In general, elderly people are thought to be sick, incapable of communicating, and in poor health, but consider the story of Lourdes Guerrero, a centenarian residing in Bacnotan, La Union. Although it is true that Lola Lourdes did not complete her studies, she has a wealth of knowledge. She speaks English eloquently because she enjoys reading Reader’s Digest, encyclopedias, and newspapers. She was married to a public servant and had four (4) children. Since she gave birth, Lola Lourdes became a homemaker to take care of their children.

Lola Lourdes is still active and able to care for herself. She can still bathe on her own, fix her hair, and eat by herself at the age of 101. Moreover, even without her eyeglasses, she can still do her usual activities such as reading newspapers, doing household chores such as cleaning their yard, folding clothes, feeding the chickens, sewing, and doing laundry. She also enjoys cutting plants and flowers and says, “I am happy if I have flowers on my table. Seeing these makes me alive and stronger.”

She shared that her secret is to get up early and always do something to clear her mind before starting the day. “Always be kind and do not get married early because your time will be divided when you have children. Pray to the Lord for a new day and eat vegetables to get stronger,” says Lola Lourdes on living up to 101.

By virtue of Republic Act No. 10868, also known as the Centenarians Act of 2016, the first Sunday in October is celebrated as National Respect for Centenarians Day as part of the Elderly Filipino Week. With this, all centenarians like Lola Lourdes who contributed their life to nation-building are recognized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 1 (DSWD FO 1). by: Princess R. Dumpit, Information Officer I, Social Pension Program Management Office/ Social Marketing Unit