By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD City – The Kabankalan City Police Station in Negros Occidental celebrated last Friday the 123rd birthday of Francisca Susano, believed to be the oldest living Filipino.
Colonel Mary Rose Pico, Kabankalan City police chief, visited Susano’s house at Barangay Oringao, and surprised her with a cake.
Susano was born in 1897, before the Philippine Independence Day and witnessed two world wars. She is the oldest living Negrense.
She got married at 14 and bore 14 children. Her husband passed away years ago.
The police saluted her strong character for surviving the Martial Law, along with many tragedies and calamities.
At present, she also witnessed the global health crisis brought about by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
“Truly she really is a thriving national treasure,” Pico said, as they wished her good health, happiness, and best of luck.
“May you continue to inspire us and give us hope that the human spirit will continue to strive and endure anything that comes no matter what the odds are.”
