Cotabato City, Philippines — Ethnic Blaan farmers in the highlands of Datalblao, Columbio, Sultan Kudarat, are optimistic about improving their livelihood following the completion of a footbridge over the Dalol River, which previously hindered their access to the town market during rainy days.
The Blaans, an indigenous group in Mindanao known for their rich culture, intricate traditional beadwork, and deep connection to their ancestral lands, primarily rely on farming for their livelihood. For generations, they have cultivated rice, corn, vegetables, and livestock in the mountainous areas of Sultan Kudarat.
However, geographical barriers, such as the wide Dalol River, have posed significant challenges, especially during the rainy season.
Footbridge Connects Farmers to Town Center
Barangay Datalblao Chairman Datu Zahir Mamalinta announced on Tuesday that the P1 million project has been operational since early January. The project is a collaborative initiative among barangay officials, the Columbio municipal government, and Sagittarius Mines Incorporated (SMI).
“The footbridge is an all-weather conduit that connects our farmers to Columbio’s town center where they sell rice, corn, vegetables, and livestock from their ancestral lands,” Mamalinta said.
He added that the bridge, designed to accommodate private and passenger motorcycles locally known as “habal-habal,” has significantly eased transportation for the community.
Habal-habal is a local term in the Philippines that refers to a motorcycle used as a public utility vehicle, especially in rural or mountainous areas where conventional transportation is unavailable or impractical. These motorcycles are modified to accommodate multiple passengers or cargo, often with wooden planks or extensions attached to the seat to allow more people to ride.
Enhance Economic Opportunities
Habal-habal drivers from the Blaan, Ilonggo, and Maguindanaon communities expressed their gratitude to local officials and SMI in radio interviews aired Tuesday in the cities of Koronadal, Cotabato, and Tacurong.
“Our constituents now have easy, safe access to the town market, our local government center, schools, and medical dispensaries,” said Columbio Vice Mayor Bai Naila Mangelen-Mamalinta.
Officials expect the footbridge will enhance economic opportunities for the Blaan community while improving their connectivity to essential services in the municipality. It also reflects ongoing efforts to address the infrastructure needs of indigenous communities, whose contributions to local agriculture are vital to the region.
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