In flood-hit Dagupan City, where many public utility vehicles could not operate in recent weeks, a tricycle driver turned disaster into opportunity by building his own modified tricycle to wade through the waters.

Willy Lopez of Sitio Puelay, Barangay Caranglaan, created what he calls a “Tikling.” It is a tricycle with a raised sidecar and seat designed to navigate submerged streets.

“Hindi ako kumikita noong baha kaya naisipan ko na gumawa nito para kumita,” Lopez said.

He said it took him only two days to assemble the vehicle using mostly scrap metal.

On its first day of operation on Friday, September 26, 2025, the Tikling earned him P1,500 from passengers who needed a way to move around the city despite the floods.

“Ako ang gumawa nun, Ma’am. Ginaya ko lang sa Facebook. Bumili lang ako sa junk shop tapos panay turnilyo,” he added.

Lopez takes pride in his work, saying he may not have finished elementary school but managed to build the vehicle on his own.

His former guardian, Adonis Torio, praised him for his creativity and sense of responsibility.

“Proud ako sa kaniya na he grew up na responsible sa kaniyang pamilya, hindi tulad ng mga kasabayan niya na hindi nakitaaan ng ganun,” Torio said.

The Public Order and Safety Office said there is nothing wrong with customized tricycles as long as they are registered. The only violation, it said, is if such vehicles operate without proper registration.

Lopez, meanwhile, said he plans to keep innovating, he believes there are always ways to earn even during times of flooding.