ORINGAO VILLAGE, Kabankalan City – The Palace-created Senior Citizens Commission will help the local government of this southern Negros city get the nod of record registry Guinness for a grandmother who turned 124 today, 11 September 2021, as the world’s oldest living person.
Lawyer Franklin Quijano, chair of the recently-created body, told DNX Francisca Montes Susano should be a source of pride not only for Ilonggos but also for all Filipinos.
“She must not only serve as an exemplar of hard work but must become part of our national heritage as well,” Quijano said after paying a visit to Susano who wore a custom-made gown given to her by one of her grandchild for her 123rd birthday.
She talked to him at length before she fell asleep again.
Quijano arrived in the morning from Manila and left presents for Susano whose house was surrounded by scores of people, mostly her children, grandchildren, great granchildren, and great great grandchildren.
Mayor Pedro Zayco, on the other hand, said he will push for the inclusion of Lola Iska in the Guiness Book of World Records that has a rigorous application and adjudication process.
Zayco, who at 71 could also be the province’s oldest sitting chief executive, also told DNX Lola Iska should not only be seen as a record holder but as an example of hard work.
He added he would also support efforts to conduct a research into the factors that led to Lola Iska’s longevity as well as at least 20 other centenarians in Kabankalan.
“Is it their diet, exercise? I want to know, too,” Zayco said.
