Lola Maria Layugan, a vegetarian centenarian, was awarded a cash gift worth Php 100, 000 yesterday by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO)

Hailing from upland barangay of Baraoas, City Mayor Dong Gualberto along with CSWDO staff personally handed over the check to Lola Maria, her daughter-in-law and grandchildren.

According to Hermana Layugan, Lola Maria’s daughter-in-law, Lola Maria’s secret to a long life is always eating vegetables. “Haan nga mangmangan iti karne, puro laeng nateng (She doesn’t eat meat, only vegetables)”, she said in an interview.

Lola Maria is also one of the first beneficiaries of Task Force Umay Mangted Iti Sungbat (UMISU) back in 2017.

The cash gift is under the Republic Act 10868 or the Centenarian Act of 2016, an act honoring and granting additional benefits and privileges to Filipino centenarians and for other purposes.

Happy birthday, Lola Maria! The City Government of San Fernando wishes you good health and bountiful blessings. Your life is an inspiration to all of us.