NAVIGATING MUDDY GROUNDS:

INTEGRATING GREEN LANDSCAPES, PAVED WALKWAYS, AND

GAZEBOS

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A Concept Paper
Presented to the
English Department
Integrated Developmental School
MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology

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In Partial Fulfillment
for the Course
English for Academic and
Professional Purposes

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RAFA GAYLE Echavez BENITEZ

JUSTINE Salingay BUNAO
JANIKA LEINE Bantilan ESCALA
JUDE VIRGIL Barillo LAISAC
JEHAN Magondacan MACAPINTAL
ANNE KIRSTEN Daminar SABDANI
KHREZIA ANN Dagondon SATOR

November 2023
Introduction
With the 2023 inauguration of the Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute
of Technology (MSU-IIT) Integrated Developmental School (IDS) in Hinaplanon, the
occupying Grade 12 students faced inconveniences with the ongoing building
constructions, undefined jeepney routes, and the prevalent issue of muddy grounds.
The construction of the campus aimed to mitigate the flood hazard as the site and
Barangay Hinaplanon itself is highly susceptible to flooding (Iligan City Geohazard
Map, 2012). While the campus has now remained resilient against flooding, a
subsequent issue has emerged - the ground left bare has led to muddy conditions
during rainfall. These conditions extend across the entirety of the barren school
grounds including walkways, leaving ample space for customary landscaping
opportunities. A well-designed learning environment, including comfortable paths,
school buildings, and natural landscape features, plays a crucial role in motivating and
enhancing the learning and teaching processes (Ariani and Mirdad, 2015). As IDS
aims to achieve optimum student performance, this research will focus on navigating
the persistent issue of muddy grounds through beautification; proposing the
integration of green landscapes, paved walkways, and gazebos.

Rationale
The beautification of the campus not only enhances the aesthetic value of the
school's environment but also helps address problems associated with safety concerns
on the slippery muddy pathways. Additionally, after heavy rainfall, the presence of
muddy footprints tracked into the building makes the school premises look poorly
maintained and visually unappealing. Moreover, there are currently no outdoor spaces
for the students to gather, take a break, or seek shade from the sun or rain.
As the school community encounters muddy grounds and an unsatisfying
environment while entering the campus, it has become a problem that displeases the
community. NMG stands as an effective way to improve the school grounds and
provide satisfaction and comfort to the school community.

Project Description
Iligan has been experiencing persistent heavy rainfall recently. During rainfall,
the campus of IDS located in Hinaplanon is affected. This results in the grounds being
muddy, wet, and often smelly.
 This proposal presents various combined solutions to help lessen or eliminate
this problem. The plan is to integrate greenery, especially grass planting, that covers
the whole area to make it less muddy. Additionally, with the improvement of the
pathways and areas, students can cross the lawn easily without the problems of the
mud. Preventing areas from becoming wet can also in return help with controlling
pests such as mosquitos.
NMG is a project designed to improve the grounds of our school and provide
much-needed beautification efforts and enhanced facilities through our students,
faculties, and staff that strive to maintain the beauty of MSU-IIT IDS Hinaplanon
Campus. Additionally, this project aims to provide comfort to the school community.
The project aims to provide a seamless walking experience while reducing its
negative effects on the environment by combining the natural beauty of green spaces
with the usefulness of well-designed paths. The design aims to create an aesthetically
pleasant setting that promotes engagement with nature through the planned integration
of pathways and grass. Furthermore, the remodeling of the gazebo aims to make it a
multipurpose area that serves as the centerpiece, a flexible venue for different kinds of
events, a place for community meetings, and a way to support the development of a
personal feeling in the environment.
The main objective of the project is to maintain the natural landscape while
constructing accessible pathways that meet different demands. Prioritizing
sustainability implies placing a value on environmentally friendly buildings and
design methods to reduce negative environmental effects. Another objective involves
achieving harmony between green spaces and walkways, aiming for a balance that
enhances both visual appeal and functionality.
This project will propose combined solutions that target multiple problems in
the IDS Hinaplanon Campus, incorporating green landscaping by employing carabao
grass to improve muddy soils. The project will be presented to the administration in
the form of a formal proposal explaining its objectives, potential outcomes, and
required resources, to receive evaluation and approval. This presentation will be
thoroughly reviewed by the administration to acquire the necessary budgetary support
for the effective completion of the project's objectives.
 Figure 1. Image of reference for pathway

Permeable pavement are pavements that can be used as pathways that are built
to allow the natural percolation of water into the earth, helps decrease runoff, and
increases groundwater recharging. These pathways not only promote environmental
sustainability but also provide a dependable route for individuals to travel while
maintaining environmental responsibility.
 Figure 2. Image of reference for a gazebo

Gazebos are outdoor living structures that serve to provide shade, protection
from rain, and a place to rest while acting as an ornamental feature. Figure 2 shows
what a gazebo may look like for the convenience of the school community. It is made
up of a small roof over an open structure, sometimes laden with seats and an open
space in the middle that can be used for a variety of purposes. The design may vary
according to what complements the architectural style of the school building and is
often slightly elevated above ground. The right side of the figure shows a possible
extension of a gazebo with additional chairs and tables for more space for students to
find a place to eat. The gazebo should be located to the right of the pathway that
connects the entrance to the campus and building.
 The project's intended outcomes include the beautification of MSU-IIT IDS in
Hinaplanon such as the construction of gazebos and the resolution of difficulties
connected to muddy pathways.
The problems associated with muddy pathways are safety concerns associated
with slippery surfaces during adverse weather conditions, limited accessibility,
inconvenient walking conditions, indoor cleanliness issues, and aesthetic detraction.
Improving the muddy pathways can mitigate safety concerns associated with slippery
surfaces during adverse weather conditions such as minimizing the risks of falls and
slips. Furthermore, adding pavements and grass to the muddy pathways can provide
accessibility for individuals with varying mobility levels. Walking through a muddy
pathway creates discomfort and inconvenience and could cause footwear wear and
tear since the presence of mud accelerates the deterioration of footwear (Baron, 2023).
Since the muddy pathways are the only path the students, faculty members, and staff
can take, the presence of footprints tracking into buildings can result in cleanliness
challenges for interior spaces. In addition, the muddy pathways and the presence of
muddy footprints on the interior detract from the visual appeal of the school,
impacting the overall aesthetic.
Integrating the cultivation of carabao grass and creating cemented pavements
into the school's landscape serves as a strategic solution to address the issue of muddy
pathways and could potentially target the problem of erosion. By strategically
planting carabao grass along pathways and areas prone to mud accumulation, the
grass's dense root system helps bind the soil, preventing erosion and reducing the risk
of slippery surfaces during inclement weather (Plants vs Erosion, 2023). This
eco-friendly approach not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the school grounds
but also contributes to the overall stability of the soil, fostering a safer and more
secure environment for students, teachers, and staff. Furthermore, it also minimizes
water stagnation, reducing health risks linked to waterborne diseases and limiting the
breeding ground for pests, specifically mosquitoes.
Building a gazebo inside the school can provide benefits such as recreation
and relaxation, as well as aesthetic enhancement. It can function as a protected
outdoor place that provides shade from the sun or rain, allowing outdoor activities to
continue in different weather conditions, as well as an alternate, stimulating location
for discussions or outdoor lessons that promote dynamic learning. It also serves as a
communal space for students to socialize and establish a sense of community, thereby
boosting the overall school atmosphere. Furthermore, the gazebo provides a tranquil
setting for students and faculty to relax, read, and unwind. The addition of a gazebo
improves the overall aesthetics of the school grounds by providing a visually pleasing
focal point.
The success of the implementation of the project will be evaluated through
surveys as it is an efficient evaluation method. Collecting data through surveys allows
the gathering of feedback from a large number of students, teachers, and staff in a
structured and organized manner. Moreover, it allows the school community to state
their perspectives on the implemented changes. The evaluation of the project outcome
will consider several criteria to assess the project outcome. The criteria will include
goal alignment, cost efficiency, safety and accessibility, functionality and practicality,
environmental impact, and community engagement. The extent to which the
implemented plan aligns with the initial goals and objectives that were set for the
project will be assessed. Additionally, the evaluation will assess the cost-effectiveness
of the project, considering factors such as the allocated budget, utilization of
resources, and the overall value delivered. The project's functionality and practicality
along with its safety and accessibility will also be assessed to ensure the facilities
meet the practical needs of the community and to ensure equal access and inclusivity
for all members of the school community. Its environmental impact will also be
evaluated to assess the project’s consideration of sustainable practices. Lastly,
community involvement will be evaluated to assess the level of utility and satisfaction
of the school community. By evaluating the facility and beautification plan with these
criteria, a comprehensive assessment can be made to determine the project’s success
and identify areas that need further improvement.
Project Needs and Costs

Materials Quantity Cost

Task name

Path base Steel 25 ₱135 each

Pavement Cement Approx. 220 ₱240/bag

for bags
pathway
and Sand 2 cubic meter ₱1,000/cubic meter
stepping
stones Gravel 3 cubic meter ₱1,100/cubic meter

Stepping Plywood - From ₱ 310.00

Purchasing and Stone (framework)
gathering of Base
Coco lumber - From ₱86.00 -
materials
wood (brace) ₱260.00

Simple Bamboo - Between ₱44.52 -

Wooden ₱333.9 per
Gazebo kilogram

Total: -

Establishing gazebos and paved pathways inside IDS Hinaplanon is a

comprehensive and costly project, thus requiring careful planning. To pioneer this
project, a budget is needed to be able to allocate the needed materials, human
resources, and expenses. (costs here, to be discussed) — Human resources include
skilled labor such as construction workers or engineers for the construction and
management of the project. The completion of this project will vary depending on the
availability and type of materials to be used, however, the estimate suggests ( few to
several months of planning.)

Timeline
This project involves construction, therefore, creating a concrete timeline is
challenging for the researchers to establish. This is primarily due to the numerous
factors that can influence the construction process and impact its timeline. These
factors include weather conditions, availability of materials and equipment,
unforeseen site conditions, coordination with stakeholders, and labor and workforce
availability.
 References

Ariani, M. G., & Mirdad, F. (2015). The effect of school design on student
performance. International Education Studies, 9(1), 175.
https://doi.org/10.5539/ies.v9n1p175

Baron, C. (2023, July 25). Why you should clean your shoes regularly: The Hidden
Dangers of Dirty Shoes | Shoe MGK. Shoe MGK.
https://shoemgk.com/why-you-should-clean-your-shoes-regularly-the-hidden-
dangers-of-dirty-shoes/#:~:text=Foul%20Odors%20and%20Bacteria%20Build
,foot%20infections%20and%20skin%20irritations.

Iligan City Geohazard Map. (2012).

https://sheltercluster.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/public/docs/MGB_Flood
-Susceptibility-Map_Iligan.pdf

Plants vs Erosion: The Power of Erosion Control Plants. (2023, October 16).
Graniteseed.com.
https://graniteseed.com/blog/how-do-plants-help-prevent-erosion/#:~:text=Alt
hough%20it%20might%20not%20seem

Selina Wamucii. (2020, February 18). Page Analysis » Selina Wamucii.

https://www.selinawamucii.com/insights/prices/philippines/bamboo/#:~:text=
The%20retail%20price%20range%20in,lb)%20in%20Manila%20and%20Que
zon.

Roundy, D. (2023, October 16). How do plants help in erosion control? Granite Seed
and Erosion Control.
https://graniteseed.com/blog/how-do-plants-help-prevent-erosion/#:~:text=Pla
nts%20For%20Erosion%20Control,stems%20act%20as%20thick%20barriers.
 APPENDIX

Problems Possible Solutions

Facility ● Exhaust fans

● Poor Ventilation
● Lack of Proper Maintenance of
Comfort Rooms
● No Fire Exit and Inaccessible
Stairs
● No Jeepney/Bus Waiting Stations
● Inadequate Cooling
● Lack of access to school
supplies/printing since not
allowed to go out
● Water leaking from the ceiling
● No broadcasting system
● Air purification
● Sense of Cleanliness (CR
maintenance as a student
assignment and fix the locks)
● Emergency Slide
● Create waiting sheds
● Construction of Bookstore
(someone managing the selling of
school supplies)
● Fix the ceiling crack
● Installation of Speakers and
broadcasting rooms

Waste Management
● The use of plastic utensils and
bottles.
● Lack of Recycling Programs
● Inadequate handling and disposal
of hazardous waste, such as ● Student grass planting
chemicals from science
laboratories.
● Single-Use plastic usage
● Lack of waste segregation
● Inadequate Pest Control

Beautification
● No Landscaping
● No pathway for students to use ● Establishing a lawn; grassy grounds
when grounds are muddy with plants
● School grounds lack greenery
● Absence of Public Art Displays