THE RIVER AS LIFE'S OBSTACLE

It was our third banca ride across the mighty Cagayan River in Lallo town, the Magapit Suspension Bridge, the only one of its kind in the country, having been closed for repairs. A news report said the rehabilitation project costs P100-million, the work consists mainly of reenforcing the bridge's concrete and steel trusses. The banca could accommodate at least 15 people wearing around their neck orange lifeguards. It was 5-minute or so smooth sailing on the muddy water. (Typhoon Dindo was threatening the Philippines and it could have rained the night before.) Fare was P10.00 per person. Getting our bus on the other side of the river--Barangay Bangag--was easier this time. It was a walking distance to the vehicle which had parked nearer to the bank of the river. Last week, we had to hire a tricycle to take us to the Lallo-Ilocos Norte Road, where a Laoag-bound GMW bus was waiting. It seemed in a situation like this, everybody is friendly, each one trying to help each other. Like an elderly man, a bag with a laptop

slung across his shoulders and carrying two big bags,one of which belonged to a young woman with a 7-year old boy in tow. They were walking to where vans, passenger jeeps, minibuses were parked on the other side of the river. If the river is an obstacle in life. let us have more rivers to cross so people will be more civil, courteous and helpful.