Julian Cargullo, a lawyer and Albay’s last surviving World War II Veteran, celebrated his 100th birthday with rewards, recognition, and a huge smile on his face.

Cargullo, who hails from Barangay Panal in Tabaco City, turned 100 last March 20 in what was a momentous occasion that was festively documented by the local government of Albay. 

“Thank you very much for honoring me. I am very much honored,” said a jubilant Cargullo in a Facebook video uploaded by GSIS Legazpi Branch. 

Cargullo received a GSIS Milestone Pensioner award that came with a milestone benefit check amounting to P50,000 from the government-owned insurance corporation. 

“Thank you very much! 50,000? 50,000! I am very much honored,” he was captured gleefully chanting, as people in attendance, including family members and GSIS officers, cheered on. 

Amidst the cheers and the hurrays, he was asked what the secret is (for such a long life), to which Atty. Cargullo’s animated response was “I love my life, I love my God.”

GSIS’ official post cited Cargullo as the “longest-serving president of the Tabaco Veterans Association.”

The respective local governments of Albay Province and Tabaco City also honored the centenarian, with local officials including Acting Governor Baby Glenda Ong Bongao and Mayor Krisel Lagman-Luistro and paying Cargullo and his family separate visits. 

According to different congratulatory posts by the Albay Public Information Office (PIO) and from the lady mayor, he received a plaque of recognition and another P50,000 cash incentive from the provincial government of Albay, as well as a certificate and an undisclosed amount from the city government of Tabaco City.

Under the provisions of Republic Act 10868 also known as the Centenarians Act of 2016, Filipinos who have reached one hundred years old and above ought to be honored and granted additional benefits and privileges as a form of the State’s due respect and appreciation to its elderly. 

The 2016 law provides that centenarians receive a P100,000 cash benefit as a gift from the national government through the Department of Social Welfare and Development, together with a letter of felicitation from the President and a plaque of recognition from the municipality office. 

The Expanded Centenarian Act (RA 11982), signed in 2024, included senior citizens who have reached 80, 85, 90, and 95 as recipients of a cash incentive amounting to P10,000.