Aklan centenarian’s secret: Eat lots of vegetables, fruit
KALIBO, Aklan – Want to live a hundred years and more?
Eat vegetables and fruits, according to an Aklanon who, at 117, could well be the country’s, if not the world’s oldest living person at this time.
Radigondes Burnasal is the oldest of the 30 centenarians in Aklan who received P100,000 cash each in recognition of their long life and contribution in nation-building.
She was 116 when she received her cash incentive on May 4, but on May 9, she turned 117, having been born on May 9, 1900, based on the record of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
To prove that she is indeed 117, her children went to a local radio station where she was interviewed earlier after receiving her cash incentive, to show her birth certificate.
When interviewed by the local media as to her secret for her long life, she said she only consumes mostly fruits and vegetables. She was in a wheelchair when she received her cash incentive, but her children said that at home she exercises by pulling out weeds in the garden.
She also goes to Mass unassisted, her children said. Her senses are still acute– as evidenced by her radio interviews where the reporter had to ask questions only once, which she readily answered.
She said she experiences body pains sometimes, particularly on her waist. She thanked God for her long life and for giving her nine children who continue to love and care for her.
Radigondes, who now lives in Tigayon, Kalibo, was born in Barangay Janlud, Libacao, Aklan. Her husband died a long time ago. In the list provided by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), Kalibo had the highest number of centenarians with 8, followed by Banga and Tangalan, both with 4; Libacao, 3; Lezo, Madalag, Makato with 3 each, and 1 each for Altavas, Batan, Ibajay, Nabas and New Washington.
Evangelina Gallega, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer (PSWDO), said the DSWD and the PSWDO-Aklan are checking records to determine if indeed Radigondes is indeed the oldest person in the Philippines, and the world. (PIA)