What once claimed lives during a raging typhoon can now be crossed safely every day.
The newly completed 45 linear meter Suspension Cable Bridge in Sitio Labawan, Amti, Boliney, Abra now provides safe and reliable access to education, livelihood, health services, and emergency response for eighty-seven (87) Indigenous Peoples households composed of 112 families from the tribes of Masadiit, Belwang and Balatok.
Implemented through the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI CIDSS) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the project costs a total of ₱1,793,165.66, with ₱1,270,000.00 funded through KC Grant and ₱523,165.00 as in-kind counterpart from the Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) of Amti, Boliney, Abra.
The construction ran from 8 October 2025 to 23 December 2025, overcoming difficult terrain and unpredictable weather conditions. More importantly, it overcame the fear for the future of the younger generations.
For years, the residents had no bridge. Children are crossing the river daily just to attend their school. Farmers waded through strong currents to reach their fields and transport produce to markets. Senior citizens risked their lives simply to access basic necessities.
The turning point came when a strong typhoon hit the area, causing the river to swell dangerously. Three senior citizens were swept away by the current and lost their lives, a tragedy that really shook the community. With this, the barangay officials mobilized residents to build a temporary hanging bridge, it was unstable but was necessary, on where seeking for permanent and safer structure became undeniable.
Built by the People, For the People
Through the Community Driven Development approach of KALAHI CIDSS, the residents themselves led the planning, procurement, labor and monitoring of the sub project. With the Bayanihan system and additional voluntary contributions such as labor and other materials, residents strengthened and improved the structure. They provided lumber, pine wood and manpower. There was no heavy equipment but they climbed, lifted, and worked together to complete the bridge.
From the 87 households, at least three members per household participated in the construction, however with the eagerness to finish it on time, some households sent five (5) to seven (7) members to work. They did not work for wages, they worked for safety.
“Pagyamanan mi ti gobyerno a turay, ti DSWD through KALAHI-CIDSS, ta inawat dakami nga maysa nga baranggay nga inawat ti municipyo tayo ti KALAHI ket naaramid daytoy nga passet, (We are grateful to the government, especially to the DSWD through KALAHI-CIDSS, for recognizing and including our barangay in the municipality’s KALAHI program, which made this project possible)” Generoso L. Bayon, Municipal IPMR expressed in gratitude.
The residents are very willing to sacrifice because the bridge would serve generations.
Today, motorcycles can safely cross the bridge even during rainy days, something unimaginable before. Senior citizens can now visit their rice fields and farms without fear, even when it rains. Farmers can transport goods without risking their lives. Children no longer have to brace against strong river currents just to attend school.
More than steel cables and wooden planks, the bridge stands as a symbol of unity, and empowerment. It reflects the strength of a community that refused to let tragedy define them.
It showcases the power of partnership between government and Indigenous Peoples communities and it proves that development is most sustainable when people build it themselves.
From a river once marked by loss now stands a bridge built by collective determination.
Barangay Amti no longer crosses with fear, because they have built a bridge of hope.#DSWD FIELD OFFICE CAR, SOCIAL MARKETING UNIT, HAZEL ANN BUY-O.
