Baguio execs honor lady centenarian

BAGUIO CITY  -  The city government here honored another lady centenarian, Thursday, Jan. 14 for being icon of long life and pillar of moral strength.

Maria Silva-Carpio of Upper Malvar Street, Trancoville barangay who turned 100 years old last October was cited a resolution introduced by councilors Betty Lourdes Tabanda and Richard Cariño, and approved by the city council.

Carpio or fondly called “Lola Angge” was born on October 22, 1915 in Tanauan, Batangas and in 1947, she married her townmate Silvestre Carpio.

Although both were unschooled, they were able to raise their four children (three boys and one girl) well trough their buy and sell business.

The couple decided to live in this mountain resort because of the cool climate and friendly people.  They initially engaged in the business of buying and selling of dry goods and later put up apartments for rent.

In the resolution, “Carpio is living with her daughter Carina. Despite her alzheimer’s disease and some physical infirmities, she continues to live a full life.  Her faith and spiritual affirmation remain strong in her while she remains at the center of her children’s lives.”

Proponent councilor Tabanda said the tribute is in line with the thrust to honor centenarians for surpassing three decades of the average life expectancy.

She said that under Ordinance 45-2013, the city government will confer upon a city resident who reaches the age of 100 a resolution honoring the person for reaching 100 years old.

The same ordinance also allows the giving of a cash gift of P10,000 to the centenarian, a plaque of recognition and a congratulatory resolution. The recognition goes with it a commitment of the city government to help take care of the centenarian through regular visitation from a government doctor.  -- JhoArranz