NATION

DPWH eyes nature-based flood defenses along North Manila Bay

Jeffrey G. Damicog · Oct 4, 2026, 2:04 PM

NATURE-BASED DEFENSE VS FLOODING, EROSION An aerial view shows the Philippines’ first nature-based coastal protection pilot project in Barangay Pamarawan, Malolos City, Bulacan, on Tuesday, 29 September 2026. The project uses interlocking bamboo frames and cribbing to reduce wave energy and trap sediments along the shoreline, while oyster bags and sediment traps help raise the seabed and support oyster reef recovery and aquatic habitats. The initiative was developed by Dutch engineering firm Haskoning in partnership with the Malolos City government. | Analy Labor

The Department of Public Works and Highways will build nature-based structures along North Manila Bay to help protect coastal communities from flooding and storm surges.

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said Sunday, 4 October, that the agency is planning to expand sediment-trapping projects across towns along the bay.

“Sabi ng Pangulo, aksyon na tayo,” Dizon said.

(President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said we must take action.)

Dizon cited an existing sediment-trapping project using bamboo structures in Barangay Pamarawan in Malolos City, Bulacan.

He said the DPWH has begun inspecting other areas where the project could be replicated.

“Pinaplano na namin papaano ito [sediment trapping unit] ire-replicate throughout North Manila Bay towns of Hagonoy, Paombong, Masantol, Macabebe, all the way to Sasmuan,” Dizon said.

(We are planning how to replicate this throughout the North Manila Bay towns of Hagonoy, Paombong, Masantol, Macabebe and all the way to Sasmuan.)

“Hindi pwedeng puro na lang tayo konkreto. Kailangan din natin ng nature-based solution,” he added.

(We cannot rely solely on concrete. We also need nature-based solutions.)