Francisca Susano, Phl super centenarian, 124
BACOLOD CITY – Super centenarian Francisca Susano of Barangay Oringao, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, passed away on Nov. 22, her family said. She was 124. Kabankalan City Mayor Pedro Zayco said Lola Iska was 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.
Relative Marlene Susano said the Philippines’ oldest woman, who marked her 124th birthday on Sept. 11, died in her sleep.
Lola Iska was born on Sept. 11, 1897 in Kabankalan City. The Susano family has yet to decide the date of her burial.
Prior to her death, Senior Citizen Party-list Representative Rodolfo Ordanes filed House Resolution 2207 congratulating Lola Iska 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 Iska’s recognition as the World’s Oldest Living Person.
The chair of the House committee on senior citizens said the country should consider those like Lola Iska as national treasures.
Ordanes said Lola Iska witnessed important stages in the history of the Philippines over the past century, since she is even older than the declaration of Philippine independence from Spain.