Centenarians in Negros Or recognized, given awards, cash gifts

CEBU, Philippines - Nine female and two male centenarians in Negros Oriental  were each given recognition and P90,999 in cash gifts during ceremonies held at the Capitol in Dumaguete City yesterday.

The awardees were Dionesia Comcom, who is the oldest at 114 years old from Bonawon in Siaton town; Dalmacia Jamin, 107 years old from Mabuhay in Sta Catalina; Demetria Aldecoa, 106 years old from Dumaguete City; Socorro Valencia, 106 years old of Guihulngan City; Virginia Escares, 102 years old from Mabigo in Canlaon City; Milagros Fortuito, 101 years old from Sibulan; Constancia Agbon, 101 years old from Guihulngan City; Restituta Remollo, 101 years old from Sto Niño in San Jose; and Basilia Torres, 101 years old from Santa Cruz Viejo in Tanjay City.

The male centenarian-awardees were: Margarito Init, 105 years old from Jawa in Valencia; and Faustino Ricaborda, 101 years old from Alangilan in Sta. Catalina.

The event was attended Regional Director Shailyn Sun Lucero of the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Region 18, and provincial government officials headed by Governo Roel Degamo.

Degamo, in his message, said there is now a need for recognition of the old generation because “if not of them we won’t be here, and that we should follow their footsteps, know their secrets and live with it.”

Eighty-four-year-old lawyer Brigido Bayawa, president of the Federation of Senior Citizens Association, said that if it is God’s will for him to reach 100 years, he would be glad to wait for the time that he will also receive such recognition.

Every senior citizen must live life to the fullest while still alive. “Buhaton bisan unsa nga makalingaw kanimo, kaon bisan og unsa, basta dili lang maghinobra og ayaw palabi-i, tan-aw pod og gwapa, food for the eyes,” Bayawa said.

Comcom, the oldest of the centenarians, told The Freeman she has no secrets in reaching the age of 114. “It is all God’s will,” she said.

DSWD-18’s Lucero lauded the provincial government for giving recognition to the centenarians of the province, and extending financial aid to them via an appropriation of P1 million.

Lucero was also optimistic of the Senate approval of its bill in line with the earlier approved House bill extending rewards to senior citizens who reach the age of 100.

Siaton town in Negros Oriental was the first to initiate the giving of recognition to centenarians and then the Golden Center of Cebu in Cebu City. Lucero said that, under the Negros Island Region, Bacolod City has also did its share in recognizing senior citizens who reach that age level.  (FREEMAN)