November 14, 2024 –Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT) community paid a heartfelt tribute to Dr. Dolores Salvacion F. Tolentino for her almost 29 years of selfless service. It’s a journey that began right alongside ASCOT’s founding. “Ma’am Salva,” as she’s lovingly called by her colleagues and friends, was not just ASCOT’s first Records Officer; she became a mentor, a mental health advocate, and a pillar of the community.

 

Her connection to ASCOT is unforgettable, as she actually celebrated her birthday on the groundbreaking day of the college—an amazing twist of fate that set the stage for the big role she would later play in ASCOT’s growth. When she first joined the college in 1995 as Administrative Officer V, Ma’am Salva didn’t just sit in the Records Office; she quickly found a place in the hearts of everyone she worked with. Through the years, she took on numerous roles, always with a heart full of dedication to the college and a deep concern for the well-being of students and faculty alike.

 

Her passion for mental health made her a trusted voice not just within ASCOT, but across Aurora province. She led talks, workshops, and training sessions that made people more aware of the importance of mental health. Her knowledge, paired with her compassion, earned her the respect of many.

 

The program opened with a message from Chief Administrative Officer Dr. Gerardo G. Rillon, who shared fond memories of working with Ma’am Salva and wished her well on the new path she is about to embark on. “We remember the joyful days spent with her,” he recalled, “and we wish her the best as she sets out on her next journey.”

 

ASCOT President Dr. Renato Reyes also expressed his gratitude for her years of service and dedication. His message resonated with encouragement and faith: “Naniniwala ako sa salitang ‘destiny’—ang plano ng Panginoon para sa atin ng panginoon ang mananaig. Kailangan lang maging handa tayo sa anumang pagbabago. Lilipat ka sa PGA dahil kailangan doon iyong kakayahan. Mahal ka ang ASCOT at nandito lang ang ASCOT ang. para sa inyo. Good luck, at God bless!”

 

As the ceremony continued, Dr. Tolentino’s closest friends at ASCOT shared heartfelt messages that highlighted her invaluable qualities as a friend, mentor, and even a maternal figure. Ms. Norma Barbasa reminisced, “Lagi nating sinasabi kahit pabiro lamang na sabay tayong magreretire dito sa ASCOT. Pero hindi ko inasahan ay ikaw ay aalis ng ASCOT. Ipagpatuloy mo ang iyong mga nasimulan sa ASCOT, ang iyong mga ginagawa at adbokasiya.”

 

Ms. Mardelyn Barrogo also shared, “Si Salva ang gumawa ng paraan para makatapos ako ng master’s degree, siya rin ang tumulong sa akin para matapos ko ang aking thesis. Alam ko na magiging masaya ka sa magiging bago mong trabaho. Kung saan ka masaya, masaya na rin ako. Nandito lamang kaming mga kaibigan mo para sa iyo.”

 

Ms. Zenaida Exclamado added her own tribute, saying, “Sa kabila ng mga pagsubok sa buhay na dinanas ni Salva, masasabi ko na isa siyang mabuting nanay. Siya ay napakabait na ka-opisina. Minsan lang ay matigas ang kanyang ulo.”

 

Former ASCOT President Eutiquio L. Rotaquio, Jr., took the opportunity to recognize her significant role in the institution: “Siya ang nag-finalize ng ASCOT Strategic Plan, at bawat linggo, may imbitasyon mula sa iba’t ibang ahensya na humihingi ng kanyang kaalaman pagdating sa mental health concerns—ituloy mo lang, Ma’am Salva! Malaking tulong ang iyong adbokasiya. Maraming salamat at congratulations!”

 

Colleagues from ASCOT, such as Forester Michelle Resueno, Glenda N. Gines, and Dr. Jay Amon spoke about how she inspired them both professionally and personally.

 

Ms. Resueno shared, “Ako ang kauna-unahan niyang inaanak dito sa Aurora. Isa siyang life coach, manggagawang hindi napapagod, at isa sa mga empleyadong may pinakamaraming tungkulin. Sa dami ng kanyang ginagawa, ni minsan hindi namin siya narinig magreklamo. Laging masaya ang trabaho sa kanya, kahit gaano pa karami ang gawain.”

 

Ms. Gines added,”Hindi matatawaran ang ambag ni Ma’am Salva—nakita ko ang kanyang dedikasyon sa bawat ginagawa niya. Ang dami kong natutunan tungkol sa mental health issues dahil sa kanya. Suportado ka namin, Ma’am, at good luck sa iyong journey!”

Sir Jay, took a moment to spell out the qualities that define “Salva”—Sincere, Admiration of Love, Venture, Victory, and Accomplished. His description captured the essence of Dr. Tolentino’s character and the values she embodies.

 

Additionally, ASCOT employees, KC Aguilar and her immediate staff member, Myra Curitana, shared their appreciation for Dr. Tolentino. “Bilib ako sa pagiging matatag at matapang ni Ma’am Salva. Sa kabila ng kanyang mga sakripisyo, hindi siya nawawalan ng mga words of wisdom. Lagi niya akong minomotivate. Tunay na biyaya siya ng Panginoon sa amin.”Curitana expressed.

In an emotional moment, her two children Cedrick Kerstan and Ronn Cedric also expressed their gratitude to ASCOT for its support throughout her career, honoring her unwavering dedication and achievements.

 

As the program concluded, Dr. Tolentino message of thanks, expressing her deep appreciation for ASCOT’s support and opportunities. She reflected on her accomplishments, including contributions to research and extension programs, her instrumental role in ASCOT’s Performance-Based Bonus, and her leadership in establishing the ASCOT Employees Association’s registration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Civil Service Commission (CSC). She highlighted, “Mahal na mahal ko ang ASCOT! Maraming naging tagumpay ko ang dahil sa gabay at suporta ng institusyong ito. Isa na rin sa mga advocacy ko ang pagtutok sa mental health concerns at ang mentoring sa mga estudyanteng nangangailangan ng gabay. Kung hindi sa ASCOT, hindi ko mararating ang pagiging PhD graduate ko. Maraming, maraming salamat, ASCOT!”

 

Now, as she moves on to the next chapter of her life, she leaves a remarkable legacy behind. Her nearly three decades of service have touched the lives of countless ASCOTians, and her work will continue to inspire the college she helped build. As she answers the call to serve in new ways, Dr. Tolentino’s spirit of dedication and care will always be a part of ASCOT’s heart.