Helping small farmers and indigenous communities transport their produce to the market without any hassle is the main objective of the Alalay sa Kaunlaran Inc. (ASKI) in pursuing its project “Increasing Economic Productivity of Small Holder Farmers and Indigenous Communities through Hanging Bridges”.

To date, there are four (4) constructed hanging bridges located in different communities in the provinces of Aurora and Nueva Ecija in northern Philippines. Many of the beneficiaries are farmers and indigenous people who are now enjoying the ease of transporting their produce and will no longer need to cross rivers. Significant reduction in post-harvest losses were also noted since the farmers harvest can reach the market fresh.

The facility also helped residents in the communities, especially the children in going to schools that parents no longer worry on the safety. Aside from hanging bridges, ASKI also supports the community through other projects such as water system, renovation of school buildings, tribal hall and other social issues in the community benefiting around 300 families.

The project of ASKI “Increasing Economic Productivity of Small Holder Farmers and Indigenous Communities through Hanging Bridges” won the 2017 ADFIAP Outstanding Project Awards, under the Local Economic Development Category.