This day marked a before and after in the history of the district, when the area was still considered inhospitable and in the midst of a settlement process. Today, Mariato is recognized as one of the districts with the most growth and prosperity in the province of Veraguas, a development that many residents attribute to the vision and commitment of men like José Inés Avilés, who one day bet on changing the destiny of his community.
In an atmosphere charged with emotion and gratitude, family and friends celebrated in Mariato, province of Veraguas, the 104 years of life of don José Inés Avilés, one of the first inhabitants of this community and considered by many as a fundamental pillar in the history and development of the district. Surprisingly, he mentioned that he still reads the Crítica and Panamá América newspapers, although he acknowledged that he needs glasses to do so, demonstrating his sharpness and attachment to information.
His daughter, Emiliana Avilés, highlighted that her father maintains a clear and detailed memory, capable of recounting as if it were yesterday the hardships he faced with his family during the first decades of settlement in Mariato, when there were no means of transportation or communication systems, and living conditions were extremely difficult in this southern Veraguas region.
For her part, Aida Avilés, another of his relatives, stressed that one of the most transcendent contributions of don José Inés was having been the first to promote the creation of a school, understanding that education would be the basis of progress for future generations.
Throughout his life, he has been deserving of various tributes for his altruistic ideas and his commitment to collective well-being. Surrounded by children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, don José Inés Avilés sang the traditional "Happy Birthday" in an emotional family act, during which he raised a prayer to God, asking for health, protection, and blessings for him and all members of his family, reflecting the deep faith that has accompanied him for over a century of life.
At 104 years old, don José Inés fondly remembered his 17 children, his relatives, and those who were his first friends in Mariato.
