Tunis:Bina Tayaotao Pitas, a 90-year-old woman, believes that her lifelong habits of drinking homegrown coffee and eating boiled sweet potatoes have contributed to her longevity. These routines have been a staple since her childhood, as her mother planted coffee in their backyard, a tradition that continues to this day.

According to Philippines News Agency, Pitas, affectionately known as Nana Bina, was among more than 400 senior citizens who recently received a PHP10,000 cash gift from the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC). This initiative is part of the Expanded Centenarians Act, which awards cash gifts to Filipinos upon reaching the ages of 80, 85, 90, and 95.

Nana Bina, who began taking medication for high blood pressure at age 85, maintains a simple daily routine. Her diet is primarily comprised of boiled vegetables, complemented by occasional servings of meat, and she relies on a nutritional supplement as recommended by her doctor. Despite some health challenges like weakened hearing and mobility issues, she remains active by taking short walks and engaging in light physical activities.

She attributes her health to a simple diet and encourages her family to avoid fast food. Nana Bina hopes to reach the age of 100 and plans to pass on her cash gift to her children for future needs.

NCSC Regional Director Luz Orate Balisong emphasized the importance of senior citizens registering with the agency at age 60 to ensure they are included in beneficial programs. The agency facilitates quarterly cash gift distributions, and as of September 30, there were 8,582,600 registered senior citizens in the country, with significant numbers in the Cordillera Administrative Region.

Other beneficiaries, such as Dominga Cucal and Manuel Fores, who both recently turned 80, expressed gratitude for the assistance, noting that the application process was straightforward and the support would help with essential purchases.