Village boy wins online contest for his life’s story

BATO, Catanduanes --- 9-year-old Grade IV pupil Freshley T. Montillo of Sitio Tambo in Brgy. Bote, here, was adjudged winner in the project called “Every Child is Special,” which was organized by the governor’s office. The project aims to give recognition to children whose life stories can inspire other children to go to school and study well. The project is in line with the celebration of the National Children’s Month, which encouraged every Catandunganon child to tell their life’s stories. Jefferson Arcilla, a teacher in Bote Integrated School who shared the photos and the story of Montillo said that the child was really special and unique. At the early age of 9 he has already tasted the challenges of life. He proved to be productive in so far as helping his own family earn a living is concerned. Arcilla said that every Saturday and Sunday, instead of spending his time with his playmates, Freshley keeps himself busy catching shrimps along the shore of Sakahon, the small sea creatures under the crustacean family are being used by his elder brother as bait in catching fish. It was mentioned in the story that when the boy and his brother are lucky enough to catch more fish, the siblings sell them so they could buy one to three kilos of rice. Freshley’s earnings help him buy his needs in school. He believes that education is his stepping stone to reach his dreams. Despite the hardships in life, the pupil is a consistent honor pupil and represents his school in mathematics (MTAP) competitions, Arcilla said. Freshley wants to become a soldier someday to be able to buy a house and lot for his parents and 6 siblings and serve the country with efficiency and integrity, the story said. Freshley received his certificate of recognition and prizes, which was composed of school supplies, tumblers, and a free meal at Jollibee from Gov. Joseph Cua last December 7, this year. Timbang-Angat project launched Some 223 Day Care children from the different barangays of the municipality of Caramoran were the beneficiary of the newly launched Timbang-Angat project, a supplemental feeding activity of Gov. Cua. The project was launched on December 6, this year in Barangay Plaza of Dariao, Caramoran.