Gov Vilma Santos turns emotional about mom’s Alzheimer’s disease

BATANGAS CITY, Philippines – Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto turned emotional as she revealed that her mother has been battling Alzheimer’s disease in a speech during a ceremony to honor the province’s 21 centenarians and other senior citizens.

The teary eyed actress-turned-politician made the revelation during the Elderly Week celebration held at the Batangas Capitol on Monday.

The governor, however, declined to give details except to say that her mother, Mila Tuazon Santos, now 85, has been doing well despite her ailment.

“What is important to me now is that she is strong and we’re together,” Recto said.

Recto honored 21 centenarians during the celebration, who were each given a certificate of “Natatanging Pangunahing Mamamayan” in Batangas and P5,000 as financial assistance.

The 21 centenarians are Anselmo de leus Maligaya, 100; Maria Tenorio Catapang, 100; Carmen Lascano, 105; Romana Collera, 109; Felicisima Gamab, 100; Agapita Magbojos, 100; Engracia Castillo, 100; Pedro Brucal, 100; Regina Brual, 100; Maria Piliin de Ocampo, 100; Vicente Balasbas, 101; Maria Aguila Marasigan, 100; Angela Robles Matibag, 100; Damasa Gomez, 100; Juana Pasahol Orense, 101; Maximino Café Atienza, 101; Teodula Gonzales, 100; Vicente Regalado, 101; Felina Maunahan, 101; and Natalia Carenan de Jesus, 100.