102-year-old grandpa acquires dual citizenship at PH Honolulu consulate

102-year-old Quirino Aglibut Bajet, also known as Victor Aglibut Bajet, is flanked by Deputy Consul General Angelica C. Escalona (right) at the Philippine Consulate in Honolulu, during his oath-taking as a dual citizen on March 7, 2019. CONTRIBUTED

HONOLULU — A centenarian took his oath of allegiance for reacquiring his Filipino citizenship at the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu on March 7, 2019.

Quirino Aglibut Bajet, 102 years old, also known as Victor Aglibut Bajet, took his oath before Deputy Consul General Angelica C. Escalona.

During his oath-taking ceremony, Bajet became emotional, particularly as he sang the Philippine National anthem. His family said that he was very appreciative of the opportunity to become a Filipino citizen again.

The Filipino centenarian was born in Santa, Ilocos Sur on March 1, 1917.  He migrated to the United States in March 1977, and became a U.S. citizen on 13 April 1983.

Bajet has maintained an attachment to his country of birth, according to his daughter, Remedios Pabo,.

Deputy Consul General Angelica C. Escalona talks with 102-year-old Quirino Aglibut Bajet prior to his dual citizen oath-taking at the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu. CONTRIBUTED

During his prime, he engaged in discussions with fellow Ilocanos in Hawaii. He developed the habit of listening to local radio programs broadcast in Ilocano, and continues to watch Filipino programs on television. His daughter said that he never lost his taste for Filipino dishes such as pinakbet and dinardaraan (dinuguan).

The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) and the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) informed the Consulate General that Bajet may qualify as a veteran centenarian under the Centenarians Act of 2016 upon reacquisition of Philippine citizenship.