March 29, 2024

LUBA, Abra – A women’s organization in the far-flung barangay of Gayaman here is generating income by managing their own river resort called “Bal-iyang”.
Located at the Lagben River, it is a project of Barangay Gayaman through the leadership of Punong Barangay Federico Saoadan for their female residents.
Gayaman Women’s Organization president Rose Banasan said the resort has already raised an income of around P45,000 in just a month.
“Hindi lang taga-Abra ang visitors namin dito, may mga galing din sa probinsya ng Ilocos Sur, mula sa San Emilio at Quirino,” Banasan said.
The women’s group came up with the idea of   putting up and managing their own resort after observing over the years, especially on summer, that many people even from outside the municipality are going to Gayaman to picnic by the river because of its impressive scenery, clear water for swimming escapades and bounty of the river.   
Banasan said the establishment of the resort was made possible through the efforts of more than 200 members of the women’s group. Each zone of the barangay put up its own nipa hut to be rented to visitors.
 She said since the group started  managing  the resort, the members have been receiving their own profit since each zone is receiving 80 percent of the total income raised.
Barangay Gayaman is in the boundary barangay of Luba with municipalities of San Emilio and Quirino, Ilocos Sur. It is more than three hours drive from Bangued. – Christian Tubadeza