Tough Yet Compassionate Public Service

In Mangaldan, Pangasinan, one woman proves that beauty, strength, and purpose can come in one package. Municipal Councilor Lovely Lian Clava-Maramba sets the example for being a beauty queen who is making a difference as a dedicated public official.

With the title Mrs. Mangaldan-Majesty Queen 2023, Maramba defies traditional views of femininity and proves that strength knows no gender. Her story isn’t just about winning elections or pageants but championing the rights and aspirations of her community. As a councilor, she brings a fresh perspective, amplifying the voices of those often unheard and advocating for meaningful change.

RIDING BIKES WITH BOYS

Remaining true to her name, Maramba, who prefers to be called by her first name in order to maintain a closer link with her constituents, believes that love is the foundation of her public service. “I am a simple woman capable of giving and providing good public service. Love is what I share with my family and constituents,” the lovely konsehala (councilwoman) shares with LEAGUE.

Growing up in a big family, Lovely found guidance from her adventurous, motorcycle-riding uncles. At 16, she learned to ride motorbikes, from TMX bikes to scooters and eventually, a powerful R1 1000cc Yamaha. In no time, she fell in love with riding, finding joy in the thrill of adventure while acknowledging the inherent risks. Her hobby offered more than just an adrenaline rush. It imparted invaluable life lessons that would prove essential to her role as a community leader. Through this, she learned to confront her fears and tackle challenges with resilience and determination.

LEARNING TOUGH LOVE IN THE MILITARY

From riding bikes, Lovely’s family encouraged her to explore a career in the military, especially since military service runs deep on her mother’s side of the family. With relatives who had served as military personnel, she was surrounded by a legacy of dedication and commitment to duty. Motivated by a genuine desire to instill a sense of duty and self-discipline in her, her loved ones believed that joining the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) was the ideal path for her.

Embracing their guidance, Lovely eagerly rolled up her sleeves and wholeheartedly committed herself to AFP reservist training. Life at the military camp proved challenging, with rigorous demands and tough training. However, amidst these hardships, she discovered her true calling in life. “I became more interested in being a public servant when I became a member of the Air Force. That’s when I saw how they train, how they serve people, the discipline, all aspects of being a good public servant,” she shares.

I became more interested in being a public servant when I became a member of the Air Force.

EMBRACING THE CALL OF SERVICE

Utilizing the discipline and mental resilience acquired through her AFP training, Lovely skillfully applied her abilities, embodying the precision and dedication synonymous with military professionalism in her commitment to public service. She became active in various projects that directly helped Mangaldanons. “Because people felt the love and care during those community service activities, they would always tell me when they visited my house to run for a position in Mangaldan,” she recalls. “They said they saw something in me [that makes me fit to be a public servant].”

Lovely pondered these words, torn by mixed feelings about entering politics for the first time. Despite her eagerness to serve, doubts nagged at her. Yet, encouraged by those who believed in her leadership potential for Mangaldan, she found the courage to take the leap. “Even though I haven’t accomplished anything then yet,” she notes, “they had faith in me. They saw my capacity to be an effective public servant.” Inspired by her community’s spirit and driven by a profound sense of duty, Lovely seized the chance to run as a candidate in the 2022 elections. Proudly representing the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), she pursued a seat in the sangguniang bayan (municipal council). With a clear objective in mind—to champion the concerns of the people of Mangaldan, Pangasinan—she actively campaigned and sought the people’s support, ultimately becoming a councilor.

LEARNING THE ROPES OF POLITICS

Finding herself in the company of seasoned local leaders, Lovely resolved to learn how things are done at the council. “I was inspired by fellow public servants in the council because I saw how they do public service. We have unique ways of serving the people,” she notes.

Observing their dedication, the neophyte councilor gained confidence in developing her leadership style. Embracing her Lovely Konsehala moniker, she embodied her motto of serving with love. “When I was young, my mom told me that no matter what happens, bad or good, don’t deprive anyone of hope and always show kindness and love,” she recalls. This advice from her mother became the guiding principle behind Lovely’s unique approach to public service. Ensuring that her initiatives directly address the community’s needs became her top priority. One of Lovely’s endeavors was the “Tuliyan” (Tuli-Lian) medical mission, organized by the local government to offer free circumcision across 30 barangays in Mangaldan. This project was essential to the community as they experienced Lovely’s direct involvement and dedication to public service. Going above and beyond, she visited residents’ homes to encourage them to avail themselves of the services to be offered.

Lovely’s commitment is instrumental in the success of the municipal government of Mangaldan. Notably, the Mangaldan Municipal Council stands as the top-performing council in Pangasinan, a testament to the collective efforts of its members. Maramba credits this success to the power of teamwork within their local government unit. “If there’s a problem, we talk about it and support each other. We see the strength of each other even though we have weaknesses,” she shares.

EMPOWERED WOMEN EMPOWERING OTHERS

Beyond her duties as a councilor, Lovely extends her service to other communities in various ways. She is an active member of the Lady Local Legislators’ League of the Philippines (Four-L Philippines), an allwomen organization composed of members from various city and municipal councils. Together, they advocate for policies and programs that benefit their communities and the nation, mainly focusing on measures for the

welfare of women, children, and families. “I was also inspired by women leaders in our district. I was chosen to be the representative of the Fourth District. I was elected as one of the members of the board of directors of the Four-L Pangasinan chapter,” she proudly shares. She was later on elected as auditor of the organization.

Through her involvement in 4L, Maramba actively promotes transparency and ethical leadership. Additionally, she champions inclusivity, ensuring that the diverse needs of society are addressed and met.

BEAUTY QUEEN WITH A HEART

Despite her packed schedule, Lovely consistently prioritizes opportunities that contribute to the enhancement of her community and the wellbeing of its residents. In 2023, she enthusiastically participated in the Mrs. Mangaldan pageant, a fundraising event to support various municipal projects.

The councilor was confident she could rally support to acquire funds for essential equipment, like a flat screen TV, to improve municipal communication. With a sense of duty and determination, she readily embraced the opportunity to participate in the pageant, ultimately emerging as the winner. The proceeds generated from the event facilitated the acquisition of a flat screen TV and supported numerous other community service initiatives, further enriching the lives of Mangaldan’s residents.

Motivated by compassion, this beauty queen dreams of creating a women’s center in Pangasinan to combat the province’s high suicide rate. Her vision extends beyond intervention, aiming to provide counseling, support, and empowerment for women’s mental well-being, offering a safe space for guidance and support.

Aware of the challenges that lay ahead, Lovely remains focused on her goal of serving her constituents. She keeps in mind another lesson she learned from her mother: “If you think you did your best but nothing happens, change your plans, and not your goals.”

Tough yet compassionate, strong-willed yet nurturing—that’s Councilor Lovely Lian Maramba as a leader. With her diverse qualities harmoniously combined, she effectively advocates for her community’s needs and fulfills her responsibilities as a councilor with dedication.