Students in Opol, Misamis Oriental at risk as they pass through dilapidated bridge everyday

Some students in the town of Opol in Misamis Oriental go through a difficult obstacle course every day just to reach their school.

According to a special report by Marisol Abdurahman in GMA's 24 Oras on Thursday, Grade 5 student Cacho Reno walks three kilometers from their residence in Sitio Malingin to Opol Central School.

As if the long walk is not enough suffering, Cacho has to pass through a dilapidated hanging bridge too.

Moreover, Cacho would be hungry by the time his class gets dismissed at 6 p.m., spending six hours at school and not able to afford to buy his snack.

The dilapidated bridge he uses was closed by the local government last week due to safety concerns but many students like him still cross it.

"Walang ibang daan," most of the students at the foot of the bridge would say.

An alternative route would require riding a habal-habal which would cost P15, which most students cannot afford.

Also, the alternative route is flood-prone.

The local government said the ban on construction projects during election was the cause of the delay in building a new bridge. — Dona Magsino/BAP, GMA News