Where Heart Meets Hustle in Service

BONGABONG, ORIENTAL MINDORO MAYOR ELEGIO MALALUAN LEADS THE MUNICIPALITY WITH HEART AND HUSTLE, PROVING THAT REAL LEADERSHIP ISN’T JUST ABOUT POLICIES BUT ABOUT PEOPLE. WITH HIS HEARTSPO AGENDA, HE IS BUILDING A STRONGER, SMARTER, AND MORE CONNECTED COMMUNITY, ONE BEAT AT A TIME.

For Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro Mayor Elegio “Elgin” Malaluan, leadership is deeply personal. “The most important thing about being mayor is the ability to put yourself in the shoes of the people you serve,” he says. Malaluan’s understanding of his constituents’ struggles comes from lived experience. Growing up in a large family with limited means, he learned resilience at an early age. He recalls days when even basic necessities were hard to come by, yet those hardships shaped his worldview, strengthened his faith, and instilled in him a deep sense of responsibility. “As a child, I experienced poverty firsthand. Sacrifice taught me the value of perseverance and compassion,” he shares. Malaluan grew up in a large family of eleven siblings, the tenth child of a hardworking farmer and a small store owner. Now, as he leads Bongabong, Malaluan carries those lessons with him. He listens, he understands, and he acts, not just as a mayor, but as someone who has walked the same path as many of his constituents. His leadership is not just about policies; it is about people, their struggles, and their hopes for a better future.

A DIFFERENT PATH

Malaluan did not step into public service until much later in life. Initially, he set his sights on a career in optometry, earning his degree from Centro Escolar University—a path that earned him the nickname “Mayor Doc Elgin” among his constituents. For two years, he worked as an eye doctor, but the financial strain of establishing his own private practice quickly clouded his vision for the future. “Wala akong sapat na puhunan para makapagtayo ng sarili kong clinic (I didn’t have the means to put up my own private clinic),” he recalls.

Seeking better opportunities, Malaluan took a leap of faith and landed in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he worked as a liaison officer for a construction company. His street smarts and business acumen helped him build a strong network, connections that would later pave the way for his own construction business when he returned to the Philippines. However, his time in Saudi Arabia was cut short by the Gulf War. “I did all I could to earn a living. While working my regular job, I also sold water and sandwiches because many shops had closed during the war. I also sold stamps to other overseas Filipino workers like me since many post offices were closed. The conflict forced me to return home, but I didn’t come back empty-handed,” he states. His journey abroad may have ended earlier than expected, but it equipped him with resilience, resourcefulness, and the drive to carve out a new path, one that would eventually lead him to public service. “I earned nearly Usd 200 every day; I made sure not to waste a single minute earning as much as I can and helping fellow Filipinos when I was in the Middle East,” he adds.

Following his return to the Philippines, Malaluan used both his earnings and experiences abroad to establish his own construction firm. Settling back in his hometown of Bongabong, he later married his childhood neighbor, Minerva King, with whom he would raise three children. Family life came naturally to Malaluan. Just as he devoted himself to his business ventures, he remained steadfast in his commitment to his family. That same sense of dedication would eventually lead him to public service.

 “If you ask me why I pursued public service after years in business, it’s really because I wanted to give back to my community,” he shares. “But I made sure my children finished college first before I pursued my own interest in becoming a local chief executive.” True to his word, Malaluan ensured that his children—Rachel, John Michael, and Maria Roselyn— completed their education before he stepped into politics. All three graduated with distinction from the University of the Philippines Diliman and the University of Santo Tomas, a testament to the same perseverance and commitment that shaped their father’s own journey.

ESTABLISHING HEARTSPO

When Malaluan entered the race for his first mayoral term, he found himself up against well-entrenched figures in Bongabong’s political scene. Among the most prominent was a Filipino composer and former councilor seen as a strong contender in the 2016 local elections. On paper, Malaluan appeared to be the underdog, but the results told a different story: voters placed their faith in his vision for leadership marked by efficiency, fairness, and equity. “My opponents had the advantage; they already held positions in Bongabong,” he reflects. “I was stepping into the political arena for the first time, introducing myself to the people, and making every move count. I had to prove that I was not just a new face, but a leader they could trust.”

Before stepping into public office, Malaluan had already built a strong rapport with Bongabong’s senior citizens. For two years, he made it a point to remember their birthdays, personally extending well wishes and small financial tokens as a gesture of appreciation. Once elected as mayor, he formalized this initiative, ensuring that all residents aged 60 and above received financial aid with the amount increasing as they aged. This initiative laid the groundwork for Malaluan’s HEARTSPO program, an integrated governance framework focused on Health; Housing; Education; Agriculture; Roads and Infrastructure; Social Services; and Peace and Order. Each pillar addressed a critical need within the municipality, shaping policies and projects aimed at long-term development. Malaluan emphasizes that the foundation of any successful program lies in humility. As a public servant, he believes that staying humble is essential to continuously improving initiatives and ensuring their long-term sustainability. “True leadership begins with humility,” he affirms.

Under Malaluan’s leadership, the town’s rural hospital expanded its capacity, adding more facilities and medical personnel. The number of doctors doubled from two to four, and four new ambulances were procured to improve emergency response. His administration also established a 50-bed isolation facility, ensuring the town was better equipped for health crises. Additionally, all barangays gained access to a stable supply of clean water, while waste management was significantly improved. His administration cleared over 3,000 dump truckloads of accumulated waste, a backlog spanning two decades.

Recognizing the need for safe and stable housing, Malaluan spearheaded a 10-hectare National Housing Authority project, providing homes for government employees and families displaced by disasters. In the education sector, his administration established three Department of Education (DepEd)-accredited schools catering to indigenous peoples communities, along with two new elementary schools and a vocational training center. His investment in education aimed to create more opportunities for local youth, equipping them with skills to secure employment and improve their livelihoods.

With a large portion of Bongabong’s economy relying on agriculture, Malaluan provided farmers with free seedlings, fertilizers, and farming equipment. Training programs on organic farming were also introduced to promote sustainable agricultural practices, an initiative that Malaluan is deeply passionate about. He, together with organic farming advocate Nelson Gabutero, has reigned in efforts to maintain Bongabong’s title as the Center of Organic Farming in Oriental Mindoro.

Meanwhile, the mayor’s commitment to transparency and economic development led to a significant boost in tax revenue, which increased from Php30 million in 2016 to Php50 million under his administration. He also launched a public information page to enhance government transparency and developed three new eco-tourism sites to attract visitors and stimulate local business growth.

Infrastructure development was another key priority, with 70 percent of roads across 36 barangays concreted, greatly improving transportation and connectivity. His administration also constructed new legislative and executive buildings and secured essential heavy machinery, including dump trucks, a backhoe, a loader, and a fire truck. On the social welfare front, Malaluan expanded support for vulnerable groups, offering cash incentives for senior citizens, Php5,000 in burial assistance, f inancial aid for persons with disabilities, medical support for indigenous peoples, and livelihood programs for beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

Moreover, Malaluan played a vital role in strengthening Bongabong’s peace and security efforts. His administration facilitated the voluntary surrender of 23 individuals involved in insurgent activities during his two terms. Additionally, Special Action Force and K9 Explosive Ordnance Disposal training programs were implemented to enhance local law enforcement capabilities. To address drug-related concerns, he launched the Drug User Surrenderees Arugain program, an initiative inspired by national anti-drug campaigns, to rehabilitate 300 individuals. This program was a collaborative effort between the local government, the Department of Health, and the DepEd, providing a structured path toward recovery and reintegration into society.

Maintaining peace and order in Bongabong wasn’t just about law enforcement for Malaluan—it also meant fostering discipline and civic responsibility among residents. A firm advocate for cleanliness, he implemented strict regulations to keep the town pristine. “Anyone caught littering faces fines starting at Php500,” he explains. But beyond penalties, he introduced an incentive-based approach to accountability. “We offer cash rewards to those who report violators. This way, people don’t just follow the rules; they take an active role in ensuring their neighbors do too. It’s about building a culture of shared responsibility.”

UNDER MALALUAN’S LEADERSHIP, BONGABONG CONTINUES TO SET THE STANDARD FOR EFFECTIVE GOVERNANCE, WITH ITS PROGRAMS BEING RECOGNIZED AS AMONG THE BEST. AS HE LOOKS AHEAD TO HIS THIRD TERM AFTER THE UPCOMING LOCAL ELECTIONS, HE REMAINS COMMITTED TO SUSTAINING THE MUNICIPALITY’S UPWARD TRAJECTORY.

Malaluan’s leadership continued to yield remarkable progress well into his second term. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck the Philippines, his administration’s swift and strategic response earned praise both within and beyond Bongabong. Understanding the urgency of responding to the crisis, Malaluan personally donated nearly Php1 million to support the town’s 36 barangays. On top of government-issued relief packages, the local government distributed one cavan of rice per family and allocated an additional Php2.6 million to supplement gaps in the Social Amelioration Program budget. Bongabong also became one of the first local government units to implement an Intelligent Thermometry Disinfection system, enhancing public health safety through advanced temperature monitoring and sanitation measures.

MOVING FORWARD

Beyond crisis management, Malaluan’s tenure saw Bongabong’s steady rise in economic and developmental rankings. By 2019, the municipality secured a spot in the Top 50 Most Improved Cities and Municipalities in the Department of Trade and Industry’s Competitive Index, placing 45th overall, the only locality in Mindoro to make the prestigious list.

“Bongabong has experienced remarkable growth under my leadership, and it’s something the people themselves can see and attest to,” Malaluan reflects. “My vision is to elevate Bongabong to cityhood. That’s why I have no current plans to seek a higher office. My focus remains here, ensuring that our progress continues.”

Malaluan’s commitment to the town’s future extends to the next generation. His son, John Michael K. Malaluan, now serves as a municipal councilor and is seen as a promising leader in his own right. Malaluan is hopeful that his son will continue the legacy he has built. “John Michael has fresh ideas and the capability to contribute even more than I ever could,” he shares. “I’ve entrusted him with my programs to sustain and improve, ensuring that Bongabong’s progress doesn’t stop with me.” Malaluan emphasizes that every achievement and milestone in Bongabong is the result of a collective effort between his administration and the community. “We see the cooperation and the fruits of all our labor,” he reflects. Under Malaluan’s leadership, Bongabong continues to set the standard for effective governance, with its programs being recognized as among the best. As he looks ahead to his third term after the upcoming local elections, he remains committed to sustaining the municipality’s upward trajectory.

 “I want my constituents to know how far we’ve come. Our programs are making an impact, and Bongabong has the potential to grow even bigger and better,” he says. “I am deeply grateful for the trust and cooperation of our people, and together, we will continue striving for progress.”

BONGABONG HAS EXPERIENCED REMARKABLE GROWTH UNDER MY LEADERSHIP, AND IT’S SOMETHING THE PEOPLE THEMSELVES CAN SEE AND ATTEST TO,” MALALUAN REFLECTS. “MY VISION IS TO ELEVATE BONGABONG TO CITYHOOD. THAT’S WHY I HAVE NO CURRENT PLANS TO SEEK A HIGHER OFFICE. MY FOCUS REMAINS HERE, ENSURING THAT OUR PROGRESS CONTINUES.