Business · Philippines Bureau
Bulacan coastal town deploys earth dikes to fight persistent tidal flooding
Hagonoy, a low-lying municipality in Bulacan province bordering Manila Bay, is turning to traditional earth embankments to protect residents from chronic tidal inundation affecting nearly all of its barangays.
LSN Philippines ·
HAGONOY, Bulacan – The coastal municipality of Hagonoy is implementing a flood mitigation strategy centered on reviving pilapil, traditional earth dikes that have long served as barriers against water intrusion in the region.
The initiative targets the municipality's 26 barangays, which remain vulnerable to recurring tidal flooding. The earth embankments are being constructed in inner village areas to contain water surges during high tide periods, offering a localized defense mechanism for residential communities.
The pilapil system draws from decades-old practices employed by private fishpond operators in the area, who have successfully used earth embankments to manage water levels on their properties. Local authorities have adapted this proven technique for broader community protection.
Hagonoy's geographic position along Manila Bay has made it particularly susceptible to tidal flooding, with water regularly submerging populated areas during peak tidal periods. The earth dike project represents the municipality's effort to leverage traditional engineering solutions to address persistent water management challenges facing its residents.