Lawyer Amenodin Usodan Sumagayan, 42, went into politics with a vision: To put order where there is crime and conflict.
The Regional Assemblyman of the first district of Lanao del Sur said the citizenry has witnessed clashes between Moros and Christians, religious extremism and drug-related crimes. Seeing the people living in uncertainty and hoping to assuage their fears, Sumagayan ran as a lawmaker in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
He aims to sustain the vision of previous leaders in making public safety the top priority.
“We must bring justice to lawless elements and eliminate illegal drugs so that my people will be more secure,” said Sumagayan.
He has filed bills such as the Public Safety Act and other resolutions that address peace and order, education, social services and health.
As a leader, his main characteristic is concern, or “malasakit” in Filipino. “My interest is not about myself but the betterment of the people,” he said.
To draft the laws, Sumagayan does his homework, consulting other officials to better understand the needs of his constituents. He leads committee hearings so legislative proposals are adapted to the current conditions of his district and would lead to solutions. His clarity of vision has inspired others to support his ideas.
Sumagayan said in his own modest way as a legislator, he is helping to create bills that will help make the ARMM a better place.
“The ARMM has taken great strides in governance, tourism, economic growth, education, and infrastructure development. ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman has moved mountains to address this area,” he said.
“Education, social services and public works have also been given much attention in the region because the bulk of issues are in this departments. As an assemblyman, I am helping to improve ARMM by passing bills and resolutions that are essential to the development of both the region and my constituents,” Sumagayan adds.
Public service is in his DNA. “I was raised in a family where public service runs through its bloodlines, starting with my grandparents and my parents,” he said.
The son of a district engineer and a Moro historian-educator, Sumagayan grew up in the academic community of Mindanao State University in Marawi City. The intellectual atmosphere, which cultivated his pride in Muslim culture and intellectual growth, motivated him to pursue degrees in management and law and a career as a public servant.
Sumagayan could have earned more as a lawyer in the big cities. Instead, he chose to stay in his hometown in Taraka, Lanao del Sur, where he served as municipal mayor for three terms.
His wife, Nashiba Gandamra-Sumagayan, a former professor in English and Literature, is Taraka’s mayor and has continued his initiatives.
Sumagayan describes his leadership style as being a humble servant to his constituents, while balancing the rule of law. He consults people for decisions and making himself available to discuss issues.
He recalls that when he was mayor, he showed his confidence and trust in his team by delegating responsibilities. “I have learned that trusting others is a sign of strength,” he said.
Ultimately, Sumagayan cites his parents as examples of humility and amicable personalities. He saw how they were decisive, yet were never influenced by the ego of position and were attentive to people’s needs.
“My parents taught me that the greatest achievement of a leader is to serve his people well,” he said.