Domocao Alonto
Son of Senator Alauya Alonto, Senator Alonto was born in Ramain, Lanao, on August 1, 1914.
As a member of Congress, Senator Alonto believed that the economic destiny of the Philippines lies in the development of Mindanao, and he was most insistent and energetic in making his colleagues and the country at large Mindanao conscious.
To achieve his objectives, he filed bills all designed to develop Mindanao and its people economically, politically and culturally. He authored a bill creating the Mindanao Development Authority; the law establishing the University of Mindanao; the law providing for more autonomous local governments in relatively backward rural areas; and the law creating the Commission on National Integration. He was most insistent and vocal for the promotion of understanding between Filipino Muslims and their Christian brothers, for only with unity forged can real progress be achieved.
But his horizons were not limited within the confines of Mindanao. He, too was nationally conscious. Thus, both in the halls of Congress and in public engagements, he was a strong advocate for the passage of nationalization laws. He was a co-author of the retail trade nationalization law and an uncompromising opponent against its repeal until incontrovertible proof was shown that same was adverse to our national interests.
He was chairman of the Special Committee created by the House of Representatives to find a definite solution to the so-called Moro Problem.
Senator Alonto was elected in 1955 and served the Senate up to 1961. He also gained international recognition due to his being a member of the Philippine delegation to the African-Asian Conference in Bandung. While at Bandung he broadened his contacts with prominent leaders of the Middle East.