PH’s first Wave Flume lab opens in Ilocos Norte, boosting coastal infrastructure research
LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – The Philippines is taking a major step toward strengthening its coastal infrastructure and flood defenses with the launch of its first Wave Flume Laboratory at Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) in Batac City, Ilocos Norte on Feb. 3.
Funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through the Niche Centers in the Regions for Research and Development (NICER) program, the P41-million facility aims to enhance the country’s disaster resilience by providing a scientific basis for designing coastal defenses and flood control infrastructure.
The laboratory is housed in MMSU’s newly built Coastal Engineering and Management Research and Development Center (COASTER) and is expected to support national and local efforts in developing stronger, cost-efficient, and climate-adaptive coastal structures.
Enhanced coastal engineering
A Wave Flume is a specialized wave simulation tank that allows researchers to analyze how water waves interact with various structures, helping engineers design more durable and effective seawalls, breakwaters, and flood barriers.
MMSU vice president and COASTER project leader, Dr. Nathaniel Alibuyog, emphasized the project’s timeliness, given the country’s extensive coastlines and vulnerability to natural disasters.
“As one of the countries with the longest coastlines in the world, the country is frequently exposed to typhoons, storm surges, and tsunamis,” Alibuyog said.
Alibuyog emphasized that this facility will help reduce construction costs by enabling researchers to simulate and refine designs before implementation.
“By simulating real-world conditions, we can ensure that we create the most efficient and appropriate designs,” he said.
The research findings will be instrumental in guiding Local Government Units (LGUs), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), port authorities, private contractors, and coastal communities in selecting the most appropriate materials, design orientations, and structural reinforcements for coastal infrastructure projects.
Why Ilocos Norte?
DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) executive director, Dr. Enrico C. Paringit, meanwhile, highlighted the strategic selection of Region 1 for the project.
“The selection of Region 1 is actually entirely because of the fact that a greater part of the region’s coastal areas is actually experiencing coastal erosion” he said.
MMSU is now exploring the development of training programs and a dedicated degree in coastal engineering as part of the project to produce experts who can address the challenges of coastal hazards and contribute to the country’s resilience against climate-related disasters.
The opening of the facility in MMSU marks a significant step in strengthening the country’s resilience by providing a research hub for developing innovative, cost-efficient, and effective coastal infrastructures. (CCMT/EJFG, PIA Ilocos Norte)
