Two local centenarians were awarded with a cash gift of P100,000 each by the city government of San Carlos City today, Nov. 26, at the city hall lobby.

San Carlos City Mayor Renato Y. Gustilo and Vice Mayor Christopher Paul S. Carmona personally presented the cash gifts to 101-year-old Fermina “Mining” Borromeo Vergara of Brgy. I and 100-year-old Felicitas “Itang” Portuguez Canoy of Brgy. VI.

This gesture was made possible under Ordinance No. 22-05 Series of 2022, which provides a one-time cash incentive to senior citizens aged 80 to 100 years in San Carlos City. The ordinance was amended in 2024 to include new Implementing Rules and Regulations.

Mila V. Cadenas, Vergara’s daughter, said the cash gift would help cover her mother’s daily necessities. Cardenas also shared part of her mother’s diet includes milk, vegetables, and hotdogs. She also enjoys watching TV and makes pillow stuffing out of plastic wrappers.

Meanwhile, 76-year-old Alicia C. Armonio, the daughter of Canoy, shared that her mother does not have any particular dietary preferences, but she loves her coffee and enjoys watching TV.

The families of both centenarians also noted that the recipients’ siblings are all above 90 years old, a testament to their long lives and good health.

In addition to the cash gift from the city government, Vergara and Canoy also received similar gifts from the provincial and national governments.

Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee Chair on Women and Family Victoriana Cabili, City Social Welfare and Development Office in-Charge Edena Dagondon, city hall employees, and immediate families expressed joy in witnessing the centenarians reached this remarkable milestone.

*Please watch the video of this news event and other stories thru #VAMOSNewsSanCarlos over YouTube channel at youtube.com/@vamosnewsancarlos and at Parasat TV channel 27 every Saturday night at 7PM.