By VENUS MAY H. SARMIENTO

TOUGH as nails and turning a century old in December, this year, Dionisio Datuin Mendoza received a special citation as Dagupan City’s oldest citizen during the celebration of the city’s 61st founding anniversary.

Relatives and barangaymates proudly witnessed the ceremony last Friday where “Mama Isio” received some P3,500 in cash gift and other assorted giveaways from the city government led by
Mayor Alipio Fernandez, Jr. and Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez.

Regular exercise thru brisk walking had been the foremost physical secret of Mang Isio’s longevity, according to his barangaymates.

Even in his senior age, a few years back, he was known to carry even struggling piglets in both arms even as he did household chores men his age would have long shied away from like chopping wood and pulling heavy loads.

Today, he claims, in just slightly stuttered speech, that prayers occupy much of his time. He prefers doing things by himself around the house even if family and maids often ask him to desist.

An only child, Mama Dioniso finished only high school but can speak fluent English. He worked with the defunct Pantranco Bus Company in Dagupan till his retirement.

For the citation given him by the city, he said, a thin smile breaking on his face, “I am very, very happy.”

Mama Isio’s wife died only recently at age 90, almost a centenarian herself.