Gov. Gene Mendiola, now with his Father

Mario Gene J. Mendiola’s political career started when his politician father took an assassin’s bullet that caused his untimely death. The late Assemblyman Pedro T. Mendiola or Pete as how his relatives affectionately call him was the representative of the province to the Interim Batasang Pambansa who served from 1978-1986 and was gunned down at the plaza of San Vicente, Sablayan in April 1986. His son, Mario Gene, promised then to continue what his father has started. In a way, sympathy votes and name recall catapulted the younger Mendiola to power. At a very young age and fresh from studying abroad, he became a congressman in 1987.

In 2005, the Mina De Oro National High School was renamed Pedro T. Mendiola Sr. Memorial National High School (PTMSMNHS) under respective resolutions; SB Resolution No. 1150 and SP Resolution No. 61. They are legislated as an initiative to preserve the legacy of Pedro T. Mendiola Sr, the institution’s benefactor. Gov Gene's old man was one of the guiding lights of Occidental Mindoro politics and chaired the very powerful Committee on Accounts and vice-chair of the Committee on Finance of the Batasang Pambansa back in the day. He authored various resolutions and bills mostly on educational institutions in the province including those of national in scope in the aspects of finances, etc.

In every election where he is a candidate, his son Gene is always retelling his father’s death without naming anybody as the culprit. Until today, the perpetrators of the crime have not been identified and captured. If it was truly politically motivated or not.

Later, Gene Mendiola was elected governor in 2013-2016, and, 2016-2019, and as Vice-Governor of Mindoro Occidental for the full term from 2004 to 2013, and mayor of San Jose in 1998 until 2001. He silently faded from the political scene after the 2019 elections until news of his passing broke out yesterday.

Cong. Josephine “Nene” Ramirez-Sato posted on her Facebook account her condolences to the family of the leader who succumbed to an undisclosed cause. Cong. Sato posted, “It was an honor serving with you Gov. Gene.” She further said, “Know that your service and legacy will always be remembered and revered by those whose lives you have touched.”

Vice-Mayor Bong Marquez of Sablayan also posted in his Facebook account, “The whole province, including our Municipality, mourns with you [on the bereaved family] and celebrates the extraordinary life of this remarkable man who devoted his life to tirelessly exerting effort for the benefit of Occidental Mindoro ...”

“You lived a great life. Time to rest with Lolo Pete and Lola Mercy,” Gene’s son Matthew said Thursday in a Facebook post as he announces the death of his father.

Mario Gene Mendiola peacefully died with all his immediate family around his sickbed on the night of December 22, 2021, exactly two weeks or 14 days after his 63^rd birth anniversary.

He was born on December 8, 1958, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, one of the central doctrines of the Catholic faith for according to her teachings, it was the beginning of salvation. He too died on the same date in 1882 when Thomas Edison invented the first string of Christmas tree lights. Gov. Gene died at Advent Season this year as we all know.

Messages of bereavement continue to pour in social media for the man who served Occidental Mindoro and worked in his silent, distinct ways.

May your soul be eternally calm and bright as the Holy Infant’s first silent, holy night on earth.

Sleep in heavenly peace, Sir.