P10-M projects for KAMADI district: New bridge links Lumad communities to progress

Tribal communities in the hinterlands of Asuncion, Davao del Norte welcomed the completion of a new bailey bridge, an important component of the newly-rehabilitated KAMADI road network.
The improved road condition and the new bridge now link the impoverished village of Camansa to schools, markets, jobs, health and medical services, among other basic requirements of growth and development.
KAMADI is a tribal administrative district which is comprised of the far-flung barangays of Camansa, Buan, Binancian and Sonlon.
Lumad residents are expected to to reap a windfall of economic opportunities the bridge will bring.
They will no longer contend with being stranded and facing the danger of crossing the Upper Saug River on foot, particularly when rampaging currents caused by heavy rains render the river unpassable to any vehicle.
Narciso Rama, barangay captain of Camansa, recalled how his village was always cut off from civilization each time the river overflowed.
“Sa una, guol kaayo mi kung dunay kusog o dugay nga ulan kay mobaha ug dili mi katabok (Before, heavy or intermittent rains caused the river to risael and prevent us from cross it),” he said.
During such instances, he added, the more daring souls defied the strong current in times of emergency. But, many of the attempts proved to be futile as staples, like rice and other food supplies, among other basic commodities, were invariably washed down river. 
Fortunately, no one died by drowning.
Last February 19, Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario inaugurated the new bridge and the rehabilitated road network, together with three more projects — the new Camansa and Buan barangay halls, as well as the Buan multi-purpose hall.
The projects, which cost more than P10 million, are part of Project NOBLE (No Barangay Left Behind) of the governor.  
Reiterating his intention to open up all dead-end roads in the province, del Rosario pledged to provide more funds to connect the Camansa Road up to Barangay Mayaon in Montevista, Compostela Valley Province , some eight kilometers away.
An all-weather transportation system, according to him, is crucial in linking the tribal communities up to broaden their economic opportunities.