Atty. Diosdado R. Mendoza, DBA

 

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Atty. Diosdado R. Mendoza, DBA
Institution Builder | Public Servant | Champion of Education and Culture

Atty. Diosdado R. Mendoza, DBA exemplifies the rare convergence of visionary leadership, public service, and values-driven education. As President and owner of St. Camillus College of Manaoag, Inc., he has cultivated more than an academic institution—he has built a dynamic educational ecosystem in the historic town of Manaoag. Under his stewardship, the school has expanded to serve learners from basic education to the collegiate level, forming generations of disciplined, competent, and community-oriented individuals. In a time when many institutions pursue prestige, Atty. Mendoza has remained steadfast in a more meaningful mission: providing accessible, grounded, and transformative education that shapes not only graduates, but responsible citizens.

His leadership has likewise left a significant mark in government service. As Regional Director of the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Atty. Mendoza was entrusted with a role that demanded both technical expertise and uncompromising integrity. Beyond the title, however, was a legacy defined by results. He is widely recognized for instituting reforms and innovations that strengthened operational efficiency, enhanced taxpayer services, and elevated the standards of professionalism within the offices he led. In an environment often challenged by complexity, his leadership brought clarity, discipline, and measurable improvements—demonstrating that public service, when guided by principle, can truly earn public trust.

Beyond education and governance, Atty. Mendoza has also embraced cultural stewardship as a vital dimension of leadership. In Manaoag, a town deeply rooted in faith and tradition, he has been instrumental in advancing the Galicayo Festival—a celebration that honors the devotion to Our Lady of the Rosary while showcasing the richness of local culture and artistry. In a place that welcomes millions of pilgrims each year, such initiatives are not merely symbolic; they are essential to preserving identity, fostering community pride, and supporting sustainable local development. Through this advocacy, he reinforces the importance of culture as both heritage and a living force for unity and progress.

To recognize Atty. Diosdado R. Mendoza is to honor a leader whose work transcends sectors—education, governance, and culture—yet remains anchored in a single enduring principle: service with purpose. His legacy is reflected not only in the institutions he has strengthened, but in the lives he has shaped and the communities he continues to uplift. In him, we find a model of leadership that is principled, transformative, and deeply rooted in the values that define Pangasinan.

Ms. Cresencia B. Honrado

 

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Ms. Cresencia B. Honrado
Excellence in Mathematics Education | Pride of Bayambang

On July 15, 1983, at the historic halls of Malacañang Palace, Ms. Cresencia B. Honrado of Beleng Community School in Bayambang, Pangasinan, was conferred the distinction of Outstanding Elementary Mathematics Teacher (First Prize) by then President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.. Assisting in the conferment were esteemed education and science leaders, including Chofre D. Corpuz, then Secretary of Education, and Emil Q. Javier, then Secretary of Science and Technology and a National Scientist. The recognition placed Ms. Honrado among the country’s most exemplary educators, affirming her outstanding contribution to the field of mathematics education.

This prestigious award honors teachers who embody excellence in both competence and character—those who go beyond the call of duty to inspire learning, foster innovation, and uplift communities through education. Ms. Honrado exemplified these ideals through her deep mastery of mathematics, her creative and effective teaching methods, and her unwavering dedication to her students, particularly those in underserved communities. Her work not only strengthened academic foundations but also instilled confidence and a love for learning among her pupils.

Notably, Ms. Honrado holds the distinction of being the first awardee from Bayambang and the entire province of Pangasinan to receive this national honor—an achievement that brought pride and recognition to her hometown. Her legacy stands as a testament to the transformative power of education and the profound impact a committed teacher can have on generations of learners. Through her passion, expertise, and service, she elevated the standards of mathematics education and became a lasting inspiration to educators across the country.

Dr. Richard P. Olalia

 Dr. Richard P. Olalia

Excellence in Medicine | Leadership in Surgery | Pride of Bayambang

Dr. Richard P. Olalia stands as a compelling embodiment of what a son of Bayambang can achieve through discipline, intellect, and unwavering dedication to his craft. From his early years, his path was already marked by distinction—graduating as Salutatorian in elementary and Valedictorian in high school. He went on to earn his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Santo Tomas and completed his residency in General Surgery at Cardinal Santos Medical Center, institutions known for producing some of the country’s finest medical professionals. Yet beyond these remarkable credentials, it is his quiet perseverance and steadfast commitment to excellence that truly define his journey—one that reflects the resilient and aspirational spirit of Bayambang itself.

Now serving as Section Chief of General Surgery at Cardinal Santos Medical Center, Dr. Olalia occupies a position of both great responsibility and influence. In one of the Philippines’ premier tertiary hospitals, he leads with precision and purpose—overseeing complex surgical cases, mentoring young doctors, and helping shape the standards of patient care and clinical practice. His role extends far beyond the operating room; he is a steward of life, a teacher of future surgeons, and a leader whose decisions impact both present and future generations in the medical field. Through his work, he brings honor not only to his profession but also to his hometown, proving that excellence cultivated in Bayambang can flourish on the national stage.

To recognize Dr. Olalia as a Matalunggaring Awardee is to celebrate a life devoted to service through skill, knowledge, and leadership. His achievements are not solely personal milestones, but reflections of a deeper commitment to uplift others—whether through healing patients or guiding aspiring physicians. In him, Bayambang finds more than a distinguished surgeon; it finds a symbol of possibility and pride. His story continues to inspire young Bayambangueños to dream boldly, work diligently, and carry their roots with honor wherever their paths may lead.

Atty. Augusto G. Mamaril

 Atty. Augusto G. Mamaril

Tunay na Anak ng Bayambang | Lingkod-Bayan | Haligi ng Pamilya

Born on October 23, 1933, in a modest home along Rizal Avenue in Bayambang, Pangasinan, Atty. Augusto G. Mamaril was raised in a family where education, discipline, and service were not merely ideals, but a way of life. The son of esteemed educators Anselmo E. Mamaril and Delfina R. de Guzman of the Pangasinan Normal School (now Pangasinan State University), he grew up alongside siblings who would likewise distinguish themselves in various fields of public service and scholarship. From this nurturing foundation emerged a man whose life would embody integrity, excellence, and an enduring love for his hometown.

His academic journey was marked early by distinction. He completed his primary and intermediate education at Bayambang Central School with honors, and graduated as Valedictorian of Bayambang National High School, Class of 1950. Even in his youth, he demonstrated a clarity of purpose and strength of character that would define his personal and professional life. Those who knew him best would later describe him not only as a lawyer and diplomat, but as a man who lived his principles—where honesty meant not only telling the truth, but being true to oneself.

Atty. Mamaril devoted his career to public service, choosing a path that reflected both competence and patriotism. After years in private legal practice, he joined the Department of Trade and Industry, contributing to the advancement of Filipino enterprise and national economic interests. His integrity and professionalism eventually led him to the foreign service, where he served as Commercial Attaché in key international posts, including Rio de Janeiro, Rome, Köln, and Hong Kong. In these roles, he promoted Philippine trade, strengthened diplomatic relations, and safeguarded the welfare of Filipinos abroad. His distinguished career culminated in his appointment as Consul General in the Netherlands—a testament to the trust and respect he earned over decades of honorable service.

Yet beyond his professional achievements, it was in the quiet strength of his personal life that his true character shone most brightly. In 1974, while serving in Rio de Janeiro, he faced profound personal loss with the passing of his wife, Adoracion “Dory” Jose, leaving him to raise their four young daughters alone in a foreign land. In a moment that would have shaken many, he stood resolute—becoming both father and mother, guiding his children with compassion, discipline, and unwavering love. His daughters, now accomplished in their respective fields, stand as living testaments to his resilience and devotion.

Later in life, he married Florida Samson, embracing not only a partner but her five children, forming a blended family rooted in acceptance, patience, and shared purpose. For Atty. Mamaril, family was never confined by circumstance—it was built through commitment, sacrifice, and love. This was most evident when he chose to step away from his professional pursuits to care for a daughter battling illness, embodying a kind of leadership defined not by titles, but by presence and selflessness.

Even as a diplomat of the world, he remained deeply connected to Bayambang. He returned regularly to honor his roots—to visit his parents’ graves, reconnect with family, and pay tribute to the town that shaped him. In every stage of his life, he carried Bayambang with quiet pride, reflecting its values in both public duty and private devotion.

To honor Atty. Augusto G. Mamaril is to celebrate a life lived with dignity, integrity, and purpose. His legacy endures in the lives of his children, in the institutions he served, and in the enduring example he set as a public servant and family man. Truly, he is a son of Bayambang—lingkod-bayan, ulirang ama, at huwarang Pilipino—whose life continues to inspire generations.

Dr. Mario B. Geronilla

 Dr. Mario B. Geronilla

1948–2013

From the quiet beginnings of Bagumbayan in Bayambang, Pangasinan, Dr. Mario B. Geronilla rose to become one of the Philippines’ most esteemed orthopedic surgeons—a life defined by excellence, service, and an unwavering commitment to his fellow Filipinos. His journey from humble origins to national prominence stands as a testament to discipline, intellect, and a deep sense of purpose.

Over the course of a distinguished medical career, Dr. Geronilla held some of the most respected leadership positions in his field. He served as Chairman of the Department of Orthopedics at East Avenue Medical Center from 1995 to 2010, and later at the Philippine General Hospital from 2010 until August 2013. His influence extended beyond hospital walls: he was President of the Philippine Orthopaedic Association in 1993, twice Chairman of the Philippine Board of Orthopedics, and head of key subspecialty societies, including the Philippine Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine and the Philippine Orthopaedic Trauma Society. As National Representative to the Asia Pacific Orthopaedic Association and coordinator of the Diliman Orthopaedic Residency Linkage, he helped shape not only institutions, but generations of Filipino orthopedic surgeons.

Yet beyond his remarkable professional achievements, Dr. Geronilla was, at heart, a physician for the people. He never forgot his roots in Bayambang, returning time and again to organize and personally lead medical and surgical missions in his hometown. Through these efforts, he provided free consultations, performed life-changing surgeries, and donated medicines, equipment, and wheelchairs to those in need. His service was quiet but profound—driven not by recognition, but by compassion and a genuine desire to uplift lives.

An astute clinician, dedicated educator, and generous mentor, Dr. Geronilla left an indelible mark on both the medical community and the countless patients he served. He was also a devoted family man, remembered with love by his wife, Eva Genoveo-Geronilla, and their children Giovanni, Paula May, Giuseppe, and Gino Angelo.

In honoring Dr. Mario B. Geronilla as a Matalunggaring Awardee, we celebrate a life that exemplifies the highest ideals of the Bayambangueño spirit—marked by excellence, humility, and a lifelong commitment to service. His legacy endures, not only in the institutions he helped build and the doctors he trained, but in the many lives he healed and inspired.

A PIO's Scope of Work

 A PIO's Scope of Work

At times, people get confused about the scope of work of a town's PIO, so I am forced to review my so-called mandate as PIO-Designate.

Each time, I am reminded that a PIO at the municipal level is not mandatory in the Local Government Code despite its necessity, unlike in a city. My role upon hiring was merely to "report to the people (of our town) the accomplishments of the mayor." With the passing of an ordinance creating a merged tourism and information department, my role remains essentially the same. Anything I do beyond that is done out of the kindness and generosity of my heart.

One of the things that is clearly not my role is to replace media or be like the local version of GMA, ABS-CBN, or CNN, or even Google. All I am answerable to is the question, "What did the mayor do in terms of service to the town?" and everything related to it.

For example, I shouldn't be expected to give a blow-by-blow account of an ongoing storm or flood like PAGASA, or crime, fire, accidents, arrest of convicted criminals, and the like, like Alvin Elchico or Doris Bigornia. Although I have the right to know the details of these, my job is to report the local chief executive's response to these incidents in the name of public service. If I have to be legalistic about it, the scope of my work is even limited to the executive branch of local government, if you think about it. I also do not have the obligation to report other events in town that do not involve the LGU as organizer or provider of any form of significant assistance.

A quick online search of other towns' and cities' PIOs and their mandate would indicate the same.

I hope this delineation of task is clear to all.

(Artwork: Analog vs digital self-portrait titled "Panakot sa daga")

Laging Nangunguna

Laging Nangunguna

Di namin mapigilang mapansin na dahil sa visionary leadership ng administrasyong Quiambao-Sabangan, may napansin kaming naging trend sa loob ng halos sampung taon nilang pamumuno. Ito ay ang creativity sa pag-iisip at pagsasagawa ng mga proyektong pangkaunlaran na malimit mauna sa pagiging kauna-unahan ng mga ito, hindi lamang sa kasaysayan ng Bayambang kundi maging sa buong lalawigan, rehiyon, o bansa.

Napansin na namin ito sa umpisa pa lang. Bago ideklara ng national government ang farm modernization program nito, nauna na ang Bayambang sa implementasyon nito matapos itong bumili ng isang fleet ng mga makabagong makinarya.

Kaakibat nito, nanguna rin ang Bayambang sa pagbuo ng isang farming business app na tinawag na E-Agro. At nagpatayo rin ng isang malawak na post-production harvest facility sa Brgy. Amancosiling na itinuturing na pinakamalaki sa hilagang Luzon.

For the record, nanguna rin ang Bayambang sa pagsasagawa ng pagsusuri para sa Seal of Good Local Governance sa barangay level bago pa man ito iimplementa ng DILG.

Kamakailan ay nag-anunsyo ang Malacanang na mag-implementa ng four-day compressed work week sa mga ahensya ng gobyerno at mga LGU dahil sa krisis sa Gitnang Silangan, ngunit noong nakaraang taon pa ito ginagawa ng maraming departamento ng Municipio upang makatipid ng milyun-milyong piso sa kuryente.

Maaari kaming magkamali sa aming palagay, ngunit sa tingin namin sa ngayon, nanguna rin ang Bayambang sa ISO certification, pagsasagawa ng municipal-wide toothbrushing marathon, at sabayang earthquake drill na may suut-suot na hard hat.

Pagdating sa larangan ng turismo, lalong isa sa mga nangunguna ang bayan ng Bayambang: town hymn, tourism jingle, cutest baby contest, mural painting contest, 3D LED screen, culture mapping project na gawa ng mga kabataan, coffee table book, local museum, tallest supported bamboo sculpture, complete theme park, staging ng isang bantog na musical (Beauty and the Beast), engrandeng parngal para sa mga natatanging anak ng Bayambang (Matalunggaring Awards), level-up na beauty pageant, at concert ng mga pinakamalalaking pangalan sa entertainment world. 

Sabihin nang mayabang kami sa pag-point out nito, subalit di namin maiwasang sabihing nakaka-proud maging Bayambangueno dahil sa mga unprecedented feats na ito.

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AI-assisted version

Laging Nangunguna

Hindi na namin maikakaila: sa ilalim ng visionary leadership ng administrasyong Quiambao-Sabangan, may malinaw na pattern na umusbong sa loob ng halos isang dekada—isang kultura ng pag-iisip at pagkilos na hindi lang sumusunod, kundi nangunguna.

Hindi ito basta-bastang pag-angkin. Mula pa sa umpisa, kapansin-pansin na ang pagiging progresibo ng Bayambang. Bago pa man inilatag ng pambansang pamahalaan ang farm modernization program, nauna nang nag-invest ang bayan sa isang fleet ng makabagong makinaryang pang-agrikultura—isang hakbang na naglatag ng pundasyon para sa mas episyenteng produksyon.

Hindi rin dito nagtapos. Inilunsad ang E-Agro, isang farming business app na nag-uugnay sa teknolohiya at agrikultura, habang itinayo sa Brgy. Amancosiling ang isang malawak na post-harvest facility na kinikilala bilang isa sa pinakamalaki sa Hilagang Luzon.

Sa larangan ng pamamahala, ipinakita rin ng Bayambang ang kakayahang mauna sa mga reporma. Bago pa ipatupad ng DILG ang Seal of Good Local Governance sa barangay level, isinagawa na ito ng munisipyo—patunay ng maagang pagtutok sa mahusay na pamamahala hanggang sa pinakababang antas. Hindi rin makakalimutan ang matagumpay na ISO 9001:2015 certification ng Bayambang—patunay na ang mga proseso at serbisyo ng pamahalaang bayan ay sumusunod sa internasyonal na pamantayan ng mahusay, episyente, at maaasahang pamamahala.

Maging sa pagtitipid at efficiency, may sariling inisyatiba ang bayan. Habang kamakailan pa lamang inianunsyo ng Malacañang ang four-day compressed work week bilang tugon sa krisis sa Gitnang Silangan, matagal na itong isinasagawa ng ilang tanggapan sa Bayambang—na nagresulta sa milyon-milyong pisong pagtitipid sa kuryente.

Maaaring may pagkukulang ang talaan, ngunit hindi maitatanggi ang lawak ng mga inisyatibang nauna o nanguna: municipal-wide toothbrushing marathon, sabayang earthquake drill na may hard hat, at iba pang programang nagtatakda ng pamantayan.

Sa turismo at kultura, lalo pang namumukod-tangi ang Bayambang—mula sa town hymn at tourism jingle, hanggang sa coffee table book, lokal na museo, culture mapping ng kabataan, at ang kahanga-hangang tallest supported bamboo sculpture. Idagdag pa ang mga malikhaing proyekto gaya ng mural at 3D LED installations, pati na ang engrandeng produksyon ng "Beauty and the Beast," animated Christmas display, Ghibli Studios-themed Christmas attraction, Star Wars-themed attraction gamit ang digital projection mapping, official folk dance at official social dance, eleganteng parangal para sa mga natatanging Bayambangueño (Matalunggaring Awards), at mga konsiyertong tampok ang pinakamalalaking pangalan sa industriya.

Sabihin na ng iba na ito’y pagmamalaki—ngunit para sa amin, ito ay simpleng pagkilala sa isang katotohanan: kapag ang isang bayan ay may malinaw na bisyon at lakas ng loob na manguna, nagiging natural na lamang ang pagiging huwaran.

At sa panahong ito, walang duda—nakaka-proud maging Bayambangueño.