The centenarian awardees, including eight posthumous recipients, were given P100,000 each by the provincial government led by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson in rites held at the Capitol Park and Lagoon here.

The centenarians also received plaques of recognition and some of them were also enrolled in the Negros Occidental Comprehensive Health Program (NOCHP).

The two awardees from the first district, Ciriaca Epanto Acuino of San Carlos City and Isabel Crisostomo Gultia of Escalante City, both 100, already passed away and were represented by their respective family members.

Seven were from the second district, including Ana Tan Ibanez, Trinidad Constantino Merabe, Adelina Teguihanon Segura, Carmelina Leonoras Tordedo, all 100, from Cadiz City; Trinidad Canoy Suarez and Roberto Custodio Sumbi Sr., both 100, and Luminada Ursal Monares, 104, of Sagay City.

Eight came from the third district, including three posthumous awardees — Rosita Laurelia Bantolinao, 100, Murcia; Aurora Mosquera Suganob, 100, and Geronda Arbues Bornales, 102, both from E.B. Magalona. The five others were Antonio Perez Araneta and Paciencia Benteroso Marcasote, both 100, of Silay City; Adela Baltazar Deles, 100, Victorias City; Lolita Alejandro Biona, 100, and Reynalda Guiza Reyes, 101, both from E.B. Magalona.

From the fourth district were from Bago City — Antonio Linaja Apostol, Agusto Villanueva Yulo, Felix Merquiado Suyo (posthumous), all 100; and Aurora Oyco Jaro, 101. Also included were Jovita Dadivas Espinosa, Hilda Hilario Piojo, and Jose Erames Mamirto, all 100, from Pontevedra, La Carlota City, and Valladolid, respectively.

Nine came from the sixth district, five of whom from Kabankalan City led by 114-year-old Margarita Rivera Navales, who was represented by her 85-year-old daughter. The four others were Consuelo Dujon Chua (posthumous), 102; Rodrigo Doloreza Abelida, Gerardo Villanueva Carrera, and Jose Tendencia Chua, all 100. Two were from Sipalay City, Josefina Villaranda Amalia and Rosela Torela Garcia (posthumous), both 100; Concordia Montalban Itona and Manuel Tinggap Dalag, both 100, from Cauayan and Hinoba-an, respectively.

The centenarians were given recognition on the day when Negrenses bluffed the Spaniards to gain freedom.

Lacson said the centenarians are the inspiration and pillars of their respective families and communities.

As Negrenses celebrate history, the lives of these centenarians are also celebrated and acknowledged for being true treasures of the province that should be accorded with respect and appreciation they deserve, according to the governor.

“To the present-day Negrense, as we pay homage to the heroes of Cinco de Noviembre, it is our obligation to give back gratitude, not in words but through our actions by being conscientious, active, and responsible members of our community and society,” Lacson said.