Deep potholes have formed on a stretch of the national highway in Mangaldan, Pangasinan following days of rain and flood.

The potholes are clustered along the highway in Barangay Poblacion. Residents said the holes become harder to see when filled with rainwater, especially for motorists who are not familiar with the area.

“Mahirap dumaan kasi butas talaga, sana maayos,” Melchor Tamayo, a motorist, said.

Another motorist, Mario Dizon, said the potholes become more difficult to spot during rainy weather.

“Pag tag-ulan, mahirap kasi malagyan ng tubig, hindi na alam na may butas doon,” Dizon said.

Local officials temporarily filled the potholes with sand to make them less deep while the rain continued.

Mangaldan General Services Officer Aji Cabrera said the Department of Public Works and Highways' 2nd Engineering District later added rocks to strengthen the damaged road. He said the road will be paved, eventually.

“Minabuti natin na temporarily, una on the first few days nilagyan muna ng nakasakong buhangin para hindi ganun kalalim. But then eventually, napuntahan ng DPWH 2nd Engineering District na nalagyan ng bato-bato, mas pinatibay, pero they will be coming back to have it asphalted,” Cabrera said.

Other roads in Region 1 have also developed potholes due to continued rain and flooding, according to the DPWH.

DPWH Region 1 Maintenance Division chief, Engr. Florelyn Fernandez, said rain can quickly damage asphalt roads.

“Number one talaga na enemy ng asphalt ay ulan kaya normal talaga na magkaroon ng potholes kapag may mga pag-ulan at pagbaha,” Fernandez said.

The DPWH Region 1 has ordered its district offices to immediately repair damaged road sections to prevent potholes from causing accidents.