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ARCHITECTURE

LEADING TO CULTURE EMPOWERMENT:


A PROPOSED
CULTURAL
COMMUNITY
COMPEX FOR
THE AGTA AND
DUMAGAT TRIBE
OF ISABELA
Presented by
Kasala, Janeille Aloha B.
2010121916

A Thesis Presented to the


School of Architecture, Industrial Design & the Built Environment
Mapua Institute of Technology

REINVENTING INDIGENOUS
IDENTITY THROUGH
ARCHITECTURE

How

architecture
plays a role in
cultural
rebuilding and
communicatio
n

THE PROBLEM
AND ITS BACKGROUND
Out

of the total
population
of
approximately 100
million people, at
least 12-15 million
inhabitants
comprises the 110
ethnic tribes and
cultural minorities
One
of the well-known
(12-15%).
indigenous tribes in
the Philippines are the
Negritos.

Negritos are
divided into
twenty nine
ethno
linguistic
population
and one of
them is the
AGTA.

CURRENT SITUATION OF IPS


The Indigenous Peoples (IPs) are rich in natural resources and

cultural biodiversity.
When it comes to survival, most of the IPs depend only on

traditional farming and hunting utilizing their ancestral domains


whether in upland or coastal areas.

CURRENT SITUATION OF IPS


They are considered as the poorest and the

They experience
neglect and
discrimination in
the provision of
basic social
services by the
Government.
Illiteracy and
unemployment
are much higher
among them
than the rest of
the population.

most disadvantaged social group in the


country.

Most IP settlements are remote, without access to basic

services, and are characterized by high incidence of morbidity,


mortality and malnutrition.
Their communities do not have electricity, basic sewage

system, and infrastructures.

They are deprived of sustaining


their basic human needs in
terms of health, education and
security.

THEREFORE
All problems mentioned earlier calls for a

sustainable and resilient community


development for the IP communities.
Philippine IPs homelands are very rich

resource areas in terms of their physical,


biological and cultural resources yet they
lack the infrastructures that they need in
order to fulfill their basic necessities.
Community

development as well as
facilities like schools and health center are
certainly the keys to solve the present
issues in the IP communities.

healthy community design


and
sustainable
settlement
development
strategy
will
improve the living condition of
the IPs.

Through

architecture,
their
current
conditionscan
be
developed and improved by
providing them asustainable
plan for development in terms of
a culture sensitive design.

The

restoration
and
development of any community
is always influenced by the

GOALS
The primary goal of the study is to address the current

problems and condition of the Agta and Dumagat tribe of


Isabela in terms of designing a new and innovative facility
that will contribute to the preservation and advancement
of their biological and cultural diversity.
The study intends to develop sustainable strategies that

will effectively alter the living conditions of the IP


community by creating sustainable spaces that are selfsufficient and
aims toimprove their community through sociological,

environmental, andeconomical practices.

OBJECTIVES
The main objective of the study is to develop a

sustainable and resilient community that is culture


sensitive.
Empowerment of indigenous tribes
Create culturally appropriate ways of training and

formation for indigenous children, youth, community


leaders, and development workers
Produce

Indigenous citizens that are equipped to


contribute to the development of IP communities

Protect culture and way of life

STRATEGIES
utilize

and
employ
local
materials
and
infrastructure/mechanical systems, conserve, utilize,
enhance and rejuvenate the local natural environment

provide

a locally supported approach to community,


cultural and human development empowering of the local
population

Cultural and community grid pattern development will be

given priority keeping in mind the present cultural values


of the community.
local materialsandavailable laborthatprovides jobs for

the community
educational

community

infrastructure

to

therebystrengthen

the

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE
STUDY
The study creates a significant impact in the dissolving
cultural heritage of the Philippines. It will create a deeper
understanding and better appreciation of tribal life and
culture which creates opportunities for both Agta and nonAgta people. It will lead to the empowerment of IPs in
taking pride of their culture and in educating ethnic
minorities in the country.

SCOPE AND LIMITATION


The study will be limited on a case study to be conducted

in the different Agta communities of Sierra Madre in


Isabela and the gathering of data from peoples views
along with their opinions on the current problems the tribe
is facing base from experiences. The study covers the
development of an IP community which will establish a
community center with educational and health care
facilities.
This study will focus on exploring different architectural

solutions in formulating the design concept


sustainable living within the Dumagat community.

for

The study will not cover the cost estimation of the project.

ASSUMPTION
The study will give a deeper understanding of the
culture of the Dumagat tribe. It will conduct a thorough
analysis of their social structure which will be integrated
in the design phase. The social structure of a
community is the determining factor of a sustainable
environment.
The study will prove that architecture can be the
answer to the empowerment of cultural minorities that
loses its identities due to the globalization of today and
by sustaining their basic necessities in a traditional and
practical way.

NEED ANALYSIS
The Agta of the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park are in

a highly disadvantaged position whether it comes to their


health condition or educational background.
Although this undesirable situation is acknowledged by

government
and
nongovernment
organizations,
interventions to address these problems are very limited.
The few attempts at the provisioning of health care and
education facilities by government and NGOs are
unsystematic and remain without lasting impact.
Thus, there is a deep need in providing them the facilities

which offers them the provisions of having not only informal


education but formal education as well and to provide them
access to basic health services.

CONCLUSION
Based from the computed and analyzed results, the

researcher concludes that education will empower the


Agta and Dumagat community of Isabela.
The community center will give them the benefits and

provisions they need where they lack most.


The center will be their bridge towards sustainability

and development. It will help them improve and


cultivate their culture and introduce their traditions to
the Non-Agta communities as well so that their culture
will not be neglected and will be remembered through
time.

RECOMMENDATIONS
In designing the facility, culture sensitive design must

always be observed. Since the Agtas have different


behavior when it comes to livelihood and education, they
must not be pushed towards the lifestyle of non-ethnic
minorities.
The structure must adapt to their way of living as they

will adapt to the structure.

SITE IDENTIFICATION
AND ANALYSIS
Since the target end users are ethnic minorities, the

criteria will be culture sensitive and will incorporate the


tribes traditions and practices in the site selection phase.

Moreover, the principles to be discussed will help the

community and the governing persons to locate the most


viable spaces for certain facilities, like the school or the
health center.

SITE OPTION DESCRIPTION


(AT LEAST 3 SITES)
The three chosen sites are studied and compared to

choose the best location for the community center. Each


one is to be assimilated using the criteria discussed
earlier. All of the sites are located within the territories of
the Ancestral Domain of the Agta Tribe, thus, giving them
all the privileged and rights to sustain their necessities.
There are minimal commercial, institutional or any other
establishment near its proximity since the territory lies
within the Sierra Madre Mountain range.

1 Poor
Excellent

SITE
SELECTIO
N AND
JUSTIFICA
TION

2 Fair

3 Good

4 - Very Good

CRITERIA FOR
EVALUATION

SITE A

SITE B

SITE C

Site Condition

Size

Flexibility

Accessibility

Availability of Utilities

Topography

Susceptibility to Hazard

Security

Zoning

Demographic

Availability of Natural
Resources

Proximity to Communities

46

53

37

Historic and Cultural


Characteristic
Community Social
Structure
TOTAL

STRENGTHS
Cold air
Scenic landscape for

tourism development

Soil fertility
Rich in natural resources

WEAKNESS
Lack of daily necessities
Education status
Health support and

facilities

Housing and shelter


Transportations (poor roads

and bridges conditions)

Electricity (insufficient

source of power supply)

Telecommunications (no

communication network)

OPPORTUNITIES
Good geophysical

environment serve as a
tourist spot
The place possesses stunning
scenery that if in particular to
developed and discovered
can be a famous tourist spot
in the place.

Make their natural resources

as a new innovative product


and sell it to the market
The site is abundant in
natural resources such as
coconut trees, bamboo, rattan
and other plants that they can
use to invent useful products
to sell for their livelihood.

THREATS
Natural disaster risk

management issue
Since the place was situated
near the mountains and river,
it is exposed to the threat of
natural disasters like typhoons,
landslides, flashfloods,
mudslides etc. that can result
to damage of properties,
agriculture, infrastructure and
even loss of lives.

Security for intruders /

strangers
The area was mountainous and
secluded-like place that is a
good place for such activities
like illegal logging, forest fires
etc. resulting to disadvantages
for the people who resides in
the area.

Map showing Negrito Populations in the Philippines


(Based on Headland 2003; Seitz 2004 Gordon 2005)

Distribution of Negrito Populations (based on Headland


2007)

PROVINCIAL SETTING
ISABELA
Isabela comprises an aggregate

land area of 10,665 square


kilometres (4,118 sq mi),
representing almost 40 percent of
the regional territory.

It is the largest province in the

island of Luzon and the second


largest province in the Philippines
in terms of land area.

It is located on the right-most

part of the Northern Luzon facing


the Pacific Ocean and
encompassing parts of the Sierra
Madre Mountains. Isabela is one
of the typhoon-prone provinces in
the country due to its location.

THE MICRO SETTING


GEOGRAPHICAL PROFILE
Situation
of
the
study area in the
Philippines
(right)
and close up of the
Northern
Sierra
Madre Natural Park
with
its
nine
municipalities
and
buffer zone (left)

SITE ANALYSIS
Land Use
The

land use classification at the coastal tows is


predominantly forest land, with about 86% of the total
land area allocated for protection and production forests.

Dinapigue has largest forest cover, with 98% of the

towns land area is classified as forest. The total area


utilized for agricultural 14,307 hectares for all the
coastal municipalities. Among the four towns, Palanan
has largest agricultural land with 10,339 hectares, or 8%
of its total are is allotted for agriculture. The build-up are
at the coastal municipalities is minimal at 0.16%, with
Divilacan having the highest built up are in terms of
actual area and percentage.

Geography
The topography of the area is a range of peaks and

ridges extending from the North to South, divides


the East and West portion. The terrain varies from
the North to South, divides the East and West
portion. The terrain varies from relatively low hills
with moderate to steep slopes near the coast or
very steep slopes in the central portion of the range.
CENRO Palanan occupies the mid-section of the

mountain range stretching from the boundary of


Cagayan Province on the North, Aurora Province on
the South, the Cagayan Valley on the West, and the
Philippine Sea on the East, Climatic type falls under
Type IV.

EXISTING DAYCARE SCHOOL TEACHING DUMAGAT PEOPLE

MULTI-PURPOSE COMMUNITY CENTER LOCATED AT BRGY.


DIGUMASED, CENTER OF DINAPIIGUE. THE CENTER IS USED
ALSO WHEN CONDUCTING ACTIVITIES FOR THE DUMAGATS.

AGTA SETTLEMENT

PROGRAMMING
PART IV. Architectural Design Translation
In this chapter, the proponent will explain further the
Architectural approach and methods that will be adopted in
order to give solutions to the problem discussed in the earlier
chapters. This chapter is considered as the first phase of
conceptualization that will be discussed all throughout the
proceeding chapters of the study.

Design Program

PROBLEM
DIAGNOSIS
The IP communities are in

deep need of
revitalization. Since they only depend on their
natural environment to survive, the community
they live in must be sustainable and efficient.
Community development as well as facilities like
schools and health center are certainly the keys to
solve the present issues in the IP communities. A
healthy
community design and sustainable
settlement development strategy will improve the
living condition of the IPs. Through architecture,
their current conditions can be developed and
improved by providing them a sustainable plan for
development in terms of a culture sensitive design.
The restoration and development of any community
is always influenced by the defining relationships
between existing ideas, traditions, values, and
culture.

DESIGN CRITERIA

In this part, the proponent will


suggest
possible
solutions
and
different principles that will be
implemented in the design of the
community development complex. In
this stage, fundamentals of collected
ideas will be created and will be serve
as the preliminary process of
conceptualizing
architectural
solutions.

DESIGN OBJECTIVES
The design objectives are the primary goals of the proponent.
The proponents project aims to:
To be able to improve the present quality of community life of the
Agtas
To be able to provide and deliver the basic and essential needs of
the community
To be able to develop the skills and potential of the Agta people
To be able to strengthen and empower the values, the culture, and
the rights of the Agta tribe
To be able to establish a link between indigenous peoples, learning
spaces, education and self-worth
To be able to cultivate a strong sense of ethnic identity from
shared culture, religion, geography and language of individuals
within the kinship and proximity
To be able to promote social justice, equality and respect for
cultural diversity among different IPs and non-IPs.

PHILOSOPHY
The architecture of a building should be

enough to make a statement that architecture


is one of nature, and one cannot stand without
the other, their lives are fused together.

PRINCIPLE
The principles followed by Indigenous Peoples:
1.Closeness and unity with nature
The environment is the basic source of food. Medicines and
materials for the home It is also where culture, tradition, and
customs of the tribes are rooted. The environment is the extension
of life and body. Hence, it is necessary to preserve and maintain the
peoples closeness to and good relationship with the environment.
2. Collective leadership
The tribal title holders and the whole tribe strongly believe that a
collective leadership is still effective and appropriate even in the
present modern times because the IPs tradition of collective
leadership that promotes a free, peaceful and modestly progressive
community.
3. Communal ownership if the basic sources of livelihood in the
community for the tribes, things are not owned by anybody.
Humans are just steward of things on earth and are free to use the
in order to live and survive n this world. Although, they also respect

4. Equal status of every human in the society


This concept is based on the view that land is the mother of
humanity. This being so human beings as children are equal. It is
forbidden to use fellow human beings on order to elevate ones
status in the society.
5. Peace of mind as a basis of justice and development
Peace of mind is the absence of conflict in the community,
whether physical or emotional. This is the basis for justice and
development for all and not the satisfaction of one person or a few
people in the community.
6. Progressive Pluralism
It is characterized by being open to other individual or group of
people. Though their beliefs and mind are open, it does not mean
however that their principles are lost.

CONCEPT
DEVELOPMENT

ENVIR
ONME
NTAL

ARCHITECTURAL CONCEPT
SUSTAIN
CULTU
RAL

ARCHITECTURE AS AN

ECOSYSTEM

Everything in the natural


world is connected. An
ecosystem is defined as a
community of living and
non-living things that work
together. All the parts
work together to make a
balanced system.
INTERACTIVE

ECOSYSTEM

EQUILIBRIUM&

A
BILITY

SOCI
AL

ECO
NOMI
CAL

HOLISTIC
DESIGN
SPATIAL EQUITY

BETWEEN
FUSION
MAN & NATURE

CONVENTIONAL PLANNINGDEVELOPMENT

It provides a holistic community development


project, integrating education, agriculture and
health care with humane and environmental
design strategies.

SUSTAINABILITY

SEMANTIC & SYMBOLIC ARCHITECTURE

STRUCTURAL CONCEPT
MATERIALS

INNOVATIVE USE OF LOCAL AND TRADITIONAL


MATERIALS

BAMBOO
FRAMING

UTILITY CONCEPT

VENTURI & BERNOULLIS EFFECT

PERMAVOID as
RAIN-WATER

HARVESTING
SYSTEM &
POTABLE WATER
SYSTEM
Rooms are arranged in a
linear configuration
orientated approximately
perpendicular to the
prevailing wind direction
for best cross ventilation.
The community is designed to enhance natural
cycles, using local resources to generate solar
power, purified rainwater and passive
ventilation to create healthy and sustainable
environments.

GLAZING & DAYLIGHTING


PASSIVE VENTILATION

The community facilities have been split


into separate buildings to allow
ventilation of all external spaces.

DESIGN
CONSIDERATIONS

In this chapter,
theAND
proponent
points out particular factors and
(LAWS
STANDARDS)
certain principles that will be considered in the design process.
These are the important keys to be considered in the design
process because the feasibility and credibility of the structure
to be built depends upon these laws and standards.
Standard Classroom Dimension

I. Space Standards
A. Pre-School (Kindergarten Level)
1. School site must have a minimum lot area of 500 square meters. The area may be
divided into a minimum of 140 square meters for the playground. This area is only good
for not more than 4 classes.
2. Space for playground must be provided, otherwise, easy and safe access to the nearest
part of open space not more than 200 meters walking distance from school site may be
presented as an alternative.
3. Classroom size should be 1 square meter per child.
B. Elementary School Sites
Size. The size of the site must meet the requirements of the enrollment and kind of
schools as well as the recreational needs of the pupils. It shall be wide enough to make
adequate provisions for an athletic field playground, lawns, agricultural activities and
future building expansions.

The standard requirements of school site for elementary schools are as follows:
a.One-half hectare (1/2 ha.) for a non-central school which has only one or two classes
and no grade above Grade IV.
b.One hectare (1 ha.) for a central school which has six classes or for non-Central School
which has from three to four classes.
c.Two hectares (2 has.) for schools which have from seven to nine classes.
d.Three hectares (3 has.) for schools which have from ten to twelve classes.
e.Four hectares (4 has.) for schools which have more than twelve classes.
However, for special cases or where there is difficulty in meeting the above standards, the
following may be allowed:
For Rural Areas:
One-half hectare (1/2 ha.) for a central school which has six classes, for a non-central
school which has from three to four classes. One and one half hectare (1 1/2 ha.) for
schools which have from seven to ten classes. Two hectares (2 has.) for schools which
have more than 10 classes.

Summary of Health Services Facilities and


Functions

Location Criteria/Guidelines for the Different Hospitals and Health Facilities


Rural Health Units
Barangay Health Station (BHS) - the BHS is the initial unit which dispense basic health care i.e.
maternal and child care, immunizations, treatment of simple medical conditions, nutrition,
family planning, sanitary health care, emergency treatment and health education. The
recommended service zone is from three (3) to five (5) kilometers considering transport
availability for both the patient and medical staff and serving a population of 5,000. The BHS is
manned by full-time rural health midwife. It should be centrally located and grouped with the
other institutional facilities such as chapel, school and park/playground.

SPACE PROGRAMMING AND


ALLOCATION

In this chapter, the proponent will


show the different spaces that will
connected to make the community
development complex. The table
below shows the zoning of the
areas and their corresponding
computations. All computations
were based on the National
Building Code of the Philippines

SPACE PROGRAMMING AND ALLOCATION

SPACE PROGRAMMING AND ALLOCATION

BEHAVIORAL ANALYSIS

The following diagrams show the behavior of the users from day to night
every
day. (Adults)
Dumagat

Dumagat (Children)

Healthcare Staff

LGU / NGO Volunteers

Tourist (Local and Foreign)

Teachers and Trainers

USER ANALYSIS
The user analysis will distinguish the users according to their roles
or participation in using the complex.
MAJOR USERS

MINOR USERS:

AGTA FAMILIES

- LGU OFFICIALS

-ELDERS

- NGO VOLUNTEERS

-MOTHER

- TEACHERS AND

-FATHER

TRAINERS

-CHILDREN

- HEALTH CARE STAFF

-INFANT

- LOCAL VISITORS
- TOURISTS

ORGANIZATIONAL
STRUCTURE

FUNCTIONAL ZONING

The functional zoning shows the arrangement of zones in the site


according to their corresponding functions.

ZONE 1: PUBLIC ZONE


ADMINISTRATIVE AREA
INTERACTION AND EXPLORATION AREA
CULTURAL LIVING HERITAGE CENTER

ZONE 2: SEMI-PUBLIC ZONE


TRIBAL HEALTH CENTER WITH BASIC EMERGENCY OBSTRETIC CARE FACILITY
DAY CARE CENTER
ALTERNATIVE LEARNING SYSTEM CENTER
WORK AND LIVELIHOOD TRAINING CENTER
MARKET

TARGET POPULATION:

1,500 2, 00

FAMILIES: 200-350
MEMBERS PER HOUSEHOLD: 4-6

ADJACENCY MATRIX

The adjacency matrix diagram will determine the function and


relationship of each spaces. The diagram will show the
corresponding nearby areas that are needed by another area. This
will be used as one of the bases for the plan and concept of the
study.

INTER-RELATIONSHIP
DIAGRAM DIAGRAMS

CIRCULATORY DIAGRAM

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