Daraitan residents use an improvised cargo boat to cross river

After the heavy downpour brought by Typhoon Ulysses, residents have a difficult difficult time crossing the Daraitan River in Rizal province.

According to JM Encinas’ “Stand for Truth” report on Wednesday, Daraitan residents constructed an improvised cargo boat to ferry people, supplies, and even tricycles across the river.

Each ride costs P15 for passengers and P30 for those who need to bring their own motorcycle or tricycle.

The cargo boat operates seven days a week.

“Halos 85 percent affected kami rito, halos kalahati ng barangay nalubog kaya hirap kami sa lahat,” Barangay Daraitan Chairman Rodel Hinagpisan said.

“Siyempre apektado lahat ang aming kabuhayan nasira, agrikultura, lahat ng kabuhayan namin medyo babang baba, bagsak na bagsak,” he added.

Residents said they used to have a hanging bridge over the river but it was destroyed by storms that recently lashed the province.

“Actually merong bridge dyan na made of wood na nakakatawid ang mga sasakyan. That was before Ulysses. Kaya lang because of the very strong current, natangay siya. Well of course, ipapagawa ulit namin ‘yon,” Tanay, Rizal planning department head Adorable Sunga assured. -- Julia Mari Ornedo/BAP, GMA News