A woman in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental celebrated her 123rd birthday on Sept. 11.
Francisca “Lola Iska” Susano, believed to be the oldest living person in the Philippines, was born in 1897.
Her granddaughter, Helen Susano Cachero, said Lola Iska of Barangay Oringao can still see, hear and speak.
Lola Iska was only 14 years when she got married. She has 14 children and the eldest is now 100 years old.
Helen said Lola Iska’s secret to a long life are fresh vegetables.
“Gusto niya talaga ang mga gulay at ang mga gulay kasi sa bundok walang spray. Ang kinakain niya walang mantika, konti lang ang asin, at walang ding betsin,” she shared.
Lola Francisca survived the influenza pandemic from 1918 to 1919.
She also witnessed World War I from 1914 to 1918 and World War II from 1939 to 1945.
According to Helen, they already submitted documents for the official recognition of Lola Iska as the world’s oldest person by the Guinness Book of World Records.IMT
