TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines – Mayor Jane Censoria Cajes-Yap, the first female mayor of Tagbilaran City, visited the home of Tatay Vicente D. Dela Peña, who turned 100 years old on February 11, 2024, to personally hand over his centenarian cash grant of 100,000 pesos.
Mayor Yap shared her encounter with Tatay Vicente on her Facebook page, where she posted a photo of her with the birthday celebrant and his family. She also asked him what his secret was to reaching 100 years old.
Tatay Vicente’s answer surprised and amused the mayor. He said it was “KULAFU”, a Chinese wine made from natural herbs that is popular among Filipinos as a drink and a remedy.
“KULAFU” is a brand name derived from a comic book hero created by Francisco Reyes and Pedrito Reyes in 1933. The comic book hero was influenced by Tarzan, a character created by Edgar Rice Burroughs.
Mayor Yap said she could not respond to Tatay Vicente’s answer and burst into laughter. She also praised his memory and humor. She said he was very good vibes.
“I personally delivered the centenarian cash grant of 100k to their house here in Sta Cruz, Poblacion 3 with our CSWD, DSWD, Kap Bert, his wife and 12 children,” Mayor Yap wrote in Cebuano.
Mayor Yap is known for her priority for the local people of Tagbilaran, especially in health, livelihood, and housing. She succeeded her husband John Geesnell “Baba” Yap, who completed his nine-year term as city mayor in 2022.
The centenarian cash grant is a program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) that provides 100,000 pesos to Filipino citizens who reach the age of 100 years old.
The program aims to recognize and celebrate the lives and contributions of Filipino centenarians.