3 Makati centenarians to receive gifts

MANILA, Philippines - Three centenarian residents of Makati City will receive P100,000 each from the city government as special cash gifts.

Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay said yesterday the second batch of centenarians, all women, had been traced in various barangays and found to be qualified for the special incentive.

“For all their sacrifices and everything they have done for their families, it is but right to pamper them with love and care and give them proper recognition,” Binay said.

He identified the recipients as Maria Garcia of Barangay Dasmariñas, 100; Francisca Santos of Barangay Kasilawan, 102; and Pilar Anareta of Barangay San Isidro, 100.

Garcia was born on Feb. 3, 1913 and was married to the late Antonio Garcia on March 14, 1936. She had three children and was an active parishioner of the San Antonio Parish, until she suffered a severe stroke that left her completely paralyzed and bedridden in June 2005.

Santos was born on Oct. 4, 1911 in Cavite City. She was married to Valentino Santos and the couple had six children. She was a teacher and a businesswoman during her prime and had served as a nurse during World War II. She now has 20 grandchildren.

Anareta, meanwhile, was born on Sept. 28, 1913. She was married to Antonio Luis Anareta and their union was blessed with seven children. At present she has 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

After the awarding ceremony, Binay will host a breakfast for the awardees and their families at the executive lounge of the Makati City Hall.

Binay said the giving of P100,000 cash gifts to centenarians started last year with nine recipients, composed of eight women and a man.