AT age 100, Jose Santiago Quilatan Sr. has outlasted two world wars, fought in one of them, spanned over four generations and lived through all Philippine presidents except Emilio Aguinaldo. Most likely, he will still have a say in deciding who succeeds President Aquino in the 2016 presidential elections.
The local government of Taguig City on July 26 honored Quilatan as the first bona fide and living centenarian under a program established under Mayor Lani Cayetano’s term aiming to recognize Taguigenos who are 100 years of age and above.
“It is but just and right to honor Taguigenos who reach the age of 100 because this is no easy feat. And as an added qualification worthy of this city’s recognition is the fact that Mr. Quilatan is also a World War II veteran,” said Cayetano, who led the awarding ceremony held at Santa Ana Church in Taguig.
“In awarding this distinction, we celebrate the life of Mr. Quilatan for every day that he lives over 100 years,” she said.
He will be receiving a cash award of P100,000 as part of the city’s program for centenarians.
Quilatan was born in Tipas, Taguig, on February 15, 1915, during World War I. He has already outlived some of the world personalities also born in 1915 such as legendary singer Frank Sinatra, Casablanca actress Ingrid Berman and Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet.
But this is not the first time Quilatan has received an award. On March 28 he received a Certificate of Recognition for reaching 100 years old and his consistent dedication as a World War II veteran during the Barangay Assembly Day in Barangay Ibayo-Tipas, Taguig City.
He was also featured in a national newspaper article entitled “Memories, Life Lessons: Stories from World War II Veterans.”
Records at Taguig’s Office of Senior Citizens Affairs disclosed that Quilatan was born in Tipas, Taguig, to father Ambrocio Quilatan and mother Dominga Santiago.
He was baptized at the Saint John the Baptist parish church based on the baptismal certificate authenticated by the city hall.
Cayetano said that aside from the cash award, a recognition document will be issued to Quilatan as proof of his achievement.