The successful mainstreaming of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) into development planning is vital to resilient and sustainable urban environments. This paper examines the methods used in using NbS as a development strategy that is based on national policy landscapes and the local institutional frameworks that govern infrastructure planning, sustainable tourism, and disaster risk management. In particular, the paper highlights the experiences in implementing NbS mainstreaming projects in the context of Butuan City, Hinatuan, and Bohol, Philippines, respectively, and the results of applying specific methods for identifying critical entry points for NbS integration.
Institutional analysis in the three sites identified recommendations for key actors across national and local government, academe, and the private sector for implementing NbS project planning and development. A particular case for Butuan is emphasized wherein stakeholder mapping based on a validation workshop indicated a high collective perception of power and interest across all groups towards integrating NbS, signifying a supportive local environment. Highlighting the authors’ experience in Butuan, locally resonant terms for NbS—kinaiyanhong pagsulbad and mga kasulbaran pinasubay sa kinaiyanhan—were determined to ensure the concept is understood and relatable at the grassroots level. By harmonizing national mandates with local institutional capacity and drawing from experiences in linear infrastructure development and disaster risk reduction planning, this paper highlights how locally tailored approaches and strong community engagement can establish a robust pathway for resilient and sustainably developed communities using NbS. The paper concludes with three (3) important recommendations for mainstreaming NbS in planning and development in the Philippines.