IT WAS a double celebration for Negros Occidental’s oldest person when she marked the Grandparents’ Day on Sunday along with her 119th birthday at Zaycoland Resort in Kabankalan City.
Born on September 11, 1897, Francisca Susano of Barangay Oringao in the southern Negros city is poised to become the oldest living person in the world.
However, the Guinness Book of World Records has yet to verify her records.
Right now, the oldest living person in the world recognized by the international body is Emma Morano of Italy, who was born on November 29, 1899. She is 116 years old.
Susano, in an interview with ABS-CBN Bacolod Sunday, said: “My only wish is to spend the day with my family and friends,” which was granted when they joined her in celebrating her special day.
On November 5 last year, Susano, along with 74 centenarians in Negros Occidental, was honored by the Provincial Government. Each of them received P100,000 in cash incentive from the Capitol.
At that time, Susano said she got married at 14 and bore 14 children. Of her 14 children, eight are still alive.
She said that she never had a chance to go to school, but she and her husband were able to sustain their needs by working as farm laborers.
Susano had said that her secret to a longer life is eating vegetables.