- GILBERT BAYORAN
Six more centenarians from different local government units in Negros Occidental received P100,000 in cash each and certificates from the provincial government.
The recipients were Herminigilda Barredo Donasco of EB Magalona, Severo Espanola and Romana Jabagat of Cauayan, Concepcion Flores of Binalbagan, as well as Matilde Malaga and Bella Garilao of Hinigaran.
Donasco, who turned 100 years old on April 18, received the centenarian cash award of P100,000 yesterday in EB Magalona from Board Member Manuel Frederick Ko, who represented Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, and Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Merle Garcia.
The municipal government of EB Magalona, led by Mayor Marvin Malacon, Barangay Damgo Council led by Punong Barangay Ma. Fe Monarca, and the Donasco family prepared food during the program, which served as Donasco’s post-birthday celebration.
They were joined by Vice Mayor Eric Matulac and councilors Edgardo Agravante Jr., Wyndel Depasucat, Jovie Madayag, Gelita Parcon, Joey Pugales, Isidro Gomed Jr., and Rosalita Arsena, and municipal government department heads.
Donasco, a widow, is a resident of Hacienda Diamante. She has five children, now all senior citizens, ranging from 61 to 71 years old.
She is now the fifth resident of EB Magalona who has received a centenarian cash award from the provincial government since 2018.
Fondly called “Lola Erming”, Donasco sang some of her favorite songs during the program, to the delight of the officials and guests.
She thanked the provincial government for the special birthday gift and wished that everyone present at the program would also reach 100 years old, or older./GB
