Taguig honors 100-year old WWII veteran

1st centenarian to receive recognition, cash gift

At a hundred years of age, 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. And most likely, he will have a say and decide to exercise his right to vote in the 2016 presidential elections.

The local government will be honoring Quilatan today as the first bonafide and living centenarian under a program established under Mayor Lani Cayetano’s term aiming to recognize Taguigenos who are a hundred 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 Mayor Lani, who will also lead the awarding ceremony held for the said purpose at 11 a.m. in Sta. Ana Church in Taguig.

“In awarding this distinction, we celebrate the life of Mr. Quilatan for every day that he lives over a hundred years.”

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, which was during World War I. He has already outlived some of the most famous – and infamous – world personalities who were 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, 2015, he received a Certificate of Recognition for reaching a hundred 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 the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s article entitled “Memories, Life Lessons: Stories from World War II Veterans.”

Records at Taguig’s Office of Senior Citizen Affairs disclosed that Quilatan was born in Tipas, Taguig to his father Ambrocio Quilatan and mother Dominga Santiago.

He was baptized at the St. John the Baptist parish church based on the baptismal certificate authenticated by the city hall.

Mayor Lani said aside from the cash award, a recognition document will be issued to Quilatan as proof of his achievement. ###