Mayor Len Alonte-Naguiat: Her own brand of public service

MANILA, Philippines - She grew up breathing the air of politics — her father and role model being the town’s highest-ranking official. But little did she think of walking the same hallways that her dad used to pass through.

For someone who dreamt of becoming a nun, Mayor Marlyn “Len” Alonte-Naguiat of Biñan City in Laguna surely did have a tough time deciding on whether to throw her hat into politics. But back then, the people’s cry for her to continue her father’s legacy was too loud for her to ignore.   

“My father (former Mayor Bayani Alonte) had no idea about it until I filed my certificate of candidacy (for municipal councilor),” Len, then 23 years old and just starting to build a career in banking, recalls now. “But I’m fortunate to have the rare opportunity to lead and help in the betterment of the community.” With 14 years of solid experience in local politics, Len reveals the most rewarding part of being a public servant is having the chance to see up close life-changing moments in the people whose lives she has touched.

Mayor Len Alonte-Naguiat with kids Isabel and Nico.

Although Biñan was already considered a prime municipality in Laguna, it further positioned itself as a premier business and residential hub when it was declared a city in 2010. Of course, the remarkable development of this once humble town is credited to the leadership of Len. (There are at least two international schools and a Pacquiao mansion in the city.) Many agree that the cityhood of her beloved Biñan will be her biggest legacy when she steps down of office.

And yes, she eventually will. Not one to hold onto power, Len is actually looking forward to the day when she will be a full-time housewife and mom. Not that she isn’t devoting enough time to her husband, businessman Steve Naguiat, whom she met through a blind date (“It was love at first sight for him,” she laughingly claims.); and to her children Nicolas Antonio, six, and Mariana Isabel, two. The beautiful family loves going to the beach and traveling to just get away and have good bonding time.

“Being the mother of a city requires a lot of my time. But I manage my time for my children by making sure I’m with them every time they needed me the most,” says Len, who begins and ends her day with a prayer. “There are times when I bring them to my charity and community work for them to see and understand my job. So it’s hitting two birds with one stone — being a mother of the city and a mother to my children at the same time.”

Len also acknowledges the role her mother Fe Erlinda Belizario Alonte played in her life. Her mother has taught her to believe in the power of prayers. Len also singles out Blessed Teresa of Calcutta for “her compassion for the poor, simplicity and selflessness.”

Because her days are packed with a lot of activities, Len also realizes the importance of looking good — especially so that she’s her own representation of the city. Her beauty must-haves include facial wash and moisturizer. Makeup, as in all women, also helps Len look and feel good about herself when in front of people. She counts on all-Filipino brand Ever Bilena for good quality but affordable makeup products. “What I love about Ever Bilena is that you don’t have to spend much to have good quality makeup. The selection of colors fits all skin types. And even if your skin is sensitive like mine, Ever Bilena doesn’t give you a rash.”

They say good public officials make tough choices. For Len Alonte-Naguiat, it was a difficult decision at the start. Yet it proved to be a good one — simply because she placed a city’s interest ahead of her own. Now, that’s public service.