Chapter 1 Final

Batangas Commercial Complex: The Redevelopment of the Batangas Provincial Livelihood Center into an Environment-responsive Income-generating Complex through
Ecocentrism
Camacho, Cheskertt I. | Laigo, Billy T. | Maniquiz, John Carlo M.
CHAPTER 1:
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER I | 1
Ecocentrism
Batangas belongs to the list of provinces that is projected to help in the port decongestion of Metro Manila and is
considered as a strategic entry point in Luzon being in a coastal area surrounded by neighboring islands, it offers convenient
ways of transportation like land and sea travels. The presence of the second largest international seaport located in the
province, the Batangas International Port (BIP), added more to its advantages as it provides international and local
transportation. The cargo port is fully operational and can handle local and international shipments. While the passenger
port on the other hand, can only cater domestic transportation about 3 million passengers annually. Still, it quickly became
the gateway for tourists visiting the famous places and destinations near Batangas, like Puerto Galera, Sabang Beach, and
the White Beach.
Batangas is also projected to be a federal state if the Local Government Code of 1991 is fully implemented as it
enables a local government to work with other private entities to construct the needed facilities and infrastructures to aid
the implementation of its development plans. In line with this, the local
government of Batangas continues to improve transport systems like the
BIP through the Batangas Port Development Project.
A major part of this project is the Batangas Provincial Livelihood

Center (BPLC), and was built in order to compensate for the displaced
residents of Sta. Clara, Batangas prior to the construction of Batangas Port
Development Project, and to sustain the economic growth of Batangas
because it was expected to produce more job opportunities for the local and Figure 1.1: Batangas Provincial
Livelihood Center
other neighboring communities through retailing. The livelihood center was Source: John Carlo Maniquiz
planned not just to be a commercial facility, but a place where the locals can practice their crafts and promote their culture.
CHAPTER I | 2
Ecocentrism
Due to the transition of government powers after the last 2006 Elections, the BPLC has not been prioritized by the
administration, leaving the facility to be abandoned after its construction. The project did not commence operation and
became unutilized for almost 10 years now. Within the years of being unutilized, the purpose of the BPLC has been limited
to being a hub for the port passengers of the Batangas Port Terminal 3 – leaving the BPLC to serve as a “walkway” for
passengers to pass by. With this situation leaves the merchants of the facility to have less revenues on their pasalubong
business. The Provincial Government’s debt continues to grow because of the amortization payments and loan interest.
Since BPLC is situated near the coastal area of Batangas, its appearance and physical structure had deteriorated already.
This chapter introduces the present condition of the Batangas Provincial Livelihood Center (BPLC) within the
development of the Batangas International Port (BIP) as well as the problems that hinder its development. This chapter also
sets the goals of the study and the approach that is to be used to redevelop the BPLC, considering the people, the context of
its immediate environment, and the limited and fixed development plan budget of 200 million pesos.
CHAPTER I | 3
Ecocentrism
A. The Problem and its Setting
a. Background of the Study
The development of Batangas Port affects the

residents of Santa Clara, Batangas due to the land
acquisitions, this makes the Provincial Government of
Batangas to experience an economic deficiency that lead
them to developed the Batangas Provincial Livelihood
Center (BPLC) which envisioned to be the springboard for
promotion and investment and aiming it to be the center of
economic activities which will produce job opportunities for Figure 1.2: Exterior facade of BPLC
the residents of Batangas, and will also offer livelihood Source: John Carlo Maniquiz
programs for the informal settlers in Barangay Santa Clara.
The BPLC is a three-storey commercial building with roof deck built in a 2-hectare property leased
by Provincial Government of Batangas until the year of 2028, with a total floor area of 19,028 square meters,
built under a budget of 237.6 million pesos which was loaned from the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP)
with the principal amount of ₱300 million and were agreed to be settled by the provincial government within
fifteen (15) years. Batangas City, being a fast-growing urban area and a top-tier tourist destination, the BPLC
has a strategic location - being adjacent to the Batangas Port Terminal 2 and 3, that can cater vast
opportunities to the community of Sta. Clara, travelling passengers, and the workers within the BIP.
CHAPTER I | 4
Ecocentrism
The BPLC was finished in 2007 but did not commenced its operation in almost ten (10) years since
it was constructed. When Gov. Armando Carpio Sanchez was elected in the year 2004 as the new Governor
of Batangas, the BPLC has not been prioritized by his administration due to political issues in their opposing
visions. This transfer of political power makes the BPLC unutilized and inactive, resulting to be widely
criticized and coined as a “White Elephant” building. The Batangas government produce a report regarding
to the evident reasons regarding to inability to attain the objectives of local government in establishing the
BPLC. The Commission of Audit (COA) stated that poor planning is one of the evident reasons that the
feasibility study for the BPLC was unsystematically planned. The onerous condition, weak marketing and
promotion led to the turn down of potential investor, and they also do not take the BPLC seriously due to the
lacked of necessary amenities and spaces needed to make the building worthy of investment. Due to this
situation, the provincial government let the residents to use the ground floor of the building as a “Pasalubong
store” even without mandating rental fees, just to have its purpose for the meantime.
The unmaintained BPLC is continuously downgrading and deteriorating, making it visually

unpleasant for the visitors and users in the area. In addition, its coastal setting was not highly considered that
lead to the further deterioration of the physical features of BPLC. Leaving the Batangas Provincial
Livelihood Center as a “White Elephant” while in the state of deterioration and downgrading, will continue
to be unutilized and unmaintained while serving its payback.
CHAPTER I | 5
Ecocentrism
The Provincial Government suffers from financial crisis

since all of their projections and insights for the BPLC did not
materialized as it planned. According the report of COA, the
BPLC has incurred ₱260.5 million in losses since 2004,
representing the principal and the interest expenses paid to Land
Bank of the Philippines. The provincial government are still in
debt due to inability of BPLC to produce income, were the parking Figure 1.3: Physical deterioration
fees are the only source of funds from the BPLC and it is not of BPLC
Source: John Carlo Maniquiz
enough to cover the remaining balance from the LBP. After Gov.
Hermilando Mandanas was re-elected in the 2016 election, the provincial government aims to redevelop the
BPLC to become an income-generating commercial hub under the ₱200-million development plan budget,
aiming to compensate to the financial problem caused by the unutilization of BPLC and to established
interaction between its immediate environment and community to further develop its socio-economic status.
CHAPTER I | 6
Ecocentrism
b. Problem Statement
The Government of Batangas, with its vision to improve its economy, pursues the redevelopment of
Batangas Provincial Livelihood Center (BPLC). However, BPLC’s onerous post-construction conditions -
being unutilized for over 10 years, continuously increasing debt, and unending physical deterioration due to
its coastal setting, are needed to be prioritized upon its redevelopment. Moreover, the existing relationship
between the immediate environment and the community does not respond to the purpose of BPLC in order
to sustain socio-economic development and instigate positive ecological impacts, and vice versa, to the
province of Batangas.
Main Problem
How can the Batangas Provincial Livelihood Center maximize its socio-economic development
while mutually coexisting with its immediate environment, given with constraints on its location - being
in an urban coastal area, limited land area for the redevelopment, functions of neighboring facilities;
and the community’s shortfall to utilize the facility, through human and site responsive innovations
while considering its negative economic impact, budget limitations, and the existing environmental
context?
CHAPTER I | 7
Ecocentrism
Subproblems
1. The original purpose of BPLC solely focuses on livelihood, thus, it became unresponsive to
the current needs of its immediate environment and diverse users such as the passengers,
merchants, workers and the locals of Sta. Clara.
How can the redevelopment deal with the negative social impact as stockholders are
turning down investments and cannot sustain business; residents and passengers having no
interaction with the facility, caused by the “white elephant” BPLC?
2. The redevelopment was provided with a fixed and insufficient budget by the Provincial
Government of Batangas, amounting to 200 million pesos
How can the revitalization of BPLC maximize socio-economic development to the BIP
Development given with limited budget and existing debt to be paid while achieving building
efficiency and effectivity?
3. BPLC is situated in an urban coastal area, located at the Batangas Bay posing risks on
physical degradation of the building.
How can the redevelopment of BPLC respond to the ecological environment while
dealing with the risk of physical deterioration and material degradation due to its coastal
setting?
CHAPTER I | 8
Ecocentrism
c. Thesis Goal
The study aims to formulate strategies in redeveloping the Batangas Provincial Livelihood Center
into an environment-adaptive and user-responsive income-generating facility to provide socio-economic
viability to its immediate users and the community; and create positive ecologically sustainable impact to
the Batangas Port Development Project and to the Province of Batangas.
d. Objectives of the Study
1. To determine the social behavior of people within the immediate environment of BPLC to
establish the reasons why it failed to be utilized according to its purpose.
Strategies:
• Conduct ocular observation to assess the present social conditions of the BPLC, how the
users from different type (local residents, tourists, merchants) behaves when utilizing the
facility;
• Conduct surveys on the residents of Sta. Clara, Batangas on how they utilize the facility,
and how the community is involved in the BPLC;
• Conduct interviews on merchants operating on the BPLC on how effective their
business runs;
• Conduct observation and interviews on workers of the Batangas Port on their conditions
and experiences in utilizing the BPLC;
CHAPTER I | 9
Ecocentrism
• Conduct an interview with the Provincial Planning and Development of Batangas

concerning the possible reasons for BPLC’s failure to be utilized
• Conduct an interview with the BPLC’s Management regarding the existing physical and
economic conditions of the facility.
2. Determine the effective use for the BPLC, its suitable techniques and strategies on the
reconstruction and operational phase of the BPLC.
Strategies:
• Gather information through books, journals, and dissertations regarding effective
and efficient building designs
• Interview architects of the focusing on the construction industry about effective and
efficient building designs.
• Conduct case studies about efficient and effective building designs with respect to its
user and environment.
• Determine the immediate need of the Province, the Municipality, the Barangay, the
Batangas Port Development Plan, and Batangas Port Terminal 3 by conducting
interviews and comprehensive assessment.
3. Identify the risks imposed by the ecological setting of the BPLC, and its risks imposed to its
immediate environment.
CHAPTER I | 10
Ecocentrism
Strategies:
• Conduct case studies on developments on coastal areas.

• Gather information through books, journals, and dissertations regarding the risks of
developments on coastal areas.
• Watch documentaries about risks on developments on coastal areas and effectivity
of climate and coastal-responsive buildings on such risks.
• Observation and assessment on the physical and ecological characteristics of the site.
• Identify the possible environmental risks that could affect the BPLC through the
Provincial Risk Reduction
e. Scope of the Study
The study will be based on determining the existing conflicts present in Batangas Provincial
Livelihood Center (BPLC) and its immediate users and environment that resulted to the structure’s improper
utilization and inactive state, it will also focus on formulating strategies that will reimage the BPLC, being a
“White Elephant” building into an environment-responsive and socially-attracting income-producing facility
and would lead the establishment to generate a source of income that will entice the locals, tourists, and
investors.
In line with the goal of the study, the research will cover the existing developments present in the
immediate surrounding of the BPLC – the community of Sta. Clara, Batangas, the Batangas Port Terminal 2
and 3, the institutional facilities present nearby the development. The study will also involve the factors on
CHAPTER I | 11
Ecocentrism
why the potential investor were unsatisfied with the BPLC after its construction. The conditions of the
beneficiaries and the potential end-users, before and after the BPLC is constructed will also be covered by
the researcher as well.
The study will cover the necessary retrofitting of other structures that is adjacent to the building that
can create an incidental interaction and activities to the BPLC due to its location within the Batangas port.
Natural and physical environment of the BPLC will also be analyzed due to its location on a coastal setting
that is affecting the structure’s physical features, the proponent will also focus on the principles of vernacular
architecture which is in-lined to the deterioration and degradation of the BPLC.
The study will tackle principles of ecocentrism and responsive environment design that will aid the
researchers in determining the effective income-generating facility that can compensate the evident problem
given by the BPLC. In relation, the study will also consider the fundamentals of green design and cost-
efficient design methodologies viable to response to the problem under a given government budget ceiling.
CHAPTER I | 12
Ecocentrism
f. Limitations of the Study
The study may be limited by problems and constraints that will hinder the researchers from observing,
conducting interviews and gathering the needed information concerning the redevelopment of the Batangas
Provincial Livelihood Center. The researchers will conduct alternative solutions to gather data that will be
essential to assess the needed information of the study.
Budget and Time Constraint

Due to the limitation of time and budget, the researcher may experience hindrance to cover
all the different government agencies needed in the formulation of data. In line with this constraint,
secondhand sourcing such as articles, books and internet to gather necessary data will be used by
the researchers.
Construction Material and Methods

This constraint may limit the researcher in acquiring the necessary information regarding the
construction materials and methods used in designing and constructing the Batangas Provincial
Livelihood Center due to government’s inaccessible engineering and architectural database. To
compensate the needed information, the proponents will conduct in-depth analysis and case studies
concerning about building construction methods and material that is similar to the situation of the
BPLC.
CHAPTER I | 13
Ecocentrism
Non-participative respondents
This may limit the researchers to gain information and conduct in-depth interviews and
analysis to some local residents, passengers, and vendors who belongs to the cooperative groups of
Brgy. Sta. Clara - hindering them to give their personal observation and information.
Potential Investors
This constraint may limit the proponents to gain access on some potential investors due its
private status and difficulty to conduct interviews and appointments, to cover this limitation, the
researcher will rely on secondhand data from investors’ webpages and articles.
Safety and Security

The constraint may hinder the researchers to conduct in-depth observation and analysis on the
physical status of the BPLC due to some areas that may impose threats to the proponents due to the
current situation of the building, to compensate for the constraint, the researchers will conduct
interview to other sources such as local residents of Sta. Clara, Batangas and government officials
to assess the needed information for the study.
g. Significance of the Study

To fully utilize a structure in context to its purpose is what makes a structure successful and
significant to the community. In the case of the Batangas Provincial Livelihood Center, to achieve a low-
CHAPTER I | 14
Ecocentrism
cost and user-responsive redevelopment would help the Batangas Government obtain economic
sustainability that should have been achieved prior to its inauguration.
• Economic development of the Batangas

The study would help the Provincial Government in promoting the Batangas
Provincial Livelihood Center as it marks the specific needs of prospect investors and the
community to achieve satisfaction and economic stability of the building.
• Coastal Environment of Batangas

Ecocentric approach focuses on the deeper understanding of environmental aspects
that will significantly affect the design and development of BPLC, the study would help the
environment as it will investigate strategies and techniques to what kind of redevelopment
will be used for the facility that will contribute to lesser construction waste and carbon
footprint emission; considering the characteristics of the environment and the existing
features is an essential part of the study.
• Batangas Port Administration, Workers, Passengers and Operations

The study targets to develop a harmonious relationship between the redevelopment of
Batangas Port Livelihood Center and the Batangas Port, as it is basically accessible to each
other – strategies to be created upon the research will contribute to a more efficient business
operations especially during peak seasons of travel and unexpected natural-caused disasters.
CHAPTER I | 15
Ecocentrism
• Local Merchants of the Sta. Clara, Batangas and Private Investors of BPLC
The study would generate considerations and guidelines for a more conducive space
for investors and users as BPLC will be a place where the residents of Santa Clara, Batangas
can put up their stores and practice their crafts based on their liking and way of living, it shall
help in promoting their culture and in providing a more stable source of income.
• Public Structures and newly-built buildings

The study targets public buildings that were highly funded by the government yet
remained unused after its construction – determining the probable causes of being unused,
strategies determined by the study can be used as considerations for future feasibility studies
of future government projects.
h. Assumptions
The Proposed Redevelopment of the Batangas Provincial Livelihood Center in accordance to the
2012 Commission on Audit Report was established with proper Feasibility Studies for its need to be revived
since the previous study conducted by the government failed to promote the infrastructure.
It is assumed that the Government of Batangas will allow any structural improvements to the facility,
regardless of what has been recorded to the contract prior to its construction. This would let the researchers
to examine the existing building and determine the proper type of redevelopment that is suitable to the
CHAPTER I | 16
Ecocentrism
facility.
It is assumed as well that there is a harmonious relationship between the Government of Batangas,
the prospect developers of the Batangas Provincial Livelihood Center (BPLC) and the Philippine Ports
Authority (PPA) that it would allow comprehensive development to provide economic progress and
sustainability within the Batangas Port Development Project (BPDP).
It has been a common knowledge that the concept of sustainability has been embraced by many
architects and designers in order to promote a greener and healthier environment to achieve a social-
responsive community as based from existing facilities designed in accordance to green design.
The proponents of the study also assume that the following data would be relevant to the research:
Social
• As the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) is known for the research and
forecast of economic data on a macro level, the statistics that they will release will serve as
basis for the proper development of BPLC.
• The annual cargo arrival and passenger traffic statistics from Batangas International Port will
be necessary in accessing the interaction of people and vehicles in the site.
• Since BPLC is a part of Batangas Port, its redevelopment will promote interaction within the
whole site, resulting to a larger number of daily users. It will be a take-off point for the
CHAPTER I | 17
Ecocentrism
Department of Transportation to continuously improve the existing port systems in the

Philippines.
Ecological
• The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will likely to support the
project since it highly considers the environmental aspects of the site and its relation to the
building itself.
• Environment-responsive design and construction will minimize the effect of coastal
deterioration to the building structure and materials.
Economic
• Addressing the needs of the people and providing a facility that will increase the rate of
products and goods exchange will lead to socio-economic development.
• The data that will come from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will contain
the necessary types of livelihood that the people of Batangas have, and will be used to
identify the job areas where the study should focus on.
CHAPTER I | 18
Ecocentrism
i. Definition of Terms
• Approach
It is a practice in regards with architecture as a design in which the form is determined by being
given a set of design conditions. It is also considered as the solution-based to solving problems.
• Batangas International Port (BIP)
It is locally known as the Batangas Pier which is a seaport located at the Barangay Santa Clara,
Batangas, primarily serving the region of CALABARZON in the Philippines.
• Batangas Port Development Plan (BPDP)
A set of proposed development plan for the Batangas port arrange by the Philippine Port Authority
(PPA) to manage and operate a rationalized national port system in support of trade and national
development.
• Batangas Provincial Livelihood Center (BPLC)
It is a three-storey government structure constructed in the year 2007, located at Barangay Santa
Clara, Batangas with its solely purpose to create an opportunity for the residence of Batangas,
unfortunately, the BPLC is widely criticized and dubbed as a “White Elephant” building due to its
inability to commence operation.
• Bio-deterioration
It is an effect of inorganic agent in which an undesirable change in the properties of material cause
by vital activities of organisms.
CHAPTER I | 19
Ecocentrism
• Commission of Audit (COA)

It is Philippine Supreme State Audit Institution and a dependent constitutional commission that has
a primary purpose to examine, audit and settle all the accounts pertaining to all government revenues
and expenditures of funds, resources and properties of the Philippine government.
• Coastal area
It is an environment commonly defined as the interface or transition of land and sea to create an
environment with a distinct structure, diversity and flow of energy.
• Cost-efficiency
It is an architectural approach which involves strategies intended to cuts construction cost by
optimizing resources, technologies and material utilization while maximizing the structures
efficiency.
• Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
Is the primary agency responsible for the conservation, management, development, and proper use
of the country’s environment and natural as well as the licensing and regulation of all natural
resources as may be provided for by law in order to ensure equitable sharing of the benefits derived
therefrom for the welfare of the present and future generations of Filipinos.
• Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
The executive department of the Philippine government that focus in formulating policies,
implementing programs and services and also acts as the coordinating arm of the executive branch in
the field of labor and employment.
CHAPTER I | 20
Ecocentrism
• Ecocentric Design
It is an architectural approach that is merely dedicated to the integration of sustainable design
principles into the built environment, an in-depth and creative design process of careful evaluation
of user requirements and site characteristics results in inspired building designs, relevant to their
context and in balance with the natural environment.
• Green
It is an architectural approach that seeks to minimized the negative impacts of the structure to the
human health and environment by efficiency and moderation in the use of materials, energy and
development space.
• Human-centered
A principle of architecture which put the people as the center of consideration in design process,
focusing mainly on user’s behavior and characteristic.
• Income-generating
It is a purpose in which the structure conducts an operation and activities to generate income and
funds for the further development of the establishment and its environment.
• Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP)
A universal bank in the Philippines owned by the government and classified as a “Specialized
Government Bank” that has universal banking license, with a special purpose of serving the needs of
local farmers and fishermen.
• National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)
CHAPTER I | 21
Ecocentrism
It is the Philippines premier independent cabinet-level agency that is responsible for economic
development and planning, highly regarded as the authority in macroeconomic forecasting and policy
analysis and research.
• Retrofitting
An approach in architecture that means to provide components and features to a structure that did not
have on the post construction aiming to make it more suitable to its natural environment, striving to
make the building more efficient and sustainable. Retrofitting also increase the structure adaptability,
durability and resiliency.
• Responsive Environment
An architectural concept that focuses on responsiveness which depends on the design of a place that
affects and gives the users their choices. It is achieved by designing a place in a walkable distance
while offering social, behavioral, experiential, and functional choices. The concepts applied to
achieve the responsiveness of an area are permeability, variety, legibility, robustness,
appropriateness, richness and personalization.
• Sustainability
It is a concept in which the mere purpose is to design that is less environmental impact by using
different materials and techniques that is environmental and human friendly. This concept also
encompasses the consideration of energy efficiency, water conservation, clean air, use of low-impact
materials, renewable resource and preserving indoor air quality.
• Vernacular
CHAPTER I | 22
Ecocentrism
Is an architectural style that is designed based on local needs, availability of construction materials
and reflecting local traditions in which it can mitigate the negatives impacts of climate change to the
structures.
• White Elephant
Architectural term for a structure which identified to be an over-budget, unsuccessful, unutilized and
hard to maintain building. This also the term used in the Batangas Livelihood Center due to its
inability to commence operation.
CHAPTER I | 23
Ecocentrism
B. Review of Related Literature
a. Historical Backdrop and Present Condition
Batangas is known as the “Industrial Port City of CALABARZON” and classified as one of the most
competitive cities in the country today. As the province is bounded on the north by the province of Cavite,
on the northeast and east by the province of Laguna and Quezon respectively, on the south by Verde Island
passages and on the west by the China Sea, it makes the province the nearest gateway near Manila having
over 110,00 tourist arrivals in the Provincial Capital of Lipa alone. In a statement by the Provincial
Governor, Hon. Hermilando Mandanas on Batangas Development Summit held last January 27, 2017, he
told that such economic and tourism growth is largely due to the provincial port being the “best in the
Philippines”.
With the province’s efforts to improve the community and its people, in an interview by Oxford
Business Group to Hon. Mandanas, the Batangas government focuses on giving emphasis to its people, as
it has been the province’s main resource. According to the First Batangas Investment Forum, it is said that
Batangas can be the first province to first act as a federal state by full implementing the Local Government
Code of 1991, which can enable a local government unit to partner with the private sector to build the
needed infrastructures to implement its development plan.
The Batangas Provincial Livelihood Center (BPLC) is one of the projects of the Batangas Port
Development Project (BPDP), and is located at the BPDP – Phase I fronting the Fast Craft Terminal
Building in Barangay Sta. Clara, Batangas City (The Manila Times, 2017). The establishment of the BPLC
CHAPTER I | 24
Ecocentrism
was envisioned to enhance economic activity in the province and serve as a springboard for promotion and
investment. It was initiated to address the socio-economic problems brought about by the Batangas Port
Development Project (Dublin, 2017). On the other hand, the facility has not been used after its inauguration
until today and coined as a “white elephant” building.
According to the Annual Audit Report on the Province of Batangas by the Commission on Audit, the
objective of the Provincial Government in establishing the BPLC is not attained for evident reasons:
• Poor planning. The feasibility study was haphazardly done, just to comply with LBP requirements.
The BPLC was built on a borrowed fund with LBP and the projected income is not realizable.
• Investors turned-off by the very onerous conditions.
• Marketing wise, packaging and promotion is weak. The BPLC building lacked the necessary
amenities to be taken seriously by investors.
• Lack of political will in containing the problem brought about by the stallholders of Sta. Clara.
The Province must exercise its powers and certain degree of political will in the displaced
settlers of Sta. Clara.
Redevelopment of the Batangas Provincial Livelihood Center

In an article by Rappler, the provincial government gives the green light to turn the unused
Batangas Port Livelihood Center into a livelihood and commercial hub by allocating P200,000,000
to revive white elephant livelihood center. Prospect improvements for the unutilized development
has been proposed by the government of Batangas in a meeting held last October 17, 2007 called by
CHAPTER I | 25
Ecocentrism
the incumbent Governor Vilma Santos-Recto. Among the solutions being contemplated include
among others:
• Reengineer the Batangas Provincial Livelihood Center from being a “white elephant” to a
self-liquidating facility by allowing other developments that would cater high-density commercial
facilities and institutional offices such as Call Center Offices, Maritime School, Hotel, Regional
Offices or a combination from the mentioned developments.
• Market BPLC to prospective investors banking on the truism that there is no marketing
without exchange.
• Improve the market potentials of the BPLC by repairing the facility, through innovative
packaging of the building; redevelopment of the whole area; and through promotion and advertising.
• Create a One-Stop Investment Office that will serve as the Research and Development of the
Province to complement the tourism agendum of the province.
b. Environmental-based design
b.1 Coastal Setting
In the Philippines, living in a coastal setting are experiencing an unprecedented rate of

change due to population growth in coastal areas, human induced vulnerability, and global climate
change. These changes give extreme effects in the communities that increase the risk of coastal
hazards, these extreme effects can affect the livability in the coastal area due to increasing global
CHAPTER I | 26
Ecocentrism
temperature and this can also lead to more powerful storms due to storms getting their strength from
heat rising from the sea.
Climate change in Coastal areas
Climate change causes various impacts on coastal areas through extreme weather events,
long-term changing averages in climatic variables and increased weather variability. Sudden severe
phenomena such as storm surges, and gradual changes like sea level rises will directly affect human
well-being by damaging investments and infrastructures, and indirectly through modification of
coastal ecosystems and habitats (Alcamo 2007).
According to several models, these impacts would become most significant after 2050
(Alcamo 2007), Several observations indicate that climate change may be more dramatic than
predicted. Coastal exposure to climate change can vary greatly according to interactions between
global, regional, and local weather and bio geophysical factors. The rate of sea level rise is influenced
by cyclical regional weather patterns, local atmospheric pressure, sea thermal expansion, coast
subsidence, uplift caused by tectonic movements, and other hydrogeological factors (Nicholls 2007).
Adaptation to climate change in the context of coastal areas is defined as a policy process entailing
decisions on policy and technological interventions that aim at reducing the vulnerability of the
system to climatic changes.
Coastal Building Materials
CHAPTER I | 27
Ecocentrism
In a coastal setting there are special considerations must be made when selecting buildings
materials for a coastal structure. The evident harsh environment requires that are more substantial
building methods and materials to be used and should be taken with high care when using different
materials for coastal setting in order to ensure the durability, hazard resistance and reduce
maintenance. The materials and method in a coastal environment should be flood resistant materials,
wind resistant materials, corrosion and decay resistance, moisture resistance, and termite resistance
due to sunlight, aging, insects, chemical and temperature. Easement in installation and ability to
properly install the materials should also be one of the considerations. All coastal buildings will
require maintenance and repairs, proper materials and methods for repairs, additions, and other work
following initial construction should also in consideration.
b.2 Green and Sustainability

Sustainable Design and Green Architecture have been a trend here in the Philippines, the core
concept of sustainable design is incorporating to environmental design which means the objects that
will be designing must be environmentally friendly. To qualify as a sustainable development, the
built environment and services must comply with the principles of social, economic and ecological
sustainability (Tancio 2017). Green design talks about the same concept, it is a process involving the
whole building to sustainability by recognizing the human and environmental concerns, these also
involves a sustainable site selection and development, energy efficiency, water conservation, clean
air, use of low-impact materials, renewable resource and preserving indoor air quality according to
Green Architecture Advocacy Philippines (GreenAP).
CHAPTER I | 28
Ecocentrism
Architects and designers are concentrating to achieve the most practical solutions in human
and environmental concerns by creating the ideal green structure which would not generate negative
impacts on the users and environment, using only sustainable and renewable resources, and all the
used materials components will be returned to the manufacturer after the useful time of the resources
to be used to create another material. In addition, the ideal structure will also involve nurturing and
restoring, aid productivity and produce sense of well-being for its users.
b.3 Vernacular Architecture
Vernacular architecture centers on the function of the building type where it is required to
perfume, it is generally always evolving over time to reflect the environmental, cultural,
technological, economic and historical, becoming more refined and tailored to the context in which
it exists. Vernacular architecture imposes great benefits such as capitalizing the local knowledge and
traditions by taking advantage of local materials and resources that are energy efficient and
sustainable. It also providing vital connection between human and the environment in which they
live by designing in accordance with the local climate conditions.
Vernacular in Coastal areas
In coastal areas, environment considered to be harsh due to climate change that gives the
coastal high temperature and salty ambience making the materials to be more corrosive and easier to
deteriorate. Vernacular is a design approach in which it used local materials and planning techniques
use by the indigenous people to assess the given condition of their environment. Proper application
CHAPTER I | 29
Ecocentrism
of different techniques of vernacular can create a structure that can mitigate the evident effects of
harsh environment in coastal areas. In addition, proper used of materials that are effectively and
efficient for a coastal environment can strengthen the building to withstand the different effects of
climate change.
b.4 Building Deterioration
Low rise, midrise and high-rise building has the substructure and superstructure as the main
part of the building, superstructure include many services such as electricity, telecommunication
system, water supply system and also it gives the beauty of the structure while the substructure gives
the strength of the building, maintaining the building is one of the considerations of the architects and
the users of the structure.
All the materials used for the construction will decay over time, not considering the
maintenance and not giving attention for the materials used, the building may decay and deteriorate
faster than we expect. The building maintenance is very essential for every building, it makes the
particular building to be safer the people to live and work. Appraisals can assess various properties
of buildings and elements; the two most related ones are strength and durability. Strength reflects the
ability of a structure to carry present and future loads, while durability refers to a duration over which
the structure will be serviceable. There are many reasons for the building to deteriorate, simply of
them is having exposure to the elements. Depending on what a building is made of, exposure to
weather over time will lend itself to deterioration unless maintenance is regularly performed.
CHAPTER I | 30
Ecocentrism
Architects and designer should consider the area in which they are building before choosing certain
stones and building materials.
Concrete Corrosion
Modern buildings created during the 20th century were made from concrete and deterioration
of the concrete has begun in the recent years. The main reason for concrete deterioration is corrosion,
general corrosion is from carbonation, exposure to this the reinforcement structures over long periods
can cause widespread cracking of the concrete. Pitting corrosion from chloride ions from water that
leaks to the concrete can cause pitting corrosion and deterioration.
Salt Crystallization
Common reason that buildings made of stone suffer from deterioration. The salt
crystallization tends to effect more porous stones. Typically, salt enters the stone through the air and
into the pores, where it is then crystallized that will cause the stone to deteriorate, usually into a fine
powder. Salt is often the result of the mixing of air pollutants and stone, it also comes from ground
water, sea spray, chemical cleaners and salt used to de-ice.
b.5 Ecocentric Architecture
Adaptability is very essential to evolution, yet the contemporary architecture is o is often so

formal and complex. Learning from nature and incorporating the idea of adaptability to the functional
and going beyond of what the organism looks to merge the formal complexity with its functionality
CHAPTER I | 31
Ecocentrism
(Mazzoleni 2017). Ecocentric Design is dedicated to the integration of sustainable design principles
into the built environment, it is an in-depth and creative design process of careful evaluation of user
requirements and site characteristics results in inspired building designs, relevant to their context and
in balance with the natural environment. The principle of ecocentric architecture suggest that the
human and society are parts of an ecosystem, and thus they must behave as a responsible member of
the ecosystem.
Ecological Viewpoint
The building and project should be analyzing as a whole, viewing it as a complete living
system. Function, economy and efficiency are indeed important parts of architecture, but a good
building will only work as a living architecture if we consider the soul, the term soul of architecture
is invisible it comes from the creator’s and user’s consideration, sympathy and affection (Kawamura
2005).
Diversity
Ecocentric principles should be universal so they can be applied to any project or site, but it
must also be flexible at the same time. The principles are analogous to sacred natural providence, that
urges species to adapt to their surroundings, which lead to will vary according to place, climate and
people. Designing a building on the principle of diversity, its form will vary as well, the application
and adaptation of the ecocentric principle according to climate, society and the ecosystem is the key
to achieve it.
CHAPTER I | 32
Ecocentrism
Long-Term View
The sustainable architecture looks ahead and consider the possible new users for the building.
Durability and easement in maintenance are also important in the principle of sustainability.
Considering also the total amount of energy consumption and expended on materials and construction
and the environmental impact throughout of the building life span from construction, operation and
demolition. There are many factors to consider, and priorities will vary depending on the specific
conditions of each project, and it need to figure out what is the most efficient.
Co-Existence / Harmony
A structure will always be interrelated with other issue and these relations are based on
coexistence. Everything in this universe is operating in perfect harmony and nothing is discordant.
“Any discord is man-made, the result of something people have done which is not in agreement with
the great laws of Nature. Anything that opposes Nature, or the natural pattern, produces discord
according to Cosmic Law, which is immutable, impartial, is the law of total harmony in its truest
broadest sense. If human beings will only follow this law, everything will move in perfect harmony,
will go more smoothly."(Okada, M).
Humans always upset the natural harmony by using unnatural means and nature reacts against
this to restore its harmony. But humans see this as discordant and resort once again to unnatural
measures to stop nature, this creates further discord. Therefore, the architects and designers need to
observe nature carefully to find the true way to live in harmony.
CHAPTER I | 33
Ecocentrism
Moderation and Balance
The consideration of the ecosystem is to seek balance and moderation to avoid nature’s
rebuke. Controlling the eagerness to put everything in the design is a principle of balance, the
designers and architects should focus on what is truly needed and cut down what is unnecessary to
ensure the minimization of the environmental impact. The exact size and function of every building
should be carefully planned and the essence of the structure must be expresses in full potential. It is
not merely the denial of expression or ornamentation but it is considering the essence of the location
and the structure.
b.6 Responsive Environment Architecture
Since the creation and application of urban planning, several ideals from social to political
are created but until to this day these ideals are never applied and achieved. The cities today are
designed without considering the life that circulates in it, mostly focusing on the urban form only. A
city is considered to be an entire body and soul but the city planners and designers today focus only
in the body and disregarding the soul of a city, thus the creation of cities with no urban life (Jacobs,
1961).
According to Responsive Environments (1985), a manual that is written for urban design, an
area’s responsiveness depends on the design of a place that affects and gives the users their choices.
The “responsiveness” of a city basically depends on how much the users have control on their choices
through having multiple choices and how the urban areas are accessible for them. It is said to be
CHAPTER I | 34
Ecocentrism
achieved by designing these places in a walkable distance while offering social, behavioral,
experiential, and functional choices. The concepts applied to achieve the responsiveness of an area
are permeability, variety, legibility, robustness, appropriateness, richness and personalization.
Permeability
Permeability depends on the paths and objects present in a place, the access to alternative
routes, because these determines how easy would it be to move in the environment but permeability
would be irrelevant if variety is not present, having easy access would be pointless if they do not
offer a choice for experience.
Variety, Legibility and Robustness
Variety is important, offering a range of activities, people and building forms gives the users
variety of options available. The legibility of a place allows the users to understand the layout or the
map of the place through features like paths, nodes, landmarks, districts and edges. An area must also
offer robustness, it must be available for different purposes, being flexible to cater different uses and
being capable to return to its original use. The concepts of permeability, variety, legibility, and
robustness mainly focuses on the physical form of the place, and now that the general appearance of
the area is determined through these concepts, visual appropriateness would then be applied, the areas
look in detail would be important because it would determine the interpretation of the users and with
a correct interpretation would result in an appropriate use of the environment.
Richness
CHAPTER I | 35
Ecocentrism
The richness of the environment in terms of offering a wide range of sensuous experience for
the user affects the emotional state of the users giving them the choice of sense-experience, the
selection of appropriate materials and construction techniques to be applied for both visual and non-
visual could achieve the richness of a place.
Personalization
The last concept is the personalization, the opportunity of the users in the customization of
the environment on a large or a small scale, applying their individual tastes and interests. While
applying these steps, modification is necessary with the emerging implications in the designing
process. These concepts are said to cover the key issues with regards to the production of a responsive
place through achieving the said concepts by the design of buildings and outdoor places.
c. Human Behavior
Human-responsive Architecture
Architecture always starts with a certain need. How a single building is planned and designed depends
on the people who will be using it. A deep understanding of user’s needs and characteristics are some of the
factors that are needed to be considered to come up with a much suitable and well-designed space.
According to the research article, Designing for Change: The Poetic Potential of Responsive Architecture,
CHAPTER I | 36
Ecocentrism
written by Mark Maegher, “Responsive buildings enable a physical response to changes in the environment
through specific building elements; in rare cases these responsive elements become an integral and poetic
element of a culturally significant work of architecture.” It is pointed out that environment and users are
two interconnected key elements in a building. It means that different environment features shall produce a
different kind of structure or building, and a different site location would also mean a different type of
facility. Human activities and behavior tell what design features and elements should be incorporated in a
project.
A notable quotation “We shape our buildings, and afterwards, our buildings shape us” (Winston
Churchill, 1944) proves the intensive relationship of a space to its users. It is true that in the first place,
buildings are designed after evaluating its specific user. The continuous usage of that certain building will
eventually shape or change its own user due to the fixed elements that are integrated. These unchangeable
features can’t adapt to the change of human emotions and movements, resulting to the users are being the
ones who are adapting to these features. Responsive architecture on the other hand, includes changeable
and adaptive or can also be called as static elements, which can respond with the changes happening in the
environment and the lives of the users.
Another term that can be connected to responsive architecture is interactive architecture. The role of
the building users or inhabitants doesn’t stop when a space or structure is already done and constructed. In
reality, they are actually involved from that very first stage of planning until the daily usage of the building.
Interactive design promotes an endless linkage between the users, environment and the building itself. It is
a harmonious relationship that includes human factor as a major player, as it looks forward in making it a
more participative element.
CHAPTER I | 37
Ecocentrism
Livelihood of Residents of Sta. Clara, Batangas
Barangay Sta. Clara, Batangas is classified as an urban area with a total population of 12,201 residents
out of the 329,874-total population of Batangas City as recorded in the Philippine Statistics Authority last
2015. It has a total land area of 165.6232 hectares, consisting of 7 sitios, and is bounded by Brgy. Sta. Rita
in the North, Cuta in the South, Batangas Bay in the West, and Poblacion in the East. Since Barangay Sta.
Clara is an adjacent to the coastal area, it is also called as Aplaya, which means along the seashore. Since it
is where the Batangas International Port is situated, the barangay is sometimes called as Pantalan, which
means pier or a place for shipments.
The daily life of the residents of Sta. Clara, Batangas revolves mainly within the Batangas Port. As
the port remains operational, it continues to make an impact to the socio-economic stability of the whole
Batangas City. According to the study entitled, The Socio-Economic Impacts of Batangas International Port
in the Tourism Industry, Batangas port positively affects both the residents and the economy by increasing
the rate of employment and providing more job opportunities, due to the establishment of small and medium
scale industries within the city. As the port became the general means of transportation of Batangas,
importation and trade industries are also attracted and led to the creation of more businesses. Its strategic
location and being the gateway for beautiful beaches and destinations, became a great impact for the tourism
growth and also led to new developments like hotel, restaurants and other tourism-related establishments.
The other source of income for Batangas City is Agriculture. According to the city’s land use plan,
about 8,226.96 hectares or 28.82 percent of its total land area belongs to agricultural and agroforestry uses.
Despite this, their rice production is still insufficient to supply the city’s demand, being rice as their staple
CHAPTER I | 38
Ecocentrism
food. To answer this problem, they have decided to focus on other crops like vegetables, fruits, and root
crops. The city also launched a program on improving their yellow corn production, creating the two
organizations, Batangas City Yellow Corn Growers and Batangas City Vegetable Growers Association
Incorporated.
The city also benefits from the presence of the nearby sea, as their main source of fish and other
aquatic resources. There’s a total of 1, 262 registered fisherfolks, 858 registered motorized bancas,
producing a total volume of 60 metric tons. Livestock is also considered as a great source of income for the
area, as poultry and piggery farms being the largest in terms of producers count.
Culture
Culture and architecture are two things that are interrelated to each other. One cannot exist without
the presence of the other. Culture reflects the way of life in a certain country, region, or place. There may
be a product or process that only the people in that area is practicing, and cannot be found in others. The
way a structure is designed and formed, is influenced by culture. It promotes the identity and uniqueness of
that place, by integrating a distinct design element or environment to the structures, and it may be the color,
texture, or the specific material used
As the way of living changes, architecture also adapts and evolve, responding to the current situation
or setup. Building types can also tell the cultural context of a place. The presence of church and other forms
of worship-related structures is a sign that the certain place believes in religion or considers it as one of their
foundation. Architecture will continue to change its form if there is a shift in the people’s practices. A rich
CHAPTER I | 39
Ecocentrism
culture would mean a rich architecture. This progress can be observed from the earlier days of simple living
and how it changes until it became complex.
d. Economic Aspect
Sustainable Commercial Facilities
In the book Sustainable Commercial Interiors, it is stated that sustainable design practices have a
positive effect from the three linked aspects, economic, environmental, and social. Efficient use of materials,
resources, and energy can gradually increase the revenue of businesses like malls, retail stores,
supermarkets, offices and other commercial-related types of establishments. It is beneficial both for the
building owner and the tenants.
In the website of Wellington City Council, wellington.govt.nz, an article entitled Benefits of

sustainable commercial buildings said that the energy cost for sustainable commercial buildings are 35 – 50
percent lower compared to the traditionally designed buildings. Productivity and user satisfaction can also
increase by applying sustainable solutions. The article also states that green buildings has a positive impact
for the customers, workers, and investors.
Sustainable Commercial Interiors also said that, “Human beings are at the center of concerns for
sustainable development”, as a certain project cannot be implemented without thorough evaluation of the
potential users. Sustainable solutions and features shall be based on user’s needs and activities as they are
the top priority. The statement “Healthy and productively in harmony with nature”, is one of the advocacies
of sustainable design. It is an upgrade to human life in terms of efficiency, without imposing harmful effects
CHAPTER I | 40
Ecocentrism
to the environment. A functional design from within to enhance user’s productivity, and a well-built
building envelope that can is designed considering the environmental characteristics and climatic conditions
of the place.
Low-cost Design
Sustainable architecture can also be related to low-cost design. It is one of the goals of sustainability
to decrease construction cost by using using low-cost yet effective materials. “Appropriate building
elements and materials which should be durable, sustainable, and easy to maintain, are significant step of
excellent sustainable architectural design (Fleming, 2005).” A built structure should be disaster-resilient,
using the appropriate building materials that can respond to the adverse effects of the environment. It should
be sustainable, using lesser energy or utilizing the energy that is be used in other purposes. Some
construction techniques consider the use of light-weight materials because they are easy to be replace and
to be fixed in case of damages.
Prefabrication is another key element in sustainable and low-cost design. Prefabricated materials are
commonly made off-site prior to the installation process. It is proven that the use of prefabricated
construction materials saves construction time, and also reduces the construction waste that is produced if
a certain material is made on-site.
"Cutting costs can be achieved in various ways without losing sight of utility or aesthetics (B S
Bhooshan).” As people continues to find ways on how they can achieve a cost-effective design and save
more construction budget, building functionality and appearance were sometimes sacrificed. Vernacular
architecture on the other hand, promotes the use of readily available materials, or the materials that can be
CHAPTER I | 41
Ecocentrism
found in the environment where a certain project is located, like bamboos and woods. Vernacular materials
can also be considered as sustainable as it can be easily prepared and maintained, and has low to zero
emission. Vernacular architecture is a great example of the use of low-cost materials, applied in a well-
arranged manner, and is functional at the same time.
CHAPTER I | 42
Ecocentrism
C. Research Frame
THEORETICAL AND CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
CHAPTER I | 43
Ecocentrism
Figure 1.4 Theoretical and Conceptual Framework
CHAPTER I | 44
Ecocentrism
At the beginning of the Theoretical and Conceptual Framework (Figure 1.1), the social problem where the study
started, was determined. It is the economic deficiencies experienced by the Provincial Government of Batangas. In order
to answer this dilemma, the local government proposed a project which is the Batangas Provincial Livelihood Center
(BPLC), a part of the Batangas Port Development Plan (BPDP). It was planned to house and promote the economic
activities of the locals of Batangas, and to produce more job opportunities. However, it did not commence operation and
became unutilized due to the dissatisfaction of clients and investors which has led to the BPLC being just a passageway
for the passengers to the Batangas Port Terminal 3. With this situation led the merchants of the Sta. Clara to experience
downfall on their business, gaining less income on their long stays of business hours. Since BPLC was not maintained,
it led to the physical downgrade of the building, plus the factor of ecological setting which is the coastal area of Batangas,
hasten the deterioration of the building. BPLC also became a burden to the provincial government, as their dept
continues.
The next part of the figure, shows the proposed the redevelopment of BPLC and how it was hindered by its
present conditions which were mentioned above. It shows how the study looks to address the onerous conditions of
BPLC such as, being unutilized, physical deterioration, and increasing dept, and how these will be answered by human
and site responsive solutions while considering its negative economic impact, environmental context, and budget
limitation for the proposed redevelopment.
The first sub problem is about how the redevelopment will address the negative economic impacts of the
construction of BPLC, and how a project that was expected to boost the economy of a province became an economic
burden itself. The social impact will be addressed, the involvement of users – the locals of Batangas, Port Workers,
clients and investors. The reasons why the BPLC failed to be utilized according to its purpose will be established through
environment-behavioral study, review of existing building laws such as National Building Code of the Philippines
CHAPTER I | 45
Ecocentrism
(NBCP), BP 144, and other related building design codes. The concept of ecocentrism and holistic architecture will be
applied, as it focuses on the deeper interconnection of the building, environment and users.
The second sub problem is mainly about how the revitalization of BPLC will be maximized, given the fact that
there is a budget constraint, while still considering the building’s effectiveness and efficiency. Suitable techniques and
strategies will be determined through in-depth understanding of green construction which involves energy-efficiency,
low-cost design, and net zero buildings. This will also be connected to the concepts that are mentioned above
(ecocentrism), as it will involve the relevance of considering the existing site and environment context in achieving cost-
effective design.
The third sub problem focuses on how the redevelopment will address the risks imposed by the ecological
setting of BPLC, given the fact that is situated near the coastal area of Batangas. The negative effects of the environment
like physical deterioration, will be identified through extensive review of vernacular architecture, climate-responsive
design, and the use of sustainable materials in connection with green construction. Retrofitting will be considered as it
is about improving an existing building in order to respond to the current environmental aspects and the continuously-
changing needs of the people.
Figure 1.1 also shows the relationship of the theories and concepts like ecocentrism, green design, and
vernacular materials and strategies, in achieving a well-rounded building construction and design. At the end of the
framework, use-based considerations, cost efficient and effective construction methods, and the proper redevelopment
method will be established as key pointers in redeveloping the Batangas Provincial Livelihood Center into an income-
generating complex.
CHAPTER I | 46
Ecocentrism
D. Methodology of the Study
a. Systems of Inquiry
In order to make the study possible, understanding the idea of the topic shall be of high priority; the
topic, which mainly focuses on how environmental-based design affects the economic sustainability of the
place where it is situated. Ocular inspection will be the first process to be used as it will help in assessing the
present environmental characteristics of the area, surrounding BPLC. Architects and environmentalists who
are proponents of Ecocentrism will be interviewed as they are knowledgeable about the importance of
integrating the environment into building design. These will be presented as the first-hand data. Secondary
data will come from books and studies about environmental-based design, human-responsive approach, as
well as the records and reports from relevant government agencies
b. Research Design
This research aims to achieve the goals and objectives presented in a table form that includes
objectives, which is the first step and will serve as the main guideline on what to study and research. The
second will be activity method, which is used as the main guideline during the processing of data and
information collection. The third is the expected output, which will be used as a basis on what to be achieved
at the end of the study. The fourth are the persons involved during the process of data collection, it determines
who should the researchers needs to talk to with regards to the problem. The fifth focuses on the tools that
are needed to be prepared and to be used during and after the interviews are conducted. The sixth and last
CHAPTER I | 47
Ecocentrism
would be the estimate time-frame, which is essential in guiding the researchers to stay on track and in-line
with the schedule. This also makes them aware on what needs to be done during a particular process.
c. Research Tactics
TIME PEOPLE EXPECTED

OBJECTIVES TACTIC INSTRUMENTS
FRAME INVOLVED OUTPUT
Conduct observation and

List of behavior
photo documentation on other
Observation of Passengers
facilities with relation to the
guidelines 1 day and Port
environmental setting of the
Camera Workers within
Batangas Provincial Livelihood
the BPLC
Center
Researchers
1. Determine the
relationship
between the
community and the
BPLC and how Books about List of
they respond to its Gather information through Human- strategies for
environment. books on how people respond responsive 3-4 hrs. user-
with its environment environment responsive
Journals design
Table of
Interview
Behavioral
guidelines
Conduct ocular observation on Merchants on the responses on
Interview
how merchants utilize the 3-4 days BPLC how the
questions
BPLC. Researchers merchants of
Camera
BPLC utilizes
Phone Recorder
the facility
CHAPTER I | 48
Ecocentrism
Table of
Behavioral
responses of
Conduct survey on residents Residents of Sta.
Survey forms Residents of
within the vicinity of the BPLC 1 week Clara, Batangas
Pen and paper Sta. Clara,
on how they utilize the facility Researchers
Batangas on
how they utilize
the facility
Table showing
the pictures
Conduct ocular observation of
and list of
the present conditions of the
physical
BPLC
characteristics
Observation of the BPLC
2. To assess the guidelines 1 week Researchers
present conditions Conduct ocular observation to Camera
List of physical
of the Batangas assess the present
and ecological
Provincial environment and its
site
Livelihood Center characteristics where the
characteristics
in terms of its Batangas Provincial Livelihood
of the BPLC
Physical is situated
Characteristics
Comprehensive
Interview
Conduct an interview with the BPLC assessment of
guidelines
BPLC’s management Administration the existing
Interview
regarding the existing physical 2-3 days and assigned physical and
questions
and economic conditions of the personnel economic
Camera
facility Researchers conditions of
Phone Recorder
BPLC
Report of the
3. Determine the Conduct interviews on the Sta. Interview BPDP
previous reasons Clara, Batangas Local guidelines regarding the
BPDP Project
why the BPLC Government about the Interview current
1 week Head
failed to be utilized Batangas Port Development questions situation of
Researchers
according to its Plan about its failure to be Camera BPLC and why
purpose. utilized Phone Recorder it failed to be
utilized
CHAPTER I | 49
Ecocentrism
Request Letter
Previous
for Batangas
Secure a copy of the previous Feasibility
Provincial 2-3 days Researchers
feasibility study for the BPLC study of the
Development
BPLC
Office
List of
substantial
Gather secondary information Books and
effective and
through books and related journals about
1 day Researchers efficient
studies regarding the efficient building
building
buildings construction
construction
techniques
Laptop
4. Determine the
Internet List of
effective methods
Conduct case studies on connection successful
and strategies on
facilities with effective building Books, journals construction
efficient and 1 day Researchers
design and efficient and methods
effective building
operational life Magazines applied on
designs
about building coastal areas
construction
Interview
guidelines Effective
Conduct discussion with Ar. Ma. Saturnina
Interview techniques for
Filipino Architects on how to 3-4 days Parungao
questions efficient
develop efficient buildings. Researchers
Camera building design
Phone Recorder
Design
5. Develop
considerations
guidelines in Books, journals
Gather information about the to avoid or
designing buildings and magazines
causes and effects of 1 day Researchers mitigate the
in relation to the about building
deterioration BPLC's
coastal deterioration
possible
environment to
deterioration
CHAPTER I | 50
Ecocentrism
avoid
biodeterioration. Conduct observation and Observation Physical
assessment of the physical guidelines 2 days Researchers analysis of the
characteristics of the site. Camera BPLC
Effective
Laptop
Conduct case studies on design
Internet
developments on coastal strategies on
Connection 1 day Researchers
areas on how they design how to design
Pen and Paper
according to its site context buildings on
Camera
coastal areas
Effective
methods on
climate
Laptop
Watch documentaries on responsive
Internet
climate and coastal-responsive 1 day Researchers design List of
connection
buildings construction
Pen and paper
techniques to
be avoided for
coastal areas
6. Assess the
structural stability Interview Batangas Considerations
of the BPLC to Gather information in the guidelines Provincial about the
determine the Architect of the redevelopment Interview Planing and government's
3-4 days
proper of the BPLC regarding its questions Development plan to the
redevelopment plans on reviving the facility Camera Office Director BPLC's
method that should Phone Recorder Researchers reconstruction
be applied
CHAPTER I | 51
Ecocentrism
Interview
Interview Ar. Ma. Saturnina guidelines List of effective
Ar. Ma. Saturnina
Parungao regarding efficient Interview and efficient
7. Develop 3-4 days Parungao
low-cost methods of questions building
strategies and Researchers
construction. Camera designs
techniques for low- Phone Recorder
cost construction,
considering the
List of possible
possible effects of
Books, journals construction
deterioration. Gather information about local
and magazines methods and
materials for low-cost 1 day Researchers
about building materials for
construction
materials low-cost
redevelopment
Table 1.1 Research methodology
E. Bibliography
Abdel-Azim, G., Osman, K. (2017, November 6). The importance of cultural dimensions in the design process of the
vernacular societies. Retrieved from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2090447917301193
Abraham, J.P. (2010). Redesigning Kansas City’s Government District Using the Urban-Design Approach of
Responsive Environments (Master’s Thesis, Kansan State University, Manhattan, Kansas). Retrieved from http://krex.k-
state.edu/dspace/handle/2097/4117
Ajrawat, A., Sharma A.K. (2017, January 18). Need for Development of Coastal Architecture. Retrieved from:
https://www.researchtrend.net/ijet/pdf/56-%2069.%20MNIT%20conference,2017.pdf
Al-Hammad, A. (n.a.). Causes of Deterioration in Buildings. Retrieved from:

http://faculty.kfupm.edu.sa/ARE/amhammad/ARE-457-course-web/Causes-of-deterioration-in-buildings-Latest.pdf
ARIRANG NEWS (2018, March 18). Avoiding 'white elephants' in Pyeongchang after Winter Olympics. Retrieved
from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Y7EyQo3jyo
CHAPTER I | 52
Ecocentrism
Balaji, K. V., Gopalaraju, S. S., & Trilochan, J. (2010, July). Deterioration of concrete structures in coastal
environment due to carbonation. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21391402
Bentley, I., Alcock, Alan., Murrain, P., McGlynn, S., & Smith, G. Responsive Environments: A Manual for Designers.
(1985). pp. 56-57
Bonda, P., Sosnowchik, K., & Minchew, S., Sustainable Commercial Interiors.
Cantos, JR (2009, June 1). Batangas International Airport. Retrieved from: http://wowbatangas.com/towns-and-
cities/batangas-city/batangas-international-port/
Commission on Audit (2017, December 31). Annual Audit of the Province of Batangas. Retrieved from:
https://www.coa.gov.ph/index.php/local-government-units/2017/category/7055-provinces
Copeland, C. (n.a.). What Are the Causes of Deterioration in Buildings? Retrieved from:
https://www.hunker.com/12455841/what-are-the-causes-of-deterioration-in-buildings
Cost-effective architecture for comfort and economy. (2004, October 23). Retrieved from:
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/bangalore/Cost-effective-architecture-for-comfort-and-economy/articleshow/894740.cms
De la Hyde, David (2012, November 5). The Port of Batangas. Retrieved from:
http://www.delahyde.com/lubang/pagesl/Port_of_Batangas.html
Essay: Architecture and culture. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://architectureau.com/articles/essay-architecture-and-culture/
Essays, UK. (November 2013). Causes of Deterioration in Building and Their Services Construction. Retrieved from
https://www.ukessays.com/essays/construction/causes-of-deterioration-in-building-and-their-services-construction-
essay.php?vref=1
Heckroodt, R.O. (2002). Guide to the Deterioration and Failure of Building Materials. Retrieved from:
https://www.icevirtuallibrary.com/doi/book/10.1680/gttdafofbm.31722
Holmes, K. (2011, April 27). Creativity Bytes: A Brief Guide To Interactive Architecture. Retrieved from
https://creators.vice.com/en_au/article/xyvmad/creativity-bytes-a-brief-guide-to-interactive-architecture
CHAPTER I | 53
Ecocentrism
In-depth conversation with Dr. Brinda Somaya on Life, Architecture and much more! (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.zingyhomes.com/latest-trends/architecture-and-culture-relation-influence/
Kawamura, H. (2005). Towards an Eco-Centric Architecture. Retrieved from:

https://www.irbnet.de/daten/iconda/CIB3881.pdf
Maeghe, Mark (2015, June). Designing for change: The poetic potential of responsive architecture. Retrieved from:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095263515000151
Manila Bulletin (2016, October 17). Batangas as Virtual Federal State. Retrieved from:
https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/manila-bulletin/20161017/282084866327494
Manolo, Lyka (2017, October 24). Batangas’ ‛white elephant’ to be P200-M commercial hub. Retrieved from:
https://news.mb.com.ph/2017/10/24/batangas-white-elephant-to-be-p200-m-commercial-hub/
Mazzoleni, I. (2017, April 26). An Eco-Centric Approach to Architecture. Retrieved from:

https://medium.com/international-arts-mind-lab/q-a-an-eco-centric-approach-to-architecture-bf55111dd832.
McCall, R., O’Neill, S., Carroll, F., Benyon, D., & Smyth, M. (2005). Responsive Environements, Place and Presence.
PsychNology Journal, 3(1), 35-73. Retrieved from http://www.psychnology.org/File/PSYCHNOLOGY_
JOURNAL_3_1_MCCALL.pdfOffice of the City Mayor. The City Socio-Economic, Physical and Political Profile. (2015).
Oxford Business Group (2017). Hermilando Mandanas, Governor, Province of Batangas: Interview. Retrieved from:
https://oxfordbusinessgroup.com/interview/hermilando-mandanas-governor-province-of-batangas-philippines-2017
Ozaeta, Tina G. (2017, November 21). Batangas to convert old port into business hub. Retrieved from:
https://www.manilatimes.net/batangas-convert-old-port-business-hub/364110/
PortCalls Asia (2015, October 7). ATI to Operate Batangas Port for another decade. Retrieved from:
https://www.portcalls.com/ati-operate-batangas-port-decade/
Province of Batangas (2017). History of Batangas. Retrieved from: http://www.batangas.gov.ph/portal/history/
Rayos, Joenald M. (2017, October 25). “Sesyon sa labas ng kapitolyo, ligal ba?”. Retrieved from:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPvhItA3lIM
CHAPTER I | 54
Ecocentrism
Shao, Jizhong. (2013, September) Sustainable strategies applied on commercial architecture in Australia. Retrieved
from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095263513000253
Silva, M.R., Naik, T.R. (n.a.). Biodeterioration of Concrete Structures in Coastal Zone. Retrieved from:
http://www.claisse.info/2013%20papers/data/e418.pdf
Washington, H., Taylor, B., Kopnina, H., Cryer, P., & Piccolo, JJ. (2017, July 03). Why ecocentrism is the key pathway
to sustainability. Retrieved from:
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Helen_Kopnina2/publication/315580893_Why_ecocentrism_is_the_key_pathway_to_sustai
nability/links/58d4f3504585153378514750/Why-ecocentrism-is-the-key-pathway-to-sustainability.pdf
Welcome to Batangas City. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.batangascity.gov.ph/
Wellington City Council. Benefits of sustainable commercial buildings. Retrieved from:

https://wellington.govt.nz/services/environment-and-waste/sustainability/businesses/benefits-of-sustainable-commercial-
buildings
Yuzon, N., Dinglasan, K., Borbon, J. The Socio-Economic Impacts of Batangas International Port in the Tourism
Industry. (2012).
CHAPTER I | 55

Chapter 1 Final

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Chapter 1 Final

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Batangas Commercial Complex: The Redevelopment of the Batangas Provincial Livelihood Center into an Environment-responsive Income-generating Complex through

A major part of this project is the Batangas Provincial Livelihood

A. The Problem and its Setting

a. Background of the Study

The development of Batangas Port affects the

The unmaintained BPLC is continuously downgrading and deteriorating, making it visually

The Provincial Government suffers from financial crisis

d. Objectives of the Study

• Conduct an interview with the Provincial Planning and Development of Batangas

• Conduct case studies on developments on coastal areas.

e. Scope of the Study

f. Limitations of the Study

Budget and Time Constraint

Construction Material and Methods

Safety and Security

g. Significance of the Study

• Economic development of the Batangas

• Coastal Environment of Batangas

• Batangas Port Administration, Workers, Passengers and Operations

• Public Structures and newly-built buildings

Department of Transportation to continuously improve the existing port systems in the

• Commission of Audit (COA)

B. Review of Related Literature

a. Historical Backdrop and Present Condition

Redevelopment of the Batangas Provincial Livelihood Center

b.1 Coastal Setting

In the Philippines, living in a coastal setting are experiencing an unprecedented rate of

Climate change in Coastal areas

Coastal Building Materials

b.2 Green and Sustainability

b.3 Vernacular Architecture

Vernacular in Coastal areas

b.4 Building Deterioration

b.5 Ecocentric Architecture

Adaptability is very essential to evolution, yet the contemporary architecture is o is often so

Moderation and Balance

b.6 Responsive Environment Architecture

Variety, Legibility and Robustness

Livelihood of Residents of Sta. Clara, Batangas

Sustainable Commercial Facilities

In the website of Wellington City Council, wellington.govt.nz, an article entitled Benefits of

Figure 1.4 Theoretical and Conceptual Framework

D. Methodology of the Study

TIME PEOPLE EXPECTED

Conduct observation and

Table 1.1 Research methodology

Al-Hammad, A. (n.a.). Causes of Deterioration in Buildings. Retrieved from:

Essay: Architecture and culture. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://architectureau.com/articles/essay-architecture-and-culture/

Kawamura, H. (2005). Towards an Eco-Centric Architecture. Retrieved from:

Mazzoleni, I. (2017, April 26). An Eco-Centric Approach to Architecture. Retrieved from:

Province of Batangas (2017). History of Batangas. Retrieved from: http://www.batangas.gov.ph/portal/history/

Welcome to Batangas City. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.batangascity.gov.ph/

Wellington City Council. Benefits of sustainable commercial buildings. Retrieved from:

You might also like