For Petronila "Lola Loleng" Suarez of Barangay Caranglaan, Dagupan City, reaching 100 years old has been made possible by her love for vegetables and fish.

She turned 100 on October 25, 2024.

She has four children, nine grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren.

She believes that her long time diet of vegetables and fish has kept her strong. Growing up close to the sea in San Fabian, Pangasinan, she also believes that the fresh air she has been breathing contributed to her vibrant health.

"Salamat andekey ni bilay ko mabayag ni... Kakanen koy, mamangan ak ya baow, mamangan ak ya sira," she said.

Though her hearing has weakened, her eyesight remains sharp, and she has no complaints about her health.

"Nagpapasalamat ako sa kanya dahil nung mga bata pa kami, mga apo nya, 'di nya pinabayaan, inalagaan," Romeo Suarez, her grandson, said.

"Ang birthday wish ko sa Lola ko... [sana] tatagal pa buhay niya. Napaka-swerte nga ni Lola ko sa edad nyang 'yan, inabot pa nya," Romeo added.

With blessings of health and hope, she shows that a long life is a gift to cherish.

To honor her centenary, the local government recognized Lola Loleng with a cash incentive.

Incorporating fish and vegetables into a person's diet is an essential part of maintaining good health, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in its healthy lifestyle recommendations.

According to WHO, fish provides high-quality protein and essential omega-3 fatty acids, while vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, all of which help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.