2019 HOLCIM

COMPETITION

[BA-POR+]
Decentralization of Batangas Port, Coalescing Balayan
through History and Sustainable Architecture
 BA-POR+
Decentralization of Batangas Port, Coalescing Balayan through History
and Sustainable Architecture

Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1. Background
2. Stakeholders Involve
2.1. Description of Project End Consumer
2.2. Project Team Involve
2.3. Community Drivers
2.4. Eventual Operators of the Finished Project
2.5. Stakeholders
3. Illustrations
4. Cost Estimate and Financial Viability
4.1. Cost of the Project
4.2. Planned Financing for the Project
4.3. Economic or Quality of Life Benefit for Community
5. Project Schedule
6. Project Systems
7. Sustainability Target Areas
7.1. Place
7.2. Prosperity
7.3. Planet
7.4. Progress
7.5. People
8. Conclusion
9. References

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 BA-POR+
Decentralization of Batangas Port, Coalescing Balayan through History
and Sustainable Architecture

1. Introduction
1.1. Background

Traffic and congestion have been a national problem of the Philippines that each
year we are costing about 3.5 billion in terms of “lost opportunities”. According to Japan
International Cooperative Agency (de Vera, 2018), based on the outcome of the early
stages of the truck ban in Manila, it has caused a major economic crisis—spoilage of
goods, unsatisfied supply needs, and wastage of what’s supposed to be productivity
goods. This has made ports in Luzon congested to the point that major international
shipping lines boycotted Manila. One of which who suffers most is the Batangas
International Port (Bondoc, 2014).

The project location is situated at the Bay of Balayan Batangas, roughly 3.5-hours
travel from Manila-- an alternative to the established Batangas International Port but
with a greener and sustainable architectural solution.

With the philosophy of “Unifying through dispersion and expansion”, Balayan

Passenger Port or BA-POR+’s primary goal is to provide an alternative transportation
hub while promoting the locality through integration of its history and culture in
architecture. It is a hybrid project of port and park: an escape to the typical fully paved
ports. Aside from roros, it is designed to accommodate other vehicles such as buses,
taxis, jeepneys, and tricycles, catering bus-to-roro and roro-to-bus transfer with ease.
The proposal aims to lessen the congestion of the sea transportation industry in
Batangas International Port.

The Batangas Passenger Port or BA-POR+ hereinafter is derived from batangan—

a raft used by native Batanguenos back in the days. The collation of unique and rich
Batangueno culture and history represents the fastened batang logs used for the raft
which is called batangan (Batangas-Philippines.com, 2008).

The chambered nautilus shell was used as ancient jewelry dating years before
colonization. The shell-patterned dock is integrated as a solution for easy maneuver
of vehicles when boarding roro. These shall maximize the number of slots for ferries
and at the same time creating an aesthetic statement for the development.
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Decentralization of Batangas Port, Coalescing Balayan through History
and Sustainable Architecture

Aside from the shell, one notable product of the batanguenos are their world-
class Barong Taglog. This then became their branding as the first designer of this cloth.
In this design, it will be translated into a breathable building envelope for the comfort
of the users through passive ventilation.

The goal of this design goes beyond the architectural statement of providing a
sustainable and aesthetically functional port, it is to promote the dying economy of
Balayan and to revive it and its community through architectural intervention that
represents their culture, their history and the beauty of its natural environment. This
port is envisioned to be a transport hub that is community-driven—a place where
people of Balayan can earn and promote their locality.

2. Stakeholders Involve
2.1. Description of Project End Consumer

As of December 2018 and 2017 the demographics of passengers, cargoes, and

containers according to Comparative Port Statistics Summary passengers range from
72.4-76.3 m, 253.5- 256.3 m cargoes, and 7-7.5 m containers within the entire year in
the whole Philippines. About 7.9 m passengers in the year 2017 and 3.7m by 2018
came from Batangas International Port. 3% of the total passenger surveyed, said that
they are satisfied with the overall performance of the ports in the Philippines and about
7.5% of ports received reports and complaints regarding the International Ship and
Port Facility Security (ISPS) (PPA, 2017). These only prove the decrease in the
number of passengers each year in ports specifically in Batangas International Port.
The target markets of this project are the commuters who are in central and southern
Luzon. This is in response to the annual congestion of Batangas Port where
passengers have to camp-out in the port just to reserve their seats.

This project is dedicated to every person, local or international, who wants to travel
the beauty of the country or even those who just wants to revisit their provinces: that
traveling doesn’t have to be so tedious and dreary. This is also for the local importers
and exporters of goods from other regions of the country: that transporting of goods
doesn’t have to be a bargain of earning or losing. Also, this is for the local community
of Balayan: that the place deserves acknowledgement.
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Decentralization of Batangas Port, Coalescing Balayan through History
and Sustainable Architecture

2.2. Project Team Involve

The initiative coming from the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Balayan Batangas
is vital for the success and feasibility of the project. Government agency such as the
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Trade and
Industries (DTI), National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), Department of
Transportation and Communication (DOTC), Department of Public Works and
Highways (DPWH), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Maritime Industry Authority
(MARINA) are expected for the support and assessment of the project. Private
developers, architectural, and engineering disciplines are also expected to help
throughout the progress and maintenance of the project; this is to ensure the feasibility
and soundness of the project. The request for a bidding process in specialized marine
construction contractors and other potential contractors are also vital for the
construction phase.

2.3. Community Drivers

Local tourism and industries are expected to rise upon the opening of BA-POR+.
The support coming from the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Department of Trade
and Industries (DTI) are assumed in highlighting and promoting local products and
tourist destinations of Balayan and other neighboring regions. Employment coming
from the locality and nearby locality is prioritized for the growth and development of
the municipality not just in terms of revenue. The lenient approach of the design can
attract more tourists and business investors, providing “pasalubong centers” and
open-park for entertainment and leisure of the passengers.

2.4. Eventual Operators of the Finished Project

For the benefit of the patrons, the project is intended to be a semi-public

partnership for equal accessibility of the facilities. By creating a semi-private
partnership among the government offices and private sectors, the project generates
larger revenue for the community. The priority of the project is for the community
development of Balayan and of the whole Batangas.

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Decentralization of Batangas Port, Coalescing Balayan through History
and Sustainable Architecture

2.5. Stakeholders

The port shall be open to business investors and public passengers coming in and
out of Luzon. Eventually, the operations shall be turned over to the government
agencies such as: the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR),
Department of Trade and Industries (DTI), National Economic Development Authority
(NEDA), Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), Department of
Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Maritime
Industry Authority (MARINA) for the monitoring and regulation of the port operations
under an agreed period.

Shipping companies such as 2Go Travel, Montenegro Shipping Lines, Navios

Shipping Lines, Star Lines, are expected to open for operations assessed and
monitored by Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).
Bus companies and other public utility vehicles are also presumed for the operations
of the land multi-modal transportations that will be regulated by the Department of
Transportation and Communication (DOTC) and Land Transportation Office (LTO).

Private companies such as travel agencies, commercial establishments, security

agencies, maintenance agencies, logistics companies shall be intended as an
accessory stakeholder of the project for optimum operations.

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Decentralization of Batangas Port, Coalescing Balayan through History
and Sustainable Architecture

Site Location: Balayan, Batangas

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Decentralization of Batangas Port, Coalescing Balayan through History
and Sustainable Architecture

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Decentralization of Batangas Port, Coalescing Balayan through History
and Sustainable Architecture

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Decentralization of Batangas Port, Coalescing Balayan through History
and Sustainable Architecture

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Decentralization of Batangas Port, Coalescing Balayan through History
and Sustainable Architecture

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Decentralization of Batangas Port, Coalescing Balayan through History
and Sustainable Architecture

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Decentralization of Batangas Port, Coalescing Balayan through History
and Sustainable Architecture

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 BA-POR+
Decentralization of Batangas Port, Coalescing Balayan through History
and Sustainable Architecture

3. Cost Estimate and Financial Viability

3.1. Cost of the Project

The project location is situated at the Bay of Balayan Batangas, roughly 3.5-hours
travel from Manila which is about the same travel time from NCR to Batangas
International Port. Considering the location of the project, the cost estimated is around
Php 690 million. A great percentage of its cost is dedicated for the lush green open
spaces and sustainable solutions. The introduction of the green quay wall system,
rainwater harvesting system, and other accessory facilities contributed largely on the
estimated cost but is guaranteed to be a long-term operational cost-saving addition to
the design compare to other seaports in the country.

3.2. Planned Financing for the Project

The BA-POR+ project allocate a public utility vehicle (PUV) transportation hub for
the convenience of the passengers for an easy transportation transfer. The project
shall be partly transferable to the local government of Balayan Batangas. Eventually,
the operations shall be turned over to the government agencies such as: the
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Trade and
Industries (DTI), National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), Department of
Transportation and Communication (DOTC), Department of Public Works and
Highways (DPWH), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Maritime Industry Authority
(MARINA) for the monitoring and regulation of the port operations under an agreed
period. The project shall be then open for some business sectors and investors,
necessary for the intended maintenance and financing of the entire port’s
administration.

3.3. Economic or Quality of Life Benefit for Community

The engagement of the open tourism campaign of the project shall then gain local
tourism revenue to the local government of Batangas and its neighboring regions by
promoting its local goods and tourist spots. Aside from the open tourism campaign that
the project highlights, business sectors, and investors are likewise to generate a return
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Decentralization of Batangas Port, Coalescing Balayan through History
and Sustainable Architecture

of investment for the project which may be vital for the necessary financing of the
administrative operations leading to an increase in employment. Local employment
shall be prioritized for the growth and development of the municipality for the
community development of Balayan.

4. Project Schedule

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Decentralization of Batangas Port, Coalescing Balayan through History
and Sustainable Architecture

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Decentralization of Batangas Port, Coalescing Balayan through History
and Sustainable Architecture

5. Project Systems

The project would most likely be constructed into multiple phases starting from
January, the start of the year onwards. This is to maximize and utilize the labor force
and to disseminate construction. The contractors are requested to follow the project
schedule provide to avoid delays. This shall minimize the additional construction cost
due to construction mishaps. The project shall proceed with the innovative
construction method that is sustainable for the environment.

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Decentralization of Batangas Port, Coalescing Balayan through History
and Sustainable Architecture

The introduction of the plastic U boot technology

formwork and modular construction system shall
take place as an alternative solution to the typical
construction offering adaptability and flexibility see
fig 1. The U boot formwork system is created by
recycling plastics designed for the construction of a
two-way flat slab (Akshayapriyadharshini, 2018).
Plastic slab formwork can provide solution in terms Fig 1. Plastic Formwork Construction Source Dali Form Group

of economic and sustainability. Unlike the

traditional slab construction, plastic slab systems bi-
directionally transmit stresses and loads directly to
the columns and foundation. The slab shall then be
supported by double tee beams, thus advantageous Fig 2. Uboot Technology Contruction Advantages
Source: Dali Form Group
for creating a more spacious design for flooring see fig
2 and 3 (Akshayapriyadharshini, 2018). Due to the
reduced weight of the building, the design shall be
excellent in resisting seismic force, which can be
beneficial for the site’s location. The use of recyclable
materials such as plastics and or glass bottles is
advised to be a substitute for the traditional
aggregates. The flexibility of crushed plastic or glass
bottles shall make the structure more durable and
resilient.
Fig 3. U boot Technology Construction Advantages
Source: Dali Form Group
The integration of passive cooling, cross-ventilation,
and natural lighting systems shall minimize excessive energy consumptions. Through
the use of passive cooling and natural lighting, the project will be self-sustaining in
terms of daylighting and maintaining ambient air temperature. The preservation of
natural landscaping shall provide ventilation and shading to the overall integrity of the
site. In this way, the carbon footprint emitted by the building shall be reduced by
several times.

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Decentralization of Batangas Port, Coalescing Balayan through History
and Sustainable Architecture

One of the highlights of this development is the unconventional form of its quay
walls. This is not only for aesthetic purposes but mainly for the ease in backing the
vehicle when boarding the roro. The circular end platform will serve as a turnabout for
the vehicles so designed and shaped to accommodate even buses and trucks. Also,
it has a counterpart for the pedal travelers. Right above is the bridge connected to the
terminal building. This way, the passengers will have a unified and unobstructed path
when boarding and alighting the roros.

6. Sustainability Target Areas

6.1. Place

BA-POR+ envisions sustainable development that bridges different kinds of people

to different places. The project is expected to create a lean environment that would
attract tourists coming from different parts of the country and business opportunities
not just in exporting and importing but also in the community. As the increase of
demands of tourism each year, the need for decentralization of Batangas International
Port also increases. The project targets to decentralize Batangas International Port,
aiming to revitalize the then capital of Batangas, Balayan. Through this, the project
shall reunite its people by promoting the influences of Batangas in history and culture.
BA-POR+’s primary goal is to provide an alternative transportation hub while
promoting the locality through the integration of its history and culture in architecture.

6.2. Prosperity

BA-POR+ shall open its doors in promoting the local tourism and industry of
Batangas through the support of the Local Government Unit (LGU) and other
government agencies. Upon the opening of the project, this shall bring prosperity to
the local industry by entertaining small entrepreneurs into investing in the project. The
project shall prioritize and patronize the use of local goods coming from the region
through the utilization of “pasalubong center” provided in the project. This is to show
support to the local industry of Batangas. Travel agencies, shipping companies, and
the likes shall open the gates to broader tourism of the whole region.

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Decentralization of Batangas Port, Coalescing Balayan through History
and Sustainable Architecture

The project shall generate revenue to the locality of Balayan, Batangas through the
following methods: one is through the government’s assistance to the project, another
is through the support of large enterprises and investors and lastly is through open
tourism campaigns of local industries and tourist destinations of Batangas. This is to
increase the employment rate of the locals and to boost the integrity of its people.

The assistance and support coming from the initiative of the local government of
Balayan are expected throughout the project development. In completion of the project
development, the operations shall be turned over to the local government of Batangas
and government agencies in the regulation of general operations of the administration.

6.3. Planet

Due to the excessive carbon emissions of most industries, the earth is subjected
to disasters and calamities. Natural ecology has directly been affected due to human
interventions. In order for us to mitigate these problems, we shall be the ones to take
action for the sustainability of the future generation. Preservation of natural
landscaping shall attract not only humans but as well as other living organisms
responsible for maintaining ecological balance.

Actions such as recycling of materials are implied to the project. Recyclable

materials such as plastic and glass bottles are suggested to be used as alternative
construction materials. The properties of these materials would make the structure
more resilient and durable suitable for sustainability. In the same manner, as we
recycle materials we save not just money but also the planet.

6.4. Progress

The project takes steps in the advancement of technologies as stated in the

concepts and in the project's systems. The introduction of the plastic slab formwork
construction system shall take place as an alternative solution to the typical slab
construction. The plastic slab is a formwork that is made from recycled plastics
designed for the construction of a two-way flat slab. Plastic slab formwork can provide

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Decentralization of Batangas Port, Coalescing Balayan through History
and Sustainable Architecture

solutions in terms of economic and sustainable technical design advantages by

creating floor systems which are lighter and more durable.

The project shall utilize the use of rainwater harvesting systems. The utilization of
water harvesting systems shall minimize the water consumption cost of the whole
project. Aside from using rainwater harvesting systems, the project integrates passive
cooling for the main building minimizing the energy consumption of the facilities.

6.5. People

The project entails abiding to necessary provisions for the improvement of the
project’s viability to promote equal accessibility and understanding among its users.
With respect to the following rules and regulations provided by different government
agencies such as the Accessibility law (BP 344), National Building Code of the
Philippines (PD 1096), Fire Code of the Philippines (PD 1185), Standards of
Professional Practice (SPP), and Philippine Ports Authority Corporate Code of
Governance (PD 857). The safety measures provided by the Fire Code of the
Philippines and the National Building Code allocating provision for ingress and egress
is very vital for the safety and security of the passengers arriving and boarding to the
port terminal. The design has proper allocation of ramps, easements, and signages
for accessibility in accordance with the Accessibility Law (BP 344). This is in
consideration of the people with disabilities (PWD) and elderlies.

The building shall be then turned over to the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and
Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) for the monitoring and regulation of the port
operations under an agreed period. After the said turnover of the project, the PPA shall
designate members of the executive board. The board members shall be in charge of
the future operations of the port in accordance with PD 857.

7. Conclusion

The problem that currently arises with Batangas International Port is that about 7.9
m passengers in the year 2017 and 3.7m by 2018 is coming from the said port. About
7.5% of ports received reports and complaints regarding the International Ship and

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Decentralization of Batangas Port, Coalescing Balayan through History
and Sustainable Architecture

Port Facility Security (ISPS). (PPA, 2017-2018) Each year complains continue to
increase due to the unmaintained port facilities and security in spite of the passenger
population increase. To decongest Batangas International Port, the dispersal and
expansion of BA-POR+ shall create a sustainable green multi-modal transportation
hub that promotes tourism, history, culture, environment, and industry of the locality.

We, the researchers would like to recommend for the future researchers on
focusing on sustaining green developments that would be beneficial for the community.
Upon the process of the design phase, we had taken consideration the influx of
passengers willing to wait for long in the Batangas Port. The relativity in spaces greatly
affects the flow of passengers in the port. As a solution to address these problems we
separate the ticketing booth to the main terminal. It is recommended to separate the
two facilities to decongest the passenger influx and to increase the security of the
terminal. While the ticketing booth serves only to those who are walk-in passengers,
the waiting area is dedicated to those passengers who have the tickets on hand. In
this way people are dispersed in two areas. It is important to consider the density of
users for the proper zoning of each space to provide equal accessibility for the
passengers.

The researchers also recommend the use of plastic slab and modular construction
as an innovative solution for construction. These two methods of construction are not
just advantageous in terms of economic but also in sustainability. These methods
increase more flexibility and adaptability to the project. We also suggest the utilization
of other energy sustaining innovations such as rainwater harvesting systems. The use
of natural lighting and ventilation is also recommended for overall sustainability.

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Decentralization of Batangas Port, Coalescing Balayan through History
and Sustainable Architecture

References:

Batangas-Philippines.com, (2008). Batangas history. Retrieved from www.batangas-

philippines.com/batangas-history.html

Bing Chen, Kenneth Lee, (2019) in World Seas: an environmental evaluation

(Second Edition),

Bondoc, (2014). Manila port congestion? Move to Subic, Batangas. Retrieved from
https://www.philstar.com/opinion/2014/07/21/1348462/manila-port-congestion-
move-subic-batangas/

Deparment of Trade and Industries (2019). Tourist arrivals to PH 2016-2018.

Department of Trade and Industrial Policy Research .

De Vera, B. (2018) JICA: Traffic congestion now cost P3.5 billion a day. Retrieved from
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/970553/jica-traffic-congestion-now-costs-p3-5-
billion-a-day-metro-manila-traffic-jica-cost-of-
traffic?utm_expid=.XqNwTug2W6nwDVUSgFJXed.1

Office of the President of the Philippines. (1974). Presidential Decree No. 857. In
A.Melchore, Reorganization of port dministration and operation in the
Philippines (pp. 10-11, 18-19). Manila, Philippines.

Pa-a, S. (May 18, 2018). Batangas sees 20% growth in tourist arrivals this year.

Philippine Ports Authority. (n.d.). Transparency Docs. In PD 857 pdf.

Rao, D. H. (August 2018). Modelling and analysis of flyover deck slab with u-boot
technology. Ananthapur, AP, India: IAEME Publication.

Santhoshkumar. (Feb 21, 2018). U-boot technology. Retrieved from

https://www.slideshare.net/akshayapriyadharshini/u-boot-technology-
88486023

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