For 100-year-old Ginang Adoracion Montojo Morgado, the key to a long and healthy life is simple: a diet rich in kamote (sweet potato) and balinghoy (cassava).
Unlike modern lifestyles filled with highly-processed food and artificial ingredients, Montojo’s dietary habit has remained natural and traditional. Root crops like kamote and balinghoy have been her staple diet, which she believes contributed to her longevity and vitality.
“Ang kinakain ko lang ay gulay at root crops—balinghoy, kamote, at gabi,” she shared when asked about the secret to her strength at age 100.
Her simple yet nutritious food choices highlight the importance of healthy eating habits—a lesson that younger generations may find valuable in an era of fast food and instant meals.
Montojo, who recently celebrated her 100th birthday, was among the beneficiaries of the National Commission for Senior Citizens (NCSC) Inaugural Cash Gift Distribution on Feb. 26, 2025. She received ₱100,000 cash gift from the government and a personal birthday message from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Aside from the NCSC’s grant, she was also honored by the local government of Romblon with an additional ₱25,000, recognizing her century-long contributions to the community.
Montojo was not the only senior citizen honored that day. Twelve other elderly individuals, ages 80, 85, 90 and 95, also received ₱10,000 each in fulfillment of Republic Act No. 11982, the Expanded Centenarians Act.
NCSC Public Information Officer Maricel De la Vega-Urdas said that the commission is working closely with the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs to validate the list of eligible senior citizens and process applications for the cash gift program. (PJF/PIA MIMAROPA-Romblon)
