Philippine village uses bamboo and shells to stop coastal flooding

Residents of Pamarawan, a low-lying fishing village in the City of Malolos, Philippines, no longer experience flooding thanks to a new nature-based coastal defense project.

The village previously suffered from tidal waves and storm surges that overwhelmed existing concrete breakwaters during monsoons and typhoons. The project uses locally sourced materials, including bamboo poles, oyster shells, and coconut husks, to create a protective barrier.

Interconnected bamboo cribs cover 14 hectares off the coast to reduce wave energy and trap drifting mud and sand. These structures are designed to raise the seabed over time, eventually creating a height suitable for planting mangroves, which act as natural barriers against waves. Additionally, bags filled with discarded oyster shells help restore local oyster reefs. Mayor Christian Natividad of Malolos approved the 130 million Philippine peso ($2 million) project, which was developed by the Dutch engineering firm Haskoning.

While some residents initially opposed the project because it displaced fish corrals and oyster farms, the project hired a large portion of the local workforce for construction. Officials say the initiative successfully protected the village from severe flooding that impacted neighboring communities in August 2026. The government now views this pilot as a model for other flood-prone areas in the Philippines.