Banga, South Cotabato| The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) XII Social Pension Program awarded P100,000 to Lola Angela Singuillo Villalobos, also known as “Lola Elac” of Barangay Punong Grande, Banga, South Cotabato, as she celebrates her 100th birthday today May 18, 2024.

Lola Angela received a Letter of Felicitation from the President of the Republic of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.

She also received a P20,000 cash incentives from the Local Government of Banga, handed over by Mayor Evangeline “Bambi” Palencia.

In attendance to the awarding of the cash gift and Letter of Felicitation was Ryan Balanza, Division Chief of the Protective Services Division of DSWD-12, as the representative of RD Loreto Jr. V. Cabaya and the staff of the Social Pension Program of Region-12.

Balanza emphasized “there is a need to re-evaluate our lifestyles, take better care of our elderly, and take care of ourselves to reach Lola Angela’s age.”

“Support system, pagmamahal at pag-iwas sa stress ay isa siguro sa mga sekreto ni lola at bilang halimbawa ng pagbibigay halaga sa ating mga sarili,” he said.

Aside from Lola Angela, she also had 2 senior citizens- sisters, aged 97 and 95 years old.

The said activity is in accordance with Republic Act 10868, also known as the Centenarians Act of 2016, to honor every centenarian’s century-long contribution to the community. Senior citizens 100 years and above can avail of the Centenarian Program. (SMU Jeed Gape)

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