A senior citizen from Romblon, Romblon, attributes her long life and strength at 100 years old to a simple diet of kamote (sweet potato) and balinghoy (cassava).
“Ang kinakain ko lang ay gulay at root crops—balinghoy, kamote, at gabi,” according to Adoracion Montojo, the town’s latest centenarian.
On Wednesday, Montojo became the oldest recipient of the ₱100,000 cash gift from the National Commission for Senior Citizens (NCSC), along with a birthday message from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
“Maraming salamat sa mga ibinigay ninyo sa akin,” she said, expressing her gratitude.
In addition to Montojo, 12 other senior citizens aged 80, 85, 90, and 95 received ₱10,000 cash gifts under the Republic Act No. 11982 or the Expanded Centenarians Act.
Signed into law on February 26, 2024, Expanded Centenarians Act grants ₱10,000 to Filipino octogenarians (80s) and nonagenarians (90s) while centenarians (100 and above) receive ₱100,000 in recognition of their contributions to society.
Aside from the NCSC grant, Montojo also received ₱25,000 from the local government of Romblon as a tribute to her century-long contributions to the community.
