The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is considering science-based and low-cost solutions to address persistent flooding in Bulacan, following recommendations from the University of the Philippines Resilience Institute’s NOAH Center.
Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon recently met with UP NOAH executive director Mahar Lagmay in Malolos, where concerns were raised over proposed flood control projects such as sabo dams, water catchment and detention basins, revetments, and river dredging along the Pampanga and Angat rivers.
Lagmay pointed out that flooding in Bulacan is worsened by land subsidence, especially in coastal towns including Bulakan, Paombong, Hagonoy, and Meycauayan. He urged the DPWH to prioritize nature-based solutions, such as tree planting and the removal of dikes and revetments that restrict natural water flow.
“[Do] projects that are publicly acceptable and more appealing. Instead of dikes and concrete, you have nature-based solutions, which are low-hanging fruit and can be done first, then you do the engineering interventions,” Lagmay said.
Dizon agreed, noting that major infrastructure projects take years to complete.“That’s right. That’s what we should do,” he said. “All these engineering interventions are going to take years to do. We’re going to have to start somewhere. And planting a tree – planting thousands of trees – is the easiest thing to do, and the cheapest.”
The DPWH also plans to consult the NOAH Center on dismantling poorly planned flood control structures built in previous years. These efforts fall under the agency’s Oplan Kontra Baha program.