NATION

Marcos orders DPWH to utilize hybrid, nature-based solutions for coastal area flooding

Jonas Reyes · Oct 4, 2026, 5:02 PM

(September 29 2026) DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon along with delegates from Netherlands inspect the Nature-Based coastal protection project at Pamarawan, Malolos Bulacan on Tuesday September 29 2026. The project uses interlocking bamboo and cribbing to reduce incoming wave energy to the shoreline. Oyster bags and sediment traps capture drifting mud and sand, gradually raising the low-lying seabed while encouraging natural oyster reef recovery and creating localized aquatic habitats. The project was developed by Dutch engineering firm Haskoning in partnership with the Malolos City government. Photo/Analy Labor — ANALY LABOR

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to utilize hybrid and nature-based solutions to alleviate flooding in coastal areas of the country.

During a visit to Malolos, Bulacan, Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said that they will copy the sediment trapping project of the Malolos City Government at Barangay Pamarawan in Malolos City as an alternative coastal protection measure.

Itutulad ng DPWH ang sediment trapping project ng Malolos City Government sa Brgy. Pamarawan, Malolos City, Bulacan, bilang pang-depensa laban sa storm surge at maibsan ang posibleng pagbaha sa mga coastal areas sa North Manila Bay area," he said.

This is in line with President Marcos' order to invest on nature-based solutions in partnership with partner countries and the private sector to further develop long-term solutions on flooding in coastal areas.

"Sabi ng Pangulo, aksyon na tayo. 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. Hindi pwedeng puro na lang tayo konkreto. Kailangan din natin ng nature-based solution," he added.

Dizon inspected the pilot sediment trapping project at Brgy. Pamarawan along with Netherlands Ambassador to the Philippines Roderick Wols, Malolos City Mayor Christian Natividad, and Haskoning Philippines Inc. Director Trevor Morrish-Hale.

Nature-based solutions (NbS) for flood mitigation leverage natural ecosystems and hydrological cycles to absorb, slow, and manage excess water. Unlike traditional "gray" concrete infrastructure (like seawalls and concrete canals), NbS focus on flexibility, environmental sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. They are typically categorized by the environment they protect.

River-focused solutions aim to slow water progression through catchments and give rivers room to safely spill over.