, a cornerstone of his political and cultural identity. He recalls the haunting scenes while driving back to Marawi from Cotabato: families fleeing on foot with whatever they could carry. For two weeks, Adiong stayed in the war-torn city, sleeping wherever he could, determined to witness the devastation firsthand and share its gravity with the nation and the world. His commitment during the siege reflected a deep sense of responsibility to amplify the voices of the displaced and advocate for the urgent rebuilding of Marawi.

Adiong likened Marawi’s destruction to the physical pain of a body torn apart. Though familiar with war through books and news, witnessing it firsthand was a profoundly different ordeal. “I saw dead bodies in advanced stages of decomposition; I know how they smell. I know the sound of bullets whizzing. I know what a person dehydrated for three days looks like.” These experiences, he says, deepened his commitment to genuine autonomy and the pursuit of lasting peace. Determined to contribute meaningfully, he saw public service, and ultimately taking on the role of national legislator, as a vital path to achieving those goals.

The congressman believes that he can make a greater impact in the legislative branch than in the executive branch, since a legislator shapes and crafts policies. For him, the Marawi Siege is more than a memory—it is a life-altering experience. “I would really commit myself to not supporting any policy, program, or advocacy that would tend to favor one side over the other. It has to be balanced. It shouldn't be leaning toward one group at the expense of another. It really needs to be balanced because that's how you really avoid conflict,” he stresses.

ADVOCACY THROUGH LEGISLATION

When the BARMM was established in 2019, Adiong wasted no time running for assemblyman. During his term, he authored key pieces of legislation, including the establishment of the regional human rights commission, amendments to the basic education code, and the administrative code. He also co-authored the Reproductive Health Code and the Scholarship Endowment Program, which invests government funds to generate interest that finances college education for underprivileged students. Despite being relatively new to public service, his legislative accomplishments earned him recognition as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) for government service in 2019.

To further his vision of genuine autonomy and sustainable peace in Mindanao, Adiong stepped up to the House of Representatives in 2022, where he became the principal author of over 200 bills. Among these, House Bill 2974 holds a special significance to him. The proposed law, titled an Act Protecting the Rights of Internally Displaced Persons, seeks to safeguard those displaced by armed conflict, natural disasters, or manmade calamities. It emphasizes their protection from discrimination or persecution and prioritizes their rehabilitation and reintegration into society, an effort he hopes will soon gain the president’s approval to become law.

Another bill close to his heart is House Bill 8011, the proposed Act Establishing a Center for Autism. Adiong’s personal connection to the issue stems from having a child with special needs. He points out the scarcity of experts and affordable medical services for children with special needs in the Philippines. When specialists are available, their services often come at a steep price. Adiong empathizes with parents and guardians who are unable to afford these costs but still wish to provide their children with the care and attention they deserve. “I consider myself fortunate because I can manage to pay for my daughter’s needs and special school, despite the high costs,” he shares. He is hoping that this bill will also address the stigma suffered by children with special needs. “That’s why there’s still a stigma, labeling kids as ‘abnormal.’ It’s because people don’t understand. That’s why they’re called special—they have special needs that are different from ours. They have talents that just haven’t been unlocked yet. That’s where my advocacy lies now.”

THE LION’S DEN As a first-term congressman, Adiong was expecting to gradually learn how things work in the House of Representatives, especially from seasoned congressmen. It thus came as a surprise that he would be given a role as part of the controversial and critical Quad Committee. “I wasn’t expecting that my first term would involve diving straight into national issues, like participating in inquiries in the Quad Comm. I thought that being a neophyte, I would be testing the waters first, familiarizing myself with the surroundings, and maybe getting mentored. But I was practically thrown into the lion’s den,” he reveals.

Quad Comm is a pivotal body in the Lower House tasked with investigating issues such as illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), illegal drugs, extrajudicial killings, and human rights violations during the Duterte administration’s anti-drug war. For Adiong, being part of Quad Comm is a challenging and sometimes harsh responsibility. He finds the personal attacks on him unfair, particularly when they target his family, with his daughter occasionally being dragged into the issue due to his role. Yet, he has learned to accept these as part of the price for standing up for what he believes is right for the country.

Despite the difficulties, Adiong views his work in Quad Comm as an opportunity for political growth. "It’s a rare privilege to be part of something so significant. Not everyone in Congress gets this chance," he reflects. His experience has expanded his perspective, reminding him that his service extends beyond his district to a broader national purpose. Though he occasionally feels fear, he sees it as a test of character. For Adiong, criticism and bashing are inevitable when taking a stand, but they only strengthen his resolve to continue his work. “If there are no detractors, no one to attack you, it means you’re not doing anything significant. As they say, a person without an enemy is made of nothing. If you stand firm on what you believe is right and just, no matter the challenges, you can feel assured within yourself that you’re doing the right thing.”

FROM RUBBLE TO RESILIENCE

Adiong is determined to raise national awareness about the situation in Mindanao, hoping to inspire all Filipinos to actively contribute to efforts for sustainable, lasting peace in the region. He expresses frustration at the apathy he perceives from those outside Mindanao, a disconnect that he believes hinders the collective effort needed to address the region's challenges. “It requires everyone to be involved, and everyone should at least share some sympathy toward one another. Because it is where we will build.”

Adiong is still very optimistic that, in the future, Mindanao will achieve lasting peace and development. He is certain that even if his fellow Maranaos were displaced following the Marawi Siege, they will survive because of their steadfast and resilient character. “Basically, being industrious is one of the virtues of being a Maranao. We are resolute. Despite the Marawi Siege, we still come out strong, standing up to what we think is right, not only for ourselves but even for our neighbors. You send a Maranao anywhere, I tell you, they will survive,” he stresses. Indeed, Adiong has lived up to the aforementioned virtues. Despite the challenges, he has made significant contributions at the House of Representatives, ones that will benefit all Filipinos, and most especially the people of Mindanao.