“He is the living definition of strength and vitality,” said Muntinlupa Mayor Rufy Biazon as he honored retired police colonel Iluminado “Tatay Lumeng” Pascua, who marked his 100th birthday crediting exercise and a vice-free lifestyle for his long life.
Mayor Biazon personally delivered the P100,000 cash gift to Pascua, a resident of Barangay Poblacion, in recognition of his milestone.
Pascua, who served for 33 years in the police force and retired as a colonel, was described by the mayor as sharp-minded, strong-bodied, and full of stories from his century of experiences.
Under Muntinlupa City Ordinance No. 2018-147, all residents who turn 100 are entitled to receive the cash gift. This is also in line with Republic Act 10868, or the Centenarians Act of 2016, which grants financial recognition to Filipinos who reach the century mark.
“Binigyan natin ng P100,000 cash gift si Tatay Lumeng Pascua from Brgy. Poblacion, at masasabi ko, siya ang living definition ng lakas at sigla. Sa unang tingin ko nga, hindi ko inakala na siya ang centenarian. Matalas pa ang isip, diretsong kausap, at talagang malakas ang pangangatawan. Siya pa nga ang sumalubong sa ’kin at bumati,” Biazon posted on Facebook.
The mayor added, “Nakakatuwang kausap si Tatay Lumeng—sa dami ng karanasan sa buhay, hindi mauubusan ng topic. Naikwento rin niya ang kanyang namayapa na niyang asawa na si Nanay Lumeng (yup, same nickname sila—Iluminado at Iluminada kasi ang tunay nilang pangalan). Meron silang apat na anak.”
When asked about his secret to longevity, Pascua humbly replied that he had none, except for exercising regularly and living without vices—proof, he said, that healthy living truly makes a difference.
“Tinanong ko si Tatay Lumeng anong secret para sa mahabang buhay. Wala raw siyang sikreto pero nag-e-exercise siya at walang bisyo—healthy living talaga,” Biazon shared.
Meanwhile, the Muntinlupa Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) announced that starting Dec. 17, it will distribute allowances to residents aged 80 to 89 under the city’s Octogenarian Program. (Jonathan Hicap)
