Tampakan, South Cotabato — A 768-meter indigenous dike is currently under construction along the Maltana Creek in Barangay Maltana, part of an ongoing environmental and disaster risk reduction initiative designed to prevent further soil erosion in the area.
The dike, which spans both sides of the creek, utilizes locally sourced bamboo poles and twigs — a nature-based and cost-effective solution aimed at stabilizing riverbanks vulnerable to erosion. This approach not only preserves the ecological integrity of the site but also promotes the use of sustainable, indigenous materials in local infrastructure development.
The project is being implemented through the strong collaboration between the Office of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (OPENRO) and the Office of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (OPDRRMO) of South Cotabato, in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Tampakan, through its Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO).
According to project stakeholders, the dike is a strategic intervention to mitigate the impact of strong water currents during heavy rains, which have historically caused erosion along the banks of Maltana Creek. By reinforcing these vulnerable sections, the project aims to safeguard nearby agricultural lands and residential areas from long-term environmental degradation.
The use of indigenous materials not only reduces costs but also aligns with the province’s commitment to climate-resilient and community-based environmental solutions. Local residents have also played a role in the construction, reinforcing the value of community participation in environmental protection and disaster preparedness.
Once completed, the Maltana Indigenous Dike will serve as a model for similar erosion-prone areas across South Cotabato, reflecting a growing shift towards environmentally sound and locally driven mitigation measures.
