Centenarian to receive P100T

CEBU, Philippines -  A 101-year-old woman from Barangay Sambag-1 will receive P100,000 cash reward from the Cebu City government for being a centenarian.

Maria Ochea, who is still very healthy and can walk even faster than some elderly persons, went to City Hall and attended the session of the City Council last Wednesday.  City legislators posed for a souvenir photo with her.

Councilor Margarita “Margot” Osmeña said Ochea is entitled to receive the cash reward from the city because the City Council had already approved the ordinance granting P100,000 to each person who reach the age of 100.

Aside from Ochea, Osmeña said there is another woman from Barangay Guadalupe who is already 102 years old.

Two other women were also awarded for being centenarians in 2009 and 2010. Natividad Sanchez-Go, 103, of Barangay Mabolo, and Florida Copta, 102, of Barangay Lahug, were previously rewarded by the city although their cash reward was still P25,000.

The city legislators decided to raise the cash reward to P100,000 because it is not easy for a person to reach the age of 100 or over.

“This special group of elderly Filipinos represents the history and legacy of over a century of nationhood, it is apt to recognize them with the Centenary Senior Citizen’s Award,” said Councilor Edgardo Labella.

Osmeña explained that Ochea will receive her cash reward later because she will be required to submit first her supporting documents like the original birth certificate.

When interviewed by the reporters, Ochea narrated that she has been living in Cebu City for the past 52 years after she migrated from her hometown in Tabogon in northern Cebu.

She used to be a native of Barangay Mabuli, Tabogon. She revealed that her secret in remaining healthy despite her age is that she seldom eats meat.

“Utan ug isda ang pirmi nako nga sud-an. (I always eat vegetables and fish),” the smiling Ochea said.  (FREEMAN)