Floods in Dagupan City on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, inundated parts of Caranglaan-Mayombo Road and Tapuac Road, leaving motorists struggling to pass and forcing light vehicles to take alternative routes.

Some cars had to be pushed through the floodwaters.

“Pahirapan na po, mahirap na dumaan, mataas na ang tubig,” Val Maramba, a motorist, said.

Dagupan City DRRM Officer Ronald de Guzman advised small vehicles to avoid flooded streets.

“Sa mga light vehicles kasi alanganin na silang dumaan doon, mahihirapan na sila, titirik na sasakyan doon kaya hanap na lang ng ibang pwedeng daanan,” he said.

With commuters stranded, some tricycle drivers were reported to be taking advantage of the situation by charging higher fares.

“May mga motorista talaga na nagsasamantala sa ganitong panahon,” Olivia Domantay, a commuter, said.

The Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) said it is monitoring drivers to prevent overcharging.

“Ang panawagan ko lang diyan para maiwasan ang overcharging ay huwag na lang sumakay sa colorum, ’yung walang nakikitang sticker number or decal o sticker number sa harap ng mga windshield ng tricycle nila,” Rexon de Vera, deputy POSO chief, said.

Other tricycle drivers insisted they continue to follow regular fares.

“Kawawa din naman mga commuter kung maningil ng sobra. At saka kung may baha, di rin kami babyahe, kaysa masira tricycle, mas malaki pa ang gagastusin namin,” John Segundo, a tricycle driver, said.

Authorities reminded commuters to remain cautious and use only accredited public transport while floods continue to affect city roads.

FAMILIES EVACUATE

While flood levels continued to rise in communities along the Pantal-Sinucalan River, parts of Rizal and Burgos streets were inundated.

“Napi-feel natin talaga ang pagtaas ng tubig sa ngayon,” Dagupan City DRRM Officer Ronald de Guzman said.

In Barangay Herrero-Perez, floodwater reached knee-deep levels inside homes, leaving residents wading in water all day.

“Lagi na lang nakababad ang paa namin sa baha, kaya ito inaalipunga na kami,” Kristina Mendoza, a resident, said.

Residents living near the riverbanks were evacuated as water continued to rise.

“May mga reports tayo from other barangays na binabaha na rin, kaya may mga lumikas na, tulad sa Lasip Grande,” de Guzman added.

As of Wednesday, September 25, 14 families from Pogo Chico and Lasip Grande were staying at the People’s Astrodome evacuation center.

Among them was the family of Cristina Villanueva, who said the flood had nearly reached the second floor of their home.

“Mataas na ang tubig sa amin, sobrang taas na,” she said.

The local government assured evacuees that their basic needs, especially food, are being provided.