The hanging bridge located within the Ganano subwatershed is an agroforestry support facility (ASF) constructed by the DENR under the Forestland Management Project (FMP) with a project cost of P6.1M. FMP is a partnership undertaking between the Philippine Government through the DENR and the Japan International Cooperation Agency or JICA.

 

Completed in July this year, the infrastructure connects to the provincial road leading to Diffun town proper. It will provide a convenient access to the 741-hectare site development project of the Pimentel-Dumanisi Upland Farmers Association, Inc. (PDUFA) for reforestation, agroforestry, fuelwood plantation and soil and water conservation. PDUFA is a people’s organization (PO) partner-beneficiary of the FMP.

 

Director Bambalan said the facility is a basic necessity in the area considering that creeks and rivers traverse the barangay. “With the hanging bridge, the produce of our beneficiaries will be easily transported from the farm to the market. This will facilitate economic activities which will advance the quality of life of upland dwellers while improving our forest condition,” she enthused.

 

Through the ASF, the delivery of basic goods and services to over 900 residents of Barangay Pimentel will be improved. It will also provide the residents easy access to the town proper where public market, schools, and hospital are located.

 

The DENR will later turnover the infrastructure project to the Local Government Unit of Diffun and the people’s organization for its operation and maintenance.

 

PENR Officer Mariam Frances T. Malana, CENR Officer Mindo N. Aquino and FMP regional focal person Edmund S. Malupeng accompanied RED Bambalan in the inspection visit. Regional Director Mario A. Ancheta of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau also joined in the activity.#