THERE was no solitude for Lucia Ycong Oyao when she turned 100 years old on Monday, Aug. 12, 2019.
In her residence in Barangay Looc, Lapu-Lapu City, there was revelry for the centenarian, who credits her longevity to her steady diet of seashells and vegetables.
Oyao, when she was still young, often caught fish with her now dead husband for livelihood and consumption.
Shunning meat has been her way of life, said her children. During the birthday bash given to her on Monday by Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan, the celebrant received a cake and roasted pig, among others.
However, Oyao did not eat the food offered during the party, staying true to her diet.
Chan later sang songs for Oyao.
The elderly woman received P100,000 from the City Government, and additional personal money from the mayor.
Another P100,000 would be given by the National Government to Oyao, but the City Social Welfare Office has yet to endorse her name.
“We throw a party because it is not easy to reach 100 years,” Chan said in a mix of Cebuano and English.
Despite her advanced age, Oyao can still walk. However, she has difficulty with her hearing ability, and one has to talk near her ears for her to understand.
Arturo, Oyao’s youngest child, said his mother has been fond of eating seashells, including “torong-torong,” that are often cooked with tanglad (lemon grass) and kamunggay (moringa) every breakfast.
Oyao also likes to eat stewed “banghotin” fish and she seldom eats meat products, according to Arturo, 57.
The centenarian is the third in a brood of nine. She is the only one left alive, and none of her deceased siblings reached 100.
Oyao bore 11 children, including Arturo, but four have passed on. (from GCM of Superbalita Cebu/KAL)