The Mangyans have been living in this area for generations, it is a part of their lore and culture.
To this day, some Mangyans live a short distance from the banks of the Aglubang River. During the rainy season, it becomes a raging river and cannot be crossed on foot during the wet months. This makes it very hard for the Mangyans to go to the lowlands to trade their root crops or seek medical attention.
In the past the Mangyans resorted to traditional solutions to cross the raging rivers that stand between them and the lowland towns. They use small boats called bangkas to cross the narrower parts of the river. Where possible, they have also built simple suspension bridges called rambyaw, made of bamboo, rattan slats and ropes made of vines.
The indigenous rambyaw is an enduring legacy of man’s ingenuity. Its construction is part of the Mangyan’s collective consciousness, this knowledge survives to this day. Unfortunately the organic materials used decay in time and the structural integrity of the rambyaw is compromised.
Furthermore during the typhoon season, strong winds and rain make river crossings very dangerous and extremely difficult.
A decade of keeping travelers safe
In the spirit of partnership with the Mangyan people, Mindoro Nickel stepped in to construct a hanging bridge traversing the Aglubang River and they continue to maintain it to this day.
Built in 2000, the hanging bridge has durable steel cables, steel matting as its flooring and solid steel beams cemented into the mountainside to anchor the whole structure.
Now raised 10 meters from the river, this vertical clearance provides adequate distance and an element of safety for travelers. It is sturdy enough that elderly Mangyans who were reluctant to use the old rambyaw, now regularly use the bridge to cross the Aglubang river with confidence. The refurbished hanging bridge has also enabled Mangyans to transport farm animals including carabaos from either end.
This bridge was built in partnership with the Mangyans, who contributed the indigenous materials such as gravel and sand as well as the labor force.
The bridge is a testament to the enduring commitment of Mindoro Nickel to the Mangyans and the people of Mindoro. This work of modern engineering is sturdily built, fastidiously maintained and is a symbol of Mindoro Nickel’s willingness to share technology, resources, manpower and expertise with the Mangyavns to ensure their safety when they travel to the lowlands.
Brand new steel matting replaced
the bridge’s worn flooring
The Mangyan way of life is shaped by their interactions with the mountains, trees and other features of the landscape such that a prominent mound of white rock eventually becomes part of their tribal lore.
Being nomadic and a people fond of telling stories, their life and stories have been enriched by the rambyaw built for them by Mindoro Nickel Project. The hanging bridge is a modern addition to their psyche, albeit an enduring one and definitely a part of the Mangyans’ heritage and living history.
This U-bolt with nut and washer secures the cables in place
‘This bridge is a really big help to us, the bridge we built was made of bamboo and vines so it wasn’t sturdy. When the wind and the rain are strong we have a very hard time crossing.
We have benefited a lot from this bridge, all of us Mangyans have been helped by this bridge, some of us come from Buraboy, others from Aglubang. Whenever the river is flooded we pass here. All of us Mangyans depend on this bridge.’
Testimonial by Imelda Marinduque, Mangyan resident.
Republished with permission from Mindoro Nickel Intex Resources http://www.intexresources.com.ph/mindoronickel/
