A centenarian from Barangay Damgo in E. B. Magalona, Negros Occidental, received a P100,000 cash award from the Negros Occidental provincial government at rites at the Maranon Hall of the Municipal Building on Tuesday, November 15.
Herminigilda Barredo- Donasco, who turned 100 years old on April 18, received the centenarian Cash Award from Board Member Manuel Frederick Ko, who represented Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, and Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Merle Garcia.
Donasco is also set to receive a Centenarian Cash Gift of P100,000 from the national government through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), by virtue of Republic Act No. 10868, or the “Centenarians Act of 2016”, a press release from EB Magalona said.
The Municipal Government, led by Mayor Marvin Malacon, the Barangay Damgo Council, led by Punong Barangay Ma. Fe Monarca, and the Donasco Family prepared food for today’s program, which served as her post-birthday celebration.
Donasco, a widow, is a resident of Hacienda Diamante. She has five children, now all senior citizens, with ages ranging from 61 to 71.
She is the fifth resident of E B. 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 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.
Joining the event were Vice Mayor Eric Matulac, and Councilors Edgardo Agravante Jr., Wyndel Depasucat, Jovie Madayag, Gelita Parcon, Joey Pugales, Isidro Gomed Jr., and Rosalita Arsenal.
Also present were Municipal Planning and Development Office head Engr. Erwin Poniado, OIC-Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office Helen Contillo, Office of the Senior Citizens Affair president Mario Bolivar, Federation of Senior Citizens Associations president Willy Gervacio, Damgo Punong Barangay Ma. Fe Monarca and kagawads, Pastor Ricky Bolivar, the respective presidents of Senior Citizens Associations in 23 barangays of the municipality, Provincial Treasurer’s Office cash disbursement officer Jeffrey Maningo, and MSWDO personnel.*