CatSU honors ‘Sir Impling’ - the Man behind the Happy Island’s Best “Latik, and Tilmok”
Awards and RecognitionsCatanduanes State University (CatSU), headed by Dr.
Patrick Alain T. Azanza, SUC President III, honored Mr. Simplicio G. Mendoza
with the Lingap sa Diwa ng CatSU Award in a simple yet memorable ceremony,
witnessed by the University’s key officials at CatSU Conference Room on January
13, 2023.
Mr. Mendoza, who is fondly called “Impling”, is a
retired professor and extension worker at the University. His award was
given for his selfless contribution to creatives and industry.
Sir Impling provided visual design for important
cultural events in the community. As an extension worker and
entrepreneur, he raised the standards of decorative arts and virtual artistry.
He developed local products in the handicrafts and the food industry thereby
providing livelihood opportunities to others.
Most importantly, his research skills and passion
to do great allowed him to develop, standardize, and perfected the island’s
famous “latik, and tilmok” – a signature mark in the province’s culture and
identity.
“The signature ‘Impling’ (Tatak Impling) is indeed
being felt and I believe that it is but fitting recognition to honor your
contributions, and at the same time appreciate your talents and skills which
hopefully could be passed on to the next generations,” Dr. Azanza said.
The president was also nostalgic as he vividly
recalled the days when he was still a student of Prof. Mendoza, and gladly
shared fond memories of how to create various products out of rattan.
“Your unique way of imposing discipline by ensuring
that our finished products are perfect truly translated into excellence”, Dr.
Azanza recalled.
“The kind of passion that you have makes you unique
that even as you leave the school, as you moved on to higher learning, you
bring it all along with you and the wisdom reverberates, reminding us of the
lessons that eventually prove very valuable in our career. Even as I perform my
role as SUC President, I still live with the lessons I learned from you about
creativity and excellence and not just be contented with mediocrity,” the
president added.
Dr. Azanza also emphasized in his message that the
value of meritocracy, which he is adopting in the University, happens partly
because of the lessons he learned from Prof. Mendoza – that is to see the
importance of quality and excellence in outputs, and that premium should be
given to those who go beyond and excel.
“The university came up with this award and we hope
that you would know how much you are appreciated by CatSU, the community, and
the entire island because Impling Mendoza is Impling Mendoza. You are one of a
kind. You belong to a generation of trailblazers and CatSU needs you to be able
to pass on to the next generation of CatSU students and employees this
God-given talent and expertise that should not perish not just in the
university but in the island as a whole,” Dr. Azanza said.
The key officials present namely Dr. Ramon Felipe
Sarmiento, Vice President for Research, Extension, and Production Affairs, Dr.
Maria Edna R. Inigo, Vice President for Administrative and Financial Affairs,
Atty. Gregorio M. Sarmiento, Jr., Chief Administrative Officer, Prof. Zyra Mae
T. Tumala, CIRCPDS Director, and the Corporate Communications Services Staff
shared flashback recollections of the good old days, which also made Prof.
Mendoza emotional with tears of joy when it was his time for the acceptance
speech.
“Dai ko pigaexpect na tatawan ako ng ganitong
award. Basta sa kapinoonan, ang asa isip ko ay maging maogma sana ako sa gabos
na yagibo ko lalo na pag nakakatabang ako sa ibang tawo. Gabos na yagibo ko,
ginibo ko nin may kaogmahan. Salamat sana nin dakula sa ondra na tinao nyo sa
sakuya,” Sir Impling said.
Apart from being a full-time entrepreneur after his
retirement, Sir Impling continuously shares his talents and skills with the
CatSU students as part-time faculty and trainer in the community extension
service programs of the University. #CVecilles
