Despite ankle-deep floodwaters along Rizal Street in Dagupan City, some business owners have chosen to stay open, hoping to meet the needs of the community and keep their livelihood afloat.

According to the Pangasinan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), over 400,000 families, or more than 1.4 million individuals, were affected by recent flooding brought by habagat and Typhoon #EmongPH in the province.

Flooding continues in 14 towns and four cities, including 933 barangays.

In Dagupan City, one of the areas still inundated is Rizal Street, where floodwaters have reached inside stores. But despite this, some business owners remain open.

“May mga clients tayo na kailangan ng generator, submersible pumps and other tools. Kaya nagpursige kaming mag-open,” Lawrence Sebastian, a branch manager, said.

“Magbubukas na kami. Walang makain, walang puhunan. Kahit walang tao, magbubukas kami,” Eva Magsano, a staff managing an eatery, said.

Still, many businesses have shut down, unable to continue due to the damage from the flood. An economist warns that these closures could harm the local economy.

“May domino effect ‘yan. ‘Pag wala kang income, wala ka ring gagastusin for your daily needs. Now, how about dun sa mga consumer? Saan sila pupunta? Saan sila bibili?” Dr. Frelyn Ranay, Dean of the School of Business and Accountancy at Divine Word College of Laoag, said.

She stressed the need for government support, especially in regulating prices during times of crisis.

“’Pag nasa state of calamity, unang-una ‘yan, ini-stabilize ang prices. Kasi hindi natin maaalis kung sino ang nakabukas, dahil sila lang, then puwede nilang itaas ang presyo. Kawawa naman ang consumers,” Ranay added.