A makeshift bridge made of bamboo and an electricity post were destroyed by floodwaters in Barangay Iyagan, Baao, Camarines Sur.

The bridge, constructed by local residents in response to a damaged spillway in 2022, was intended to connect Ocampo and Baao.

However, the flooding, exacerbated by the southwest monsoon, has rendered the bridge unusable, leaving residents stranded.

But residents still ended up using the bridge despite the danger it posed. 

“Dipisil ta garaba na baga yang tulay — delikado lalo na kan nagbagsak ‘di uda nang agihan,” Paulo Asor, a resident, said.

“Magluya-luya ka dyan mahuros ka pababa… abala pang maray lalo na po ngonian na mag tag-uran nang pirmi — pirmi na po ang handal po yaon,” Marcelo Baliwag, another resident, added.

The Barangay Council is now focused on finding a temporary solution, such as building an alternative bridge to restore access.

Geronimo Navarro, Barangay Councilman of Iyagan, said efforts are underway to address the problem, with plans to include a permanent bridge in next year's annual investment plan.

“Yan po ang piga-andaman mi po kung pano po yan masolusyunan, matanan nin importansiyang dae masakitan an mga estudyante… maski po bakong kongkretong bridge, temporary lang po muna,” Navarro said.

The local government has been informed of the situation, and the municipal engineer has committed to addressing the issue in future infrastructure plans.