Residents of a flood-prone sitio in Mangaldan, Pangasinan are hoping for relief as barangay officials move to fund the construction of a concrete pathway to address long-standing access and safety problems during the rainy season.

In Purok 5, Barangay Guilig, floodwater collects around homes whenever it rains, making daily movement difficult for nearly 200 families living in the area.

Residents said even the narrow paths they use to reach the main road often become submerged.

Nancy Arboleda, a resident, said the flooding poses a serious challenge for families, especially those with children.

“Tubig talaga diyan mahirap. ’Yung apo ko apat para lang hindi sila mabasa, minsan binubuhat namin sila,” Arboleda said.

Barangay officials acknowledged the situation, saying the area’s low elevation and the lack of a concrete road worsen the flooding.

“Mababa kasi doon. Kawawa talaga ang mga residente doon. Hindi pa kasi sementado ang daan,” Barangay Councilman Luisito Prestouza said.

Because of the flooding, residents are often forced to take longer routes just to reach the barangay road or main highway, especially during heavy rains.

During its recent session, the Barangay Guilig council discussed allocating funds for the construction of a pathway in the sitio. Prestouza said the project would greatly improve daily life for residents.

“Malaking ginhawa ’yun kapag maayos na ’yun,” he said.

Barangay officials said the project will be funded through the barangay’s 20 percent development fund and has been listed as one of the council’s priority projects for 2026. The target is to start and complete construction before the onset of the rainy season, offering long-awaited relief to residents who have dealt with flooding for years.