Residents of a flood-prone community in Dagupan City have built a three-foot elevated pathway through a local “bayanihan” effort, easing daily travel for families long cut off by high tide and heavy rains.

In Sitio Alog, Barangay Salisay, parts of the access road become submerged during high tide or downpours, leaving residents stranded and at risk of being swept away by strong currents.

Delia Alon, a resident, said she nearly drowned after slipping on the flooded path.

“Pag high tide, umiikot kami sa iba, minsan, hinahatid ng nakabota, nakakatakot lang kasi baka mahulog sa daan,” she said.

Barangay officials said students and workers struggled to pass through the muddy stretch, especially when water levels rose.

“Pag papasok po sila, yung mga estudyante at iba pang residente, nahihirapan silang dumaan kasi maputik at mahulog pa sila dito sa ilog,” Barangay Councilman Arman Clores said.

The problem was brought to the local government of Dagupan City, which implemented “Operation Sitio.” Under the program, the city and barangay council provided materials such as fill soil, gravel and cement, while residents volunteered their labor.

Construction began on February 15 and concluded last week. The pathway was raised by about three feet to prevent it from being quickly overtaken by tidal waters.

“Tulong-tulong silang naghahakot kahit malalayo sila may kaniya-kaniya silang timba lalo na noong sesementuhin na namin, doon talaga nakita yung bayanihan,” Clores said.

Residents said the elevated path has made a significant difference, especially during flooding.

“Lalo ngayong baha, mas nakatulong siya kasi hindi na putik ang dadaanan namin,” Julia Ventura, another resident, said.