PROJECT TITLE
Flood plans: Landscape Plan for a Flood-Resilient Municipality of Marilao, Bulacan,
Philippines
RESEARCH FOCUS
The project research focus will look into developing a strategic landscape plan to find answers
to the recurrent problems of flooding in Marilao, Bulacan. In this respect, the research will
explore and propose sustainable landscape interventions that enhance flood resilience,
minimize flood risks, and promote environmental sustainability in that regard within the
municipality. Some focal areas for this will include the following: the integration of green
infrastructure; riverbank restorations; adjustments in the practice of urban planning and their
involvement in flood management practices.
WHAT'S THE PROJECT ABOUT
This would establish an overriding landscape plan for a flood-resilient Marilao, Bulacan. The
objective of this study is to reduce the adverse impacts of frequent flooding due to heavy
rainfall, overflowing rivers, and inefficient drainage systems that affect the community,
infrastructure, and local ecosystems.
This project will put in place sustainable and resilient landscape strategies in stormwater
management using rain gardens, bioswales, permeable pavements, and riparian buffers to
reduce runoff and stabilize riverbanks. Besides, it will establish the zoning regulations, flood-
resilient infrastructure, and community spaces that have both recreational and flood mitigation
uses. Large-scale community engagement will further enrich the research to ensure that the
proposed solutions are in line with the needs and preference of the residents. Sensitization
through public awareness campaigns will, therefore, be carried out within the community to
enlighten the community members on flood risks and all other safety measures, thereby
creating a sense of ownership and responsibility toward the interventions in the landscape.
In the long term, this project desires to transform Marilao into an example of flood resilience,
where development, conservation, and public safety live in harmony. This design will become
the blueprint other similarly challenged municipalities can follow, illustrating that strategic
landscape design can create safer and more sustainable communities.
PROJECT TITLE
"Solving Marikina City’s Problems through Open Innovation"
RESEARCH FOCUS
This research project focuses on using open innovation to help address urban challenges in
Marikina City. In doing so, a great many stakeholders will be involved: government agencies,
private sector partners, academic institutions, the local community, and individuals who all work
together in creating innovative solutions for building resilience, sustainability, and quality of life
in cities.
WHAT'S THE PROJECT ABOUT
Marikina City is enshrined in a very rich culture and history, yet it is similarly faced with acute
urban challenges, especially recurrent floods, horrible traffic congestion, problems in waste
management, and sustainable urban development. The project tries to fix these issues by
applying the open innovation framework for collaboration across sectors and disciplines to
create creative solutions and efficient applications.
The project zeroed in on the most burning issues in Marikina City and harnessed a large
network of stakeholders to develop and test innovative ideas. Workshops, hackathons, and
public consultations will be held to gather input and feedback from citizens, experts, and
entrepreneurs for co-creating practical yet scalable solutions.
Possible focus areas of intervention:
• Flood Mitigation: Innovation of new technologies and landscapes that reduce the effects
of flooding in easily flooded areas.
• Smart City Solution: Smart traffic management systems and waste management
technologies for effective urban life.
• Sustainable Development: Promotion of green buildings, adoption of renewable energy,
and development of sustainable public spaces.
• Community Empowerment: Engage local communities in the decision-making process
so that solutions will be attuned to their needs and gain acceptance from the residents of
the area.
The project will make Marikina City a shining example of urban resilience and sustainability by
institutionalizing the culture of innovation and collaboration. Results would address not just the
problems facing the city today but would serve as a model for other cities facing the same
challenges.
