Despite her old age and inability to take care of her self, Lola Fe is known for her clean and fresh smell at the age of 97. She is wearing an aura of calmness that makes her often visited and appreciated in her community in Santa Cruz, Ilocos Sur.
Born on February 5, 1916, the radiance displayed in her pale and sagging face make Lola Fe Lausan the ‘wonder Lola’ as described by the youngsters in the community. Oftentimes, her daughter Lolita is asked how she lived during her younger days because of her long life.
Lola Fe is considered among the extraordinary elderly in Santa Cruz, Ilocos Sur and also among the focus of help by the Local Government Unit, said Head Social Worker Saturnina Hernandez.
Considering Lola Fe’s age, good health is already an accomplishment for her daughter Lolita Angubil, who is among her 11 children. Engaging Lola Fe to take a bath is not easy, as she has to be placed in a laundry basin and sitted in the middle while being washed.
She is likened to a toddler, related Lolita. Kasla ubing nga alagaak, ngem maragsakanak a mangaramid kaniana dagitoy ta mananam na met panagayatko. Idi inyanak nak sinaksaklot nak ita isu met saklutek. (Mother is now like a toddler being cared for, but I am happy showing her my love. When I was young, she held me in her lap, now I am the one doing it to her ),” said Lolita
With proper care and good nutrition (mostly vegetable viands), Lola Fe is still healthy at 97. “Nasayaat pay iti salun-at na, daydiay laeng kinabaket na,” (She is in good condition, it is only her old-age that makes her vulnerable), said Lolita.
More importantly, Lola Fe is cherished in the family. ‘Uray marigrigatan kami ket haan mi kayat isuna a matay pay (Even if sometimes burdened, we do not want her to die yet). Lola Fe’s grand children enjoy listening to her soft voice relating stories and giving advice such as to be good always saying, ‘agsingsingpet kayo,’ in vernacular, said 8-year old great granddaughter, Jessica Angloben. In return, her grandchildren take time to play with her by gently scratching her back while Lola Fe prays her rosary.
Stipend, an add on
There are many things to be thankful for, but Lolita is more grateful for the governments help such as the stipend she receives every three months from the DSWD’s Social Pension Program, “Maragsakan daytoy riknak ta adda para ken nanang” (I feel elated because my mother gets something).
“Agyaman kami iti gobierno ta nairaman ni nanang, addan igatang para iti meryenda ken kanenna,” (We thank our government for making my mother a part of their program. Now, she has money to buy for her food).
“Iyan anay mi daytoy a gatad para ken Nanang, napia ta adda ited ti gobierno a kastoy (We make both ends meet for the stipend of my mother, at least the government provides such).
Accordingly, the stipend makes Lola Fe’s and her daughter’s life easier especially that they have no stable source of income.
In the municipal level, Mayor Teresita Valle extend financial assistance to needy senior citizens. (by: Iryn D. Cubangbang, Information Officer II)
