Green groups push shift to nature-based flood solutions

MANILA — A broad coalition of environmental and fisherfolk organizations is urging the Philippine government to abandon its reliance on costly, corruption-plagued flood control infrastructure and instead invest in nature-based solutions to address worsening flood risks.

In a statement sent to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and congressional leaders, more than 20 civil society, environmental, and grassroots groups expressed “collective outrage and profound disgust over the systemic corruption plaguing the nation’s flood control infrastructure program.”

“The era of pouring billions into concrete-centric, corruption-riddled, and environmentally blind infrastructure must end,” the groups said.

“We do not simply call for the immediate prosecution and arrest of those responsible, though that is paramount—we demand a fundamental and transformative shift in the nation’s approach to disaster risk reduction, including flood control.”

The groups urged lawmakers to redirect scrapped or realigned flood control funds toward long-neglected environmental initiatives such as large-scale reforestation and watershed rehabilitation, mangrove and coastal forest restoration, ecological river and creek rehabilitation, and the implementation of Republic Act 11195 (Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System).

They stressed that nature-based approaches not only serve as effective buffers against natural disasters but also provide co-benefits, including improved water quality, enhanced biodiversity, expanded green spaces, and new jobs.

The coalition also called for urgent legislative action, such as passing the National Coastal Greenbelt Bill to protect mangrove ecosystems and imposing a nationwide ban on single-use and throwaway plastics to reduce flooding caused by clogged waterways.

Local governments in Batanes, Busuanga in Palawan, Camarines Sur, Dumaguete, and Negros Island were cited as models for implementing cost-effective, community-centered nature-based solutions that protect ecosystems while reducing disaster risks.

“These solutions are less prone to corruption and abuse; they also create green jobs, while enhancing biodiversity and protecting nature,” said Von Hernandez, vice president of Oceana Philippines.

“Nature does not expect or ask for kickbacks – but it will push back if you destroy and abuse it.”

Pablo Rosales, president of PANGISDA Pilipinas, called for a moratorium on ecologically destructive reclamation and infrastructure projects that worsen flooding in coastal communities.

“Sinira at tinambakan ng reklamasyon ang mga baybayin at karagatang panangga namin sa daluyong sa panahon ng bagyo,” Rosales said.

“Binarahan nito ang natural na daluyan ng tubig kaya’t patuloy na binabaha ang mga komunidad sa mga baybaying bayan at maging mga karatig na lugar.”

“Kailangang itigil na ang mga proyektong ito na nagtataguyod ng mas malaking kita para lamang sa mga negosyante habang iniiwang naghihirap at nasa panganib ang mga mamamayan,” he added.

The coalition said the choice facing government leaders is not only about infrastructure but also about integrity, foresight, and commitment to a sustainable future.

“We can continue to line the pockets of the corrupt with expensive, failing concrete, or we can invest in proven natural systems that have protected us for centuries,” the statement said.

Among the signatories are Oceana Philippines, PANGISDA Pilipinas, Alyansa Tigil Mina, BAN Toxics, Greenpeace Philippines, GAIA Philippines, EcoWaste Coalition, WWF-Philippines, Wetlands International, and the Zoological Society of London, along with several regional and sectoral groups.