CENTENARIAN. Magdalena Barcela Serrano, who was born in 1916, is set to turn 102 on July 28. Serrano was awarded a cash gift of PHP100,000 and a plaque of recognition by the Department of Social Welfare and Development on Thursday (July 5, 2018) . (Photo by Emmanuel Solis)
LEGAZPI CITY -- The Department of Social and Welfare Department (DSWD) has awarded a PHP100,000 cash gift to a centenarian here who will celebrate her 102nd birthday this month.
Myla Cruz, DSWD Social Welfare Assistant, together with Wilfredo Intia, president of the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA), handed over the cash gift and a plaque of recognition to Magdalena Barcela Serrano at the OSCA office inside the City Hall compound here Thursday .
"Serrano was born on July 28, 1916 in Barangay Bonga at the northern portion of this city. She has normal blood pressure, normal blood sugar and not yet taking any maintenance medicine or vitamins. She can even walk on her own with the aid of a wooden stick," Isabela Barcela, 67, daughter of Magdalena, said in an interview.
Isabela said she and her sister Senecia have remained single and are taking care of their mother. Magdalena has six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
The secrets of her mother’s longevity, according to Isabela, include eating fruits such as bananas and oranges, drinking Ensure milk, regular exercise, and not thinking so much of problems.
"She always prays and says good morning to the Lord Jesus Christ," she added.
Isabela said last February, her mother also received PHP50,000 from the Provincial Government of Albay and PHP30,000 from the City Government of Legazpi.
She said all the money that her mother has received, amounting to PHP180,000, will be deposited in a bank, to be used anytime she needs it for healthcare. (PNA)
