Mayor Ronaldo Aquino spent his birthday with the people of Barangay Bontay. He was the guest during the 4th Passing-On-The-Gift (POG) Ceremony which was spearheaded by the Western Samar Development Foundation (WESADEF). The ceremony is one of the good aspect of the program called "Promoting Family thru Sharing and Caring of Gifts".
This project was made possible initially through the assistance of Heifer International - Philippines (the original donor of the project). It has continued with the support of the LGU through Mayor Ronaldo Aquino, the various donor families in Barangay Bontay and Barangay Dinabongan. The "gifts" that were passed on consist of Carabaos, Goats, Hogs, Mallard Ducks, Chicken, Agricultural Equipments, Seedling and matching fund.
The first POG was done in Brgy. Bontay on December 8, 2009. The 2nd POG was held in December 8, 2010 and the 3rd was in Barangay Dinabongan last March 6, 2012. As of yesterday, the gifts that the folks of Dinabongan passed on to Bontay consisted of:
- 21 Carabaos (out of the target of 25 heads )
- 41 goats (our of 75 heads target)
- 24 hogs (out of 55 heads)
- 200 Mallard Ducks (100%)
- 36 Chicken (out of the target of 150 heads)
- Agricultural equipment/supplies/tools (nylon nets, bolo, sprinkler, trimming shear, rake)
- Seedling
- Marching fund of Php 40,000.00
The said gifts will benefit 40 families in Bontay. They are expected to earn income out of these and in a way improve their economic prospects in life. The good stories said about this sustainable project include that of families who are now able to have enough income for their daily sustenance, extra money for home appliances, and helping sending their kids to school, among others.
In a few months time, another POG ceremony is expected to be held in other neighboring barangays as identified and and the beneficiaries already prepared by the WESADEF.
