The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is studying the use of hybrid flood control structures that combine concrete components with nature-based solutions in flood-prone areas of northern Luzon.
DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said Wednesday that the department is looking into approaches used by other countries for flood mitigation as it plans projects in areas around Manila Bay.
“I think we need to take a broader look at how things are being done elsewhere. Let’s look at countries that have already successfully implemented this,” Dizon said in an interview on the sidelines of a meeting with DPWH officials, Haskoning Phils. Inc. and Project NOAH at the DPWH Central Office in Manila.
Dizon said some countries that previously relied heavily on concrete structures have started removing some of them and shifting toward nature-based solutions.
“They’ve already gone through the process…as was mentioned earlier, they used to rely heavily on concrete — it was all concrete. But in some cases, they are actually tearing down those concrete structures. They are shifting toward more nature-based solutions,” he said.
He stressed, however, that nature-based solutions would not be applicable to every flood control project.
“Not everything can be nature-based, though. There are instances where concrete is truly necessary,” Dizon said.
The secretary said the DPWH would study the approach carefully and draw from the experience of countries that have implemented such projects.
“But we need to study this carefully and learn from those who have the expertise and have done it right, so we don’t end up wasting money again,” he said.
Dizon said the areas being considered for the projects include towns along the North Manila Bay area in Bulacan and Pampanga.
These include Hagonoy, Paombong and parts of Malolos in Bulacan, as well as Macabebe, Masantol and Sasmuan in Pampanga.
“So our focus right now is the North Manila Bay towns — Hagonoy, Paombong, parts of Malolos (Bulacan); Macabebe, Masantol, Sasmuan (Pampanga),” he said.
Photo courtesy of Inquirer.net
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