Motorists continue to brave flooded streets in Calasiao, Pangasinan despite the risks, leading to higher repair costs and longer queues at motorcycle shops in the aftermath of Typhoon #PaoloPH.

One week after the storm, riders like Ryan Pangantihon were back at repair shops to fix water-damaged parts. His motorcycle’s brake shoe had rusted and needed replacement.

“Wala tayong pwedeng madaanan kaya no choice tayo. Kailangan talaga nating ilusong sa baha,” he said.

Ryan added that repair visits, which used to happen once or twice a year, have nearly doubled or tripled in 2025.

“Hassle talaga kasi dagdag gastusin yan. Kumbaga, imbes na pambili ng pangkain pa sana,” he said.

Other riders, like Jeric Reyes, a tricycle driver from Barangay Talibaew, choose longer alternative routes to avoid wading through floodwaters.

“Pag nilusong ko sa baha po, malalagyan ng tubig yung tambutso eh. Magastos po yun eh,” Reyes said.

Jose Vallo, a mechanic, said clients often crowd their shop after every storm, with most repairs involving rusted bearings.

“Kadalasan yung bearing dahil mangangalawang. Tulad nito, kaya nangangalawang, magpapalit sila,” he said.

Repair costs range from P500 to P7,000, including labor, depending on the damage.

To avoid extra expenses, some residents now opt to commute or even walk to their destinations instead of risking their motorcycles in floodwaters.