Cebu’s oldest person turns 106

CEBU, Philippines — The oldest living and able person in the Province of Cebu had just turned 106 years old last Monday, January 27.

Juana Lumaad Roble, resident of Barangay Sabang, Danao City, recently had a birthday bash with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and family friends in a restaurant in Cebu City.

Dr. Nerita Roble Alonzo said her mother received in 2016 the amount of P250,000 as cash gifts from the city government of Danao, national government, and the provincial government. The cash gift is given one time by the government to any resident reaching the age of 100 years old.

Alonzo said their family was told by the Department of Social Welfare and Development office in Danao City that her mother is the oldest living and able person in the entire Province of Cebu.  

“Para namo considered siya as a champion of life kay siya may the highest, considering the oldest person sa whole Province of Cebu,” said former Hilongos, Leyte mayor Jose Emery “Joy” Roble, Juana’s grandson.

Juana was born on January 27, 1914 in Inopacan, Leyte. She met and married to the late Jose Roble Sr. in Cebu and since then they live in Sabang, Danao City where they have 11 children. Jose died at the age of 93.

Juana is the second to the youngest among the brood of seven. All her siblings are already dead.

“Una, mainampoon, ikaduha kontrol sa pagkaon, amping sa pagkaon kanunay, ang iyang isda paborito tamarong ra gyud wa nay lain,” said Joy of his grandmother’s secret.

Alonzo said her mother prays the rosary before going to sleep at 9 in the evening.

“I wish her more years, in spite ako ray nag-atiman, gusto pa gyud nako ma-prolong ang iya life,” said Alonzo, a dentist at the Danao City Health Office.

Alonzo shared that her mother has no maintenance medicine despite her age.  FPL (FREEMAN)