Sec. Soliman Attends Bongabong Convergence Caravan
Written by Diana Kathrina Leomo
No rain is strong enough. Despite the rain shower in the morning of the convergence caravan in Bongabong, Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries from all over Oriental Mindoro still patiently waited for the arrival of Secretary Soliman. With their umbrellas in tow, beneficiaries waited as early as 5am in order to see the beloved Secretary.
Eagerly waiting. Roy, a Mangyan beneficiary from Bongabong, was eagerly awaiting the arrival of Sec. Soliman. He, along with his fellow beneficiaries, was excited to shake the hand of their dear Secretary Dinky.
Secretary of the People. (Sec. Soliman in red with Mangyans from Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro) Mangyans from Oriental Mindoro were eager to meet and greet Sec. Soliman during the caravan in Bongabong on November 4, 2011. They waited outside the gym, despite the light drizzle, just to shake Sec. Soliman’s hand.
Exit Strategy. (left to right: Mayor Umali, Dr. Linda Umali, Sec. Soliman, 2 members of the Hawak Kamay SEA-K association, Gov. Umali) Several SEA-K groups were given their initial capital for their SEA-K businesses during the convergence caravan. The Self-Employment Assistance-Kaunlaran is one of the exit strategies, of the department, for some of the beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilya.
A heartfelt thanks. Unaw Bugnot, a Mangyan from Bulalacao, kneeling down to give thanks to Sec. Soliman for her presence in Bongabong. Unaw is just one of the many Mangyans who were present during the event.
Queen for a Day. To give thanks for her presence in the caravan, residents from Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro made sure to make Sec. Dinky feel like a queen for a day. Left: Gov. Umali putting a crown on Sec. Dinky during the Tubong ceremony, a ritual welcome dance for esteemed guests. Right: Sec. Dinky dancing with Mayor Umali (of Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro) during the Tubong.
Most beloved secretary. Sec. Soliman (in red, in the middle) was treated like a super star as everyone during the event were excited to have their photo taken with her. Cameras were flashing left and right, as municipal links, beneficiaries and local government officials were flocking to have their photo taken with the secretary.
