In October 2024, Severe Tropical Storm Kristine destroyed a footbridge in Barangay Himagtocon, Lagonoy, Camarines Sur.

Two months later, the bridge has not been rebuilt. 

Because crossing the river, to many, is the only viable route to other areas, including where they get their basic necessities, residents take the risk of doing so every day. 

And children are not spared from this risk as crossing the river is the easiest way to get to school. 

"Ilog po yan pero dyan po talaga kami dumadaan pag 'di po baha," Bhem Verdejo Garrado Purisima, a resident, said.

Purisima explained that their area, which is surrounded by rivers and mountains, leaves them with few options. 

"May ginawa na sanang foot bridge dito yung barangay council po, kaso nasira ng Bagyong Kristine po, kasi sobrang lakas po talaga ng baha... umabot po sa bahay namin," she said.

Residents use remnants of the old footbridge to aid students wearing shoes to cross the water. 

“Yung nasirang tulay lang po yung binababa tuwing di malakas ang baha para makatawid yung mga studyante po na nakasapatos po,” Purisima said.

Despite the risks, families like Purisima's are determined to keep sending their children to school. 

What they do is make sure an adult waits for the children at the other side of the river.

"Hipag ko po 'yung kasama nila [sa video]. Anak niya po 'yung tatlo, at 'yung isa po anak ko po. Siya po kasi 'yung nasa kabila ng ilog kaya siya na lang yung sumundo ng mga bata," she said.

Their daily struggle only highlights the need for urgent action from authorities. 

They can only hope another bridge will bring them to the other side safely, again, soon.