Pamarawan village stops floods using bamboo and shells
Residents of Pamarawan village in Malolos City stopped flooding after building a coastal defense using local bamboo, oyster shells, and coconut husks instead of concrete.
For years, strong waves from the southwest monsoon hit the village. Existing concrete breakwaters failed to stop the high water during severe typhoons in this low-lying fishing community. This recurring disaster threatened homes until new materials were used to build a protective barrier.
Although more than fifty residents initially lost income because their fish corrals and oyster farms were located in the construction area, affected fishermen were given priority for new jobs. Local officials ensured that those who suffered economic hardship received compensation and immediate employment opportunities to replace their lost livelihoods.
Poor design or corruption plagued previous gray infrastructure projects. But this sustainable ecological restoration method now serves as a model for other towns. Department of Public Works and Highways officials praise the pilot scheme as a solution to address similar flooding issues in other areas along North Manila Bay.
Local fishers can now collect shrimps and crabs attracted by the new structures in the water. The initiative protects a vulnerable community from destructive floods while restoring local marine ecosystems and providing sustainable livelihoods for residents who lost their traditional fishing grounds.