Two women who were former residents of Itogon, Benguet and have been residing in Baguio for some time were honored recently by the city for reaching the age of 100.

In separate resolutions, the city council congratulated Concepcion Baucan-Aquino and Soledad Coloma for reaching the age that few people reach and qualify them for cash incentives from the city and the national government through the Department of Social Welfare Development.

Aquino, the “older” of the two, was born on July 25, 1922 in said Benguet town but lived in Baguio.

She married Leon Aquino of Besao, Mountain Province on September 7, 1940 in Baguio and were blessed with nine children and who are now accomplished individuals in their chosen field. The Aquino couple have a total of 30 grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Described as kind soul, Aquino is said to being easy to get along with, a good listener and a friend. Her longevity is from healthy living and proper family caregiving.

Her family claimed that her Godly lifestyle is her happiness even as a centenarian.

The city council in its resolution said that longevity is a blessing for an individual and for a community which benefits from the knowledge, creativity and experiences the said individuals bring to all.

On the other hand, Coloma, the grandmother of 15 and a great grandmother from her 10 children, was born on September 22, 1922 in Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur.

She was married to townmate Esteban Jabanillo Coloma on September 16, 1943.

The couple lived in Acupan, Itogon, Benguet where the husband was employed by the Benguet Mining Corporation. Coloma helped provide for the family by selling fish at the bunkhouses in the mine site.

The Coloma family later moved at Purok 6, Bakakeng Norte where they decided to permanently live. Text & Photo by Pigeon Lobien