Villagers in Sitios BALOCOC-GOLDSTREAM Barangay Camp 4  (TUBA-BENGUET) seek Gov’t help for an access road 

Access is a key determinant of poverty.  Without physical access, rural communities face much greater obstacles in obtaining health, education, and other social services. In addition, their ability to take advantage of surplus crop production and of employment opportunities is severely constrained. Photo shows school children hiking rugged mountains for hours to reach school while a farmer works on his vegetable garden. Angelita Sugalan (left), president of Sugalan Clan Small-Scale Mining Association, and Sandy Asmin (right), of Goldstream SSM, show a proposed access road that will hasten their communities’ progress and development. Text and Photos  by Primo Agatep