BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Super centenarian Francisca Susano, of Brgy.Oringao, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, passed away on November 22, her family said.
She was 124.
The provincial government of Negros Occidental and Kabankalan City are mourning the death of Susano, who was born on Sept. 11, 1897, in Kabankalan City.
Kabankalan City Mayor Pedro Zayco said that Lola Iska is considered the oldest person in Negros Occidental and the Philippines
Zayco said her official declaration as the oldest person in the world at 124 years old is currently being validated by the Guinness World Records.
Lola Iska will always remain as our inspiration and pride, he added.
The Philippines oldest woman who marked her 124th birthday on September 11, died in her sleep, Marlene Susano, 45, said.
The Susano family has yet to decide the date of her burial.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson yesterday said that they will arrange something for the family of Susano, in response to a question on what the provincial government may extend to them.
Lacson also said that Lola Iska gave inspiration to her family, as she put them together, because of attention she got.
Prior to her death, Senior Citizen Party-list Representative Rodolfo Ordanes filed House Resolution 2207 congratulating Susano and urging the House of Representatives to grant her P1 million as an incentive for being a supercentenarian.
Ordanes said that the Guinness World Records Organization already received the application and supporting documents that would pave the way for Lola Francisca’s recognition as the World’s Oldest Living Person.
The chair of the House Committee on Senior Citizens said that the country should consider those like Lola Francisca Susano as national treasures.
Ordanes said that Susano witnessed an important stage in the history of the Philippines over the past century since she is even older than the declaration of Philippine Independence from Spain.*
