Local government officials came across an elderly resident who might possibly be one of the oldest living centenarians in the island of Negros.
“At almost 110 years old, Lola Concepcion Lauron of Brgy. Damsite is still alert and can still hear clearly. She readily answers questions without the need of repeating them. She even sang an old, long-forgotten Ilonggo song for us,” said Murcia Mayor Gerry Rojas on Wednesday during his visit to the centenarian.
Lola Concepcion credited her longevity to a healthy diet consisting of fish, fruits and vegetables, and that she doesn’t eat processed food, like canned goods, the mayor disclosed.
Under the administration of Mayor Rojas, Murcia has embarked on a program to recognize and assist the centenarians living in the town. Through the Department of Social Welfare and Development headed by Ana Naranja, the town provides P10,000 cash assistance and P5,000 worth of groceries to the centenarians and their families.
So far, town officials led by Rojas, Vice-Mayor Johnny Reosura and the Sangguniang Bayan members have reached out to six centenarian beneficiaries.
“Lola Concepcion is the oldest centenarian we have visited. Her 80-year-old daughter, who accompanied us to her, said she was born on December 8, 1911, and she was also given recognition and incentive by the provincial government during the administration of the late Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr.,” the mayor added.
Incidentally, Lola Concepcion’s birthday falls on the feast of Our Lady of Immaculate Concepcion, the patroness of Murcia parish church. The parish marks its 157th anniversary this December 8, which also marks Lola Concepcion’s 110th birthday. Apparently, her name was derived from the deep-rooted Catholic practice of naming a child after the saint who celebrates his or her feast day on the day the child is born.
With the sad, untimely passing last November 22 of 124-year-old Lola Iska, or Francisca Susano of Kabankalan City, who was believed to be the oldest living person in the world, Lola Concepcion might possibly be one of the oldest living centenarians in Negros Island and the entire country.*
