Before the lesson begins, a river must be crossed: Teachers brave daily journey to Sagsag Elementary School

For educators and residents of Sagsag, reaching the classroom can mean choosing between a boat, the river, or a long walk across a hanging bridge

PINUKPUK, Kalinga — For most teachers, the journey to school begins with a road, a vehicle, and perhaps a short walk.

For teachers of Sagsag Elementary School, it can begin with a river.

A boat ride has become part of the daily journey for teachers and residents heading to the school, where crossing the river is a regular transportation challenge even on ordinary days when there are no typhoons or heavy rains.

The reality was brought to public attention through a video posted by DepEd Tayo Sagsag Elementary School on August 12, showing teachers and other passengers aboard a narrow wooden boat as they crossed the river on their way to school.

The post carried the caption: “BUWIS-BUHAY para sa karunungan. Kahit malakas ang agos at muntik na sa kapahamakan, walang umaatras sa tawag ng tungkulin.”

The footage quickly highlighted the difficult journey teachers undertake simply to reach their workplace.

But for the people who live in the area, the river crossing is more than a dramatic moment captured on video.

It is part of everyday life.

A journey that begins at the river

In an interview with GURU Press Cordillera, Jamaica Michaela Caras, a resident of Taga, Pinukpuk, explained that traveling by boat toward Sagsag Elementary School is among the community’s regular means of transportation.

The choice depends largely on the condition of the river and whether a boat is available.

“Nu bassit lang jay danum na, mabalin agballasiw. Ngem mabalin latta nga mabangka anytime nga available jay bangka. Pero depende gamin idjay tao nu kayat na agsundo. Nu maminsan, nu maymaysa gamin ti aglugan saan na kayat kasi syempre maymaysam iman nga ilugan na,” Caras said.

When the water level is low, people may cross the river on foot. But when a boat is available, passengers may choose to ride it depending on their needs and circumstances.

For teachers carrying school materials and other belongings, the boat can provide a more practical way to cross.

Yet even this seemingly simple ride comes with a cost.

Crossing the river comes at a price

According to Caras, boat rides are not free.

Passengers typically pay around ₱10 to ₱20 per person, while those carrying luggage or other belongings may have to pay an additional fee.

The fare may also change depending on the river’s water level.

As the water rises, navigating the boat becomes more difficult and risky, which can affect the cost of the trip.

For residents, therefore, crossing the river is a daily calculation—not only of money, but also of safety, time, and the condition of the water.

When the river is low, they walk

A boat is not the community’s only option.

When the river is shallow and conditions are considered manageable, some residents choose to walk through the water instead of paying for a boat.

But when the river becomes too difficult or dangerous to cross, another option is available: the hanging bridge.

The alternative, however, comes with its own challenge.

Caras said crossing through the hanging bridge can take around 30 to 50 minutes of walking, depending on a person’s pace.

Thus, every trip requires a decision.

Walk through the river and save the fare?

Take the boat and pay for the crossing?

Or take the longer route through the hanging bridge?

For those who make the journey regularly, these are not unusual choices. They are simply part of getting from one side of the river to the other.

Beyond the viral video

The August 12 video may have shown teachers braving strong currents aboard a small boat, but the community’s experience reveals a larger story.

The challenge does not begin only when a storm comes.

For residents and teachers, the river is there every day.

On manageable days, they may walk across the water or take a boat. When conditions become unsafe, they may take the longer route through the hanging bridge.

For teachers, this means the trip to Sagsag Elementary School involves more than simply commuting to work.

Before they can stand before their pupils, they must first navigate the river.

They must consider the water level, the availability of a boat, the cost of the fare, the safety of the crossing, and the amount of time needed to reach the school.

And yet, they continue.

Because somewhere beyond the river is a classroom filled with children waiting to learn.

The boat ride, the rushing water, the long walk, and the hanging bridge are all part of the journey—but they are not enough to keep these teachers from answering the call of their profession.

For them, the road to education does not always come with pavement. Sometimes, it comes with a river.

And every time they cross it, they carry more than school bags. They carry a commitment to the children waiting on the other side.