City officials honored another centenarian Verina Monchiking Fakingas, as part of the ongoing efforts of the city government to give due recognition to city residents who achieved a significant milestone in their lives.
Under Resolution No. 621, series of 2020, signed by Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong, city legislators stated that despite her age, the latest city centenarian has a reported good eyesight and she only takes Vitamin C as food supplement without any other medication.
Fakingas was born on May 15, 1920 in Latang, Barlig, Mountain Province, the youngest of 3 children in their family.
She was not reportedly given the opportunity to enroll in formal education due to financial constraints as her family’s only source of livelihood then was farming in the remote village.
The council disclosed that she got married to Marcos Fakingas at age 37 and the couple was blessed with 4 children, three girls and a boy.
Based on her profile, Verina reportedly tended their farm and took care of their children while Marcos worked as a soldier.
According to the council, the Fakingas family eventually migrated to the city when their children reached college and settled at San Luis village barangay.
The council recognized that because of the couple’s hard work, three of their children became teachers by profession.
However, Verina’s husband died on February 25, 1995 due to alleged illness that left her alone to support her family.
At present, Verina has 17 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
The council stipulated that though Verina was not able to go to school and acquire formal education, she remains proud that her three children graduated from college and most of her grandchildren are either accomplished in life or are gainfully earning.
The council added that the city’s latest centenarian be awarded the privileges pursuant to the pertinent provisions of Ordinance No. 45, series of 2016, as amended, which states that qualified beneficiaries of the centenarian recognition are permanent residents of the city for at least 5 years up to the date of the award of recognition and the beneficiaries should have reached the age of 100 at the time of the awarding and they should be personally present to receive the award of recognition to be personally given by the city.
Further, the Baguio centenarian shall receive a plaque of recognition and a congratulatory resolution of the city; cash award of P10,000 and regular monthly visit by government health personnel for checkup and other incentives.
The funding for the benefit of the centenarian will come from savings from the budget of the City Social Welfare and Development Office and succeeding funds will be incorporated in the annual budget of the said office. By Dexter A. See
