CEBU CITY – The woman considered as the oldest living person in Cebu province turned 106th last Monday.
Juana Lumaad Roble celebrated another year of life as family members, close friends, and relatives threw a dinner party for her at the Grand Convention Center.
“According to the social welfare center in Danao, she is the oldest person alive in Cebu Province. For us, we consider her a champion of life since she is the oldest in the province and she is still able,” said Lola Juana’s grandson Jose Emery Roble, who is the president and chief executive officer of Roble Shipping Company.
In 2016, Lola Juana, who lives in Barangay Sabang, Danao City, northern Cebu, received R100,000 from the Danao city government, another R100,000 from the national government, and R50,000 from the Cebu provincial government.
Lola Juana is the only one alive among the brood of seven.
One of Lola Juana’s 11 children, 64-year-old Dr. Nerita Roble-Alonzo, said her mother’s secret to long life was eating healthy.
“In her younger years, she only eat lean meat once a week. Most of the days, she eats fish and vegetables. She makes it a point to get enough sleep everyday,” said Alonzo.
Alonzo said Lola Juana’s father died at the age of 104. Her husband passed away at 93 years old. One of her sisters reached the age of 98.
Family members are wishing that Lola Juana will live for more years.
“She’s not maintaining any medicine. Old age has affected her eyesight and hearing but she’s still able. Our wish is for her to live for many more years,” said Alonzo.
During the party, Alonzo approached Lola Juana playfully asked her mother if she wants to reach 120 years old.
The wheelchair-bound Lola Juana nodded and flashed a hearty smile.
Lola Juana still poses sharp memory. When asked the date of her birthday, Lola Juana quickly responded “January 27.”
Since 2010, Lola Juana’s diet included an instant cereal, a nutritional supplement drink and vitamins.
“Aside from having a healthy lifestyle, my mother is very prayerful. She’s a disciplinarian. She taught us to value education and made sure that we get to finish our studies,” said Alonzo. (Calvin D. Cordova)
