For several decades, farmers and traders of watermelons and root crops in Sitio Iraya brought their produce to the market by passing a bamboo foot bridge that connects to the barangay proper of Cadinglian in Oton. But, that is history now.

There, haulers were waiting for the farmers to unload their products such as watermelons, vegetables and root crops for transport either to the town’s market or to Iloilo City. A farmer pays P50 for every sack of local products. It became an additional cost to farmers.

Cadinglian is a major source of watermelon in Oton. It is then distributed in the different parts of the region.

The bamboo bridge was built by residents to provide access when passing a creek in Sitio Iraya to Cadinglian proper. Though, there is an alternative route, people chose to cross the unsafe bridge because of its proximity to the poblacion.

As part of the safety measures of the residents, they have regulated the transport of products to a certain number of sacks in traversing the bamboo bridge. They have anticipated that the bamboo bridge will collapse once its capacity to hold weight goes beyond its limit.

The lack of a sturdy foot bridge does not only affect the farmers and traders but also of students from Cadinglian. During rainy season, students have to find ways on how to reach their school safely and neatly.

One can only imagine how they walked on foot in a slippery bamboo bridge with no post or handles to hold. When the creek overflows, it creates an atmosphere of fear among the residents.

The inconvenience brought about by lack of accessibility and a stable bridge was addressed when Kalahi-CIDSS was implemented in the municipality of Oton. It was a blessing in disguise to the people when Typhoon Yolanda hit Western Visayas in 2013.

The town was provided with a grant to rehabilitate and provide small-scale projects to the community. Cadinglian got a chunk of P386,000 for the improvement of the foot bridge.

Since everyone in the community recognizes the importance of having a sturdy bridge, they have prioritized for funding the improvement of the bamboo bridge to a steel foot bridge. The community’s desire to end their struggle prompted the people to immediately commence and complete the construction.

With only one and a half month, the foot bridge was completed with the delight of everyone. Its early completion was attributed to people’s participation and teamwork. Young and old made their share in bringing up the construction materials from the barangay proper to Sitio Cadinglian since delivery trucks could not go further than poblacion because of its inaccessibility.

Shirley Gumban, a resident of the barangay recalled how they helped during the transport of construction materials. “Sang gina-ubra pa lang ang project, tama ka budlay kay hindi nga daan kasulod ang bagon didto sa amon. Te ang mga baras kag bato ginahakot sang mga pumuluyo. Ang mga pumuluyo ga-ugyon nga magkarga sang mga bato bisan mga bata nga naghalin sa eskwelahan gabulig man bisan pira lang madara nanda.” (During the project implementation, it was difficult for us to bring the materials to the site since the truck could hardly reach Sitio Iraya. Residents have to haul the sand and gravel. They were united, that even the school children who are on their way home from school helped in bringing some stones).”

Those who are muscular would carry on their backs the sacks of cements and stones.

Community volunteer Nelia Antipatia said she has a very nice experience. “Tanan gaburiligay gid tana. Bisan wala kamo gaintindihanay, kanami lang nga iririmaw kamo kadlaw paligid bato kag magkarga semento. Nag-ugyon gid ang tanan para sa footbridge.” (Everyone worked together to complete the project. Even If some of us have misunderstandings, it was good that we were together laughing, rolling the stones and carrying the cement. Everybody joined because of the bridge.)

Elsa Comenta used to pay P50 per sack of animal feeds to haulers when the bridge was still made of bamboo. Now, she only pays P40 per sack. “Tulad kwarenta na lang ang suhol kay hind ron delikado ang taytay kay gin islan sang Kalahi-CIDSS. Makadugang gid gamay sa ginansiya.” (Now, I only pay P40 per sack since the bridge is already safe. It was replaced by Kalahi-CIDSS. It really adds up to our income.)

Today, residents can now easily cross the steel foot bridge without anxiety or fear regardless of the weather condition. Farmers can now transport their produce any time of the day and without additional costs.

The foot bridge paved the way to economic development of the people of Cadinglian especially those coming from Sitio Ilaya. They can now slowly step on the ladder of success with one problem crossed out on their list. #