Philippine’s oldest person marks 124th birthday

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Francisca Susano, the country’s oldest living person, celebrated her 124th birthday on Saturday with ranking government officials among her guests and well-wishers.

Wearing a terno, Lola Francisca received her guests – who brought her presents – at her home in Barangay Oringao in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.

Among the visitors were Franklin Quijano, chief of the National Commission of Senior Citizens, and Jorge Largado, head of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples.

Documents for Lola Francisca’s possible declaration as the world’s oldest living person have been submitted to the Guinness Organization.

Quijano gave Lola Francisca P10,000 in cash, P24,000 in manager’s check, a plaque of recognition and a bouquet of flowers in the presence of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Kabankalan Mayor Pedro Zayco and Vice Mayor Raul Rivera gave the “supercentenarian” a cake, medical supplies, vitamins and groceries. They also brought her wheelchairs, face shields, clothes and blankets, which were provided by the provincial health office and the Department of Health.

The Kabankalan City police, headed by Lt. Col. Mary Rose Salve Pico, also gave presents to Lola Francisca.

Lola Francisca was born on Sept. 11, 1897. She attributed her good health and longevity to having a positive attitude, eating a healthy diet and abstaining from alcohol. Oatmeal and vegetable soup are among her favorite foods.