The residents of the remote town of Ostana in the province of Piedmont, Italy have been trying to keep their municipality from becoming a ghost town. Despite their effort, the population just kept on dwindling until it was only populated by a total of 84 people in 2015. However, hope sprang back in January 2016 after the birth of Pablo, the very first infant resident of the town in 28 years.
The town's population has been dwindling since after World War II and the population decline accelerated in the 1970s. The last baby who lived in Ostana was born in 1987, so it's no wonder the town's residents are excited for Pablo's arrival. Ostana is now home to 85 people, although only about half of that number stay throughout the year.
Pablo was born to Silvia Rovere and Josè Berdugo Vallelago, who already have two daughters when they moved in to Ostana five years ago. Their move was mainly due to the couple's project getting selected and being given the chance to manage a refuge.
"When the city selected our project, we moved to Ostana, and we have never regretted our decision... We love the quality of the life here. Ostana is a safe place for our daughters, and we feel part of this community," Josè said.
It seems Rovere and Vallelago were not the only ones who dreamed of expanding their family. "The news almost shocked me. It's a dream come true," the town's mayor, Giacomo Lombardo, said in an interview.
The town celebrated by erecting a traditional model stork carrying a bundle at the town's entrance to greet Pablo and the family upon their arrival from the Turin Hospital where Silvia gave birth.
Although the municipality has been doing everything to bring life back to Ostana by offering more jobs, investing in tourism and holding cultural events, their actions still weren't enough. The town is now looking at Pablo's arrival as a good omen signaling a new beginning for the town.
