UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES SCHOOL OF URBAN AND REGIONAL PLANNING

In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for Research Methods in Planning (Plan 299) 1st Semester, A.Y. 2012- 2013

The Viability of Integrating Green and Vernacular Architecture in the Tourism Development of Donsol, Sorsogon

Submitted to: Ma. Sheilah Gaabucayan-Napalang, Dr. Eng. Professor

Submitted by: Vinson P. Serrano

October 2012

Table of Contents Title Page Table of Contents I. Background and Significance of the Study Introduction Donsol, Sorsogon as Main Study Area: Looking At Whale Shark Ecotourism Activity II. Review of Related Literature Green and Vernacular Architecture: Social Acceptability To Achieve Sustainability Role of Architects and Environmental Planners in the protection of the environment Studying Vernacular Architecture: Approach and Methodology Vernacular Architecture vis--vis Green Architecture Vernacular and Green Architecture Towards Green Urbanism and Sustainability Ecotourism and Carrying Capacity: Definition Establishment of Carrying Capacity Donsol, Sorsogon: Local Government Unit Profile III. Research Problem Conceptual Framework IV. Data Collection A. Methodology B. Tools 10 11 12 14 18 19 20 20 21
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2 4 4

4 5

7 7 8

V. Analytical Method VI. Research Timetable VII. Bibliography

22 23 25 26 26 28 29 30

VIII. Appendices Donsol Comprehensive Land Use Plan: Tourism Proposed General Land Use Map Tourism Facilities Map Sample Survey Questionnaire

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I. Background and Significance of the Study Introduction Vernacular and native are two words more often than not associated, and these two concepts generally refer to a language or dialect of a people, associated with architecture given a qualitative status. Architecture as defined as both art and science of designing, building, and creating spaces in the context of utility, strength, and beauty. In recent years of study, vernacular architecture has been viewed with relation to green architecture, which mainly involves the use of the traditional materials and setting for the consideration of the design and operation of the built environment. But from then, there has been no clear evidence or studies on the correlation between vernacular and green architecture. For instance, green architecture has demonstrated huge impacts on energy efficiency and environmentally sound design, but to look on the concept of vernacular architecture has not been directly correlated to each other. On the other hand, vernacular architecture tries to pursue knowledge on the traditional architecture that is born out of the place where it originated. Both areas of specialization are often associated to each other but the fundamental framework between the two concepts has not been established yet in the recent years.

Donsol, Sorsogon as Main Study Area: Looking At Whale Shark Ecotourism Activity

In January 1998, the sudden discovery of whale sharks or Butanding (Rhincodon Typus) along the shores of Donsol, Sorsogon in the Bicol region has turned a once-quiet town from an ill-equipped community into a potential ecotourism destination in the country. Such discovery brought an influx of tourists and unprecedented effects of the growing community development giving rise to several community development problems. Moreover, the concept of ecotourism is to be further established in the operations of the municipal planning development as it aims to become an effective tool for conservation towards

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sustainable development.1

Donsol, Sorsogon hailed as the Whale Shark Capital of the World for having the biggest number of whale shark congregation on a single time of sighting has tremendously contributed to the socio-economic prosperity of the municipality and to the entire region as well. Such incidence raised the economic activities consequently benefiting the vast majority of villagers on creating small to medium enterprises and adding an alternative source of livelihood to the community. This scenario has brought the municipality with the rapid increase of urban development, not only on infrastructure but also on other sectors which might pose a threat on the sustainable ecotourism development on the region. Likewise, the promotion on sustainability and ecotourism practices were being implemented, but the physical developments were not being strictly monitored in the recent years.

II. Review of Related Literature Green and Vernacular Architecture: Social Acceptability To Achieve Sustainability Discussing the importance of vernacular architecture was the main point of study published by Oliver in his book, Built To Meet Needs: Cultural Issues In Vernacular Architecture. According to Oliver (2006)2, one of the importance of studying vernacular architecture is that it is in the quest for knowledge of the diversity of mankinds solution to the problems of dwelling and accommodation of sacred and secular community functions. Ergo, looking at vernacular architecture as a social issue is also significant for the mutual benefit of cultures all over the world. This explains the relationship between mans culture and living conditions, how architecture has transformed the lives of people in relation to the natural context of its environment. Looking at the roots of the past, this study

Serrano, V. 2010. Aquatika: Whale Shark Exploration Center: Undergraduate Thesis. BS Architecture. University of Santo Tomas College of Architecture. 2 Oliver, P., 2006. Built to meet needs: cultural issues in vernacular architecture. 1st ed. Oxford: Elsevier Ltd.
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suggests that it is more logical to find appropriate solutions and to explore more on these concepts, thereby making it necessary to explore, to arrive with dynamic and effective solutions for the benefit of solution finding on various social problems. Through this study, it is further aimed to give significant contribution for the mutual benefit of cultures all over the world, finally giving connection on the social dimensions of the physical built environment.

His statements were further explained that to be able to reconnect the associated context of vernacular architecture to the different cultures all around the world, studying vernacular architecture would not only give way on the deeper level of understanding but will also create practical applications on indigenous solutions to environmental problems that may give a material incentive to the urgent recovery of vernacular know-how. This will pave the way on how knowledge on vernacular architecture may unlock questions and ideas on the connection of the future to its roots. Oliver (2006) said, For a culture without the presence of its history is a culture without roots and, very possibly, without meaning.

This level of association to the varying scale and detail of studying vernacular architecture, exploration on this idea may give numerous solutions that will further lead to the idea of authoritative and monumental architecture, and the concept of exploitation of natural resources. This will find connection on how people will build the foundation of inheritance, that vernacular architecture may be passed on to future generations in a manner where it is technologically undamaging- allowing technology to prosper without giving damage to the environment, culturally acceptable- maintaining the soul of ones culture to permeate on the innovations of architecture, and symbolically significant buildings- buildings that are of importance and can become representation of a community, in compatible landscape environments. To arrive with architecture that is socially encompassing while keeping its harmony on nature it is indeed, architecture that is of the people that can be truly lived.

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Role of Architects and Environmental Planners in the protection of the environment

Oliver (2006) emphasized on his study that essentially, architects play an important role in conservation of the natural and built environment. Conservation as a practice involves a more interpretative work- a discipline that seeks to recreate the qualities of vernacular architecture without imitating them. Vernacular architecture not only teaches how to use the natural resources, but also on how to employ proper use of energy, which corresponds to its relationship to the concept of green architecture.

Similarly, environmental planners who do provide development plans for a probable time in the future may aid architects in the process of conservation. Planners may incorporate concepts of conservation, looking at its innate potential as means of development of the socio-economic growth of a community.

Studying Vernacular Architecture: Approach and Methodology

Oliver (2006) described that there are two methodologies of studying vernacular architecture, 1) Without formal-, a discipline-based on researchers interest, and 2) Meticulous recordings of structural information and building details. On these two types of methodology, a research may opt to get involved in the study of vernacular architecture depending on the researchers interest and technical know-how. These methodologies further explain that upon pursuing the type of methodology, such use of methodology may depend on the type of application of study of vernacular architecture.

In relation to the context of social dimensions of vernacular architecture to its application to the study of green architecture, concepts published in the book of Hawkes et. al,3 The Selective Environment: Environmental Design and Cultural Identity explains the direct relationship of environmental design and cultural identity. Three distinctive modes of environmental control may be applied
Hawkes, D., McDonald, J. and Steemers, K.., 2002. The selective environment: an approach to environmentally responsive architecture. London: Spon Press.
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in architecture, 1) conservative- which is global in view, 2) selective- which is regional in view, and 3) regenerative- which is local in view.

Hawkes et. al. (2002) explained that these modes of environmental control can be treated inductively (micro to macro level approach) or deductively (macro to micro level approach) depending on the scale of observation in which the environmental design and cultural identity is being viewed. This elucidates the variety of approach that can be used to define the magnitude of impacts of environmental control in relation to the concepts of vernacular architecture.

Vernacular Architecture vis--vis Green Architecture

Similar to the level of approach to Hawkes is the concept of ecodesign of a environmentalist, architect, and urban planner, Ken Yeang relates the concept of environmentally sound architecture to his term ecodesign which he referred to as the seamless benign environmental integration of all human-made environment and all human-made activities with the natural environment. Yeang (2006)4 believed that the vital premise and the predominant issue in ecological design or ecodesign is essentially one of the effective integration of all our human-made systems with the natural systems and processes in the biosphere. In this context, to be able to create a harmonious relationship between the built and natural environment, there are three separate levels to approach the objective of biointegration- 1) dispositional, 2) geographical, and 3) locational integration of our built environment. Such levels of approach looking at the viewpoint of two researches solidify these concepts. However, Yeang (2006) further elaborates the idea to achieve the systematic approach to biointegration.

Systematic-integration is the integration of the flows, functions, operations, and processes of our built environment with the process and functions of the ecosystems and the biosphere. This process would involve the assessment of all the processes of the natural and built environment and on how these processes can be integrated to a system without causing any harm or damage to one another.
4

Yeang, K., 2006. Ecodesign: A Manual For Ecological Design. 1st ed. Great Britain: Wiley-Academy.
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This system of integration aims to achieve harmony in terms of the operation of all buildings with respect to the local site context, with the view of climate, geographic location and typology, and its social and cultural acceptability (Yeang).

Temporal integration is the integration at a sustainable rate of the use and consumption of the natural resources, ecosystems, and biospheric processes by humans and by our built environment with the natural rates of renewal and regeneration occurring in the ecosystems and in the biosphere, as defined by Yeang (2006). Through which, to be able to meet a responsive vernacular architecture that is ecologically sound, the extraction of materials to be used should be carefully assessed and maintained at a rate that should not be consumed to further depletion. Through which, the final component of integration would consist of the consequences of the built systems emissions and outputs and of their reuse or recycling within the existing human-made environment including their eventual assimilation or reintegration to the natural environment. Following the cycle, after careful integration of the natural and built environment, the built environment is aimed to be united with the natural environment not just on the context of physical foundation but also on its life-long cycle of operation.

Ecodesign involves territorial shaping of that human-made environments form and of its content, functions and processes and the monitoring of its passage during its life cycle, where the environmental consequences of its creation as well as the environmental consequences of its total set of environmental interactions, its inputs and outputs and the other related aspects and activities, such as transportation, etc, are carried out so as to integrate benignly, seamlessly and symbiotically with the natural environment (Yeang).

In conclusion, the theoretical framework of green design should be a designed system that acts like a living organism: in place of food, it uses energy and materials, and also produces outputs into its environment. Out theoretical structure should therefore model all these exchanges (Yeang).

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Vernacular and Green Architecture Towards Green Urbanism and Sustainability

Steffen Lehmann on the concepts of green urbanism- relationship of the vernacular and green architecture to its subsequent effects on urbanism at large greatly contributes to the promotion of sustainability of a particular place or a community. According to Lehmann (2007)5, sustainability in architecture is about an attitude of making place and space, and less about the technological solutions to ventilation. Lehmann (2007) emphasized that it is important to recognize that architecture is predominantly about meaning, about human experience and substance. Such recognition to the meaning, experience, and substance of the social context of architecture can be attributed to vernacular architecture which looks at the entire paradigm of human in relation to its built and natural environment, and on how the social conditions were transformed according to these physical conditions. Furthermore, Lehmman (2007) further elaborated that architecture and urban design have the potential to re-establish its relationship with nature, the climate, the experience of the sun, the rain, and the wind.

Looking at the context of effects of green urbanism, one major aim is to facilitate the revitalization of pedestrian-friendly city center wherein questions on urbanization patterns, density, public transport, sprawl, water management, solar orientation, day lighting, construction systems, supply chains, etc., are absolutely crucial in the process of urban design decisions (Lehmann).

Important points in consideration on the research of sustainable urban design recommends through the adaptive re-use of former industrially used sites which called as brownfield sites, the careful consideration of placement of buildings (orientation), and how compactly they are grouped has a fundamental and direct impact on energy consumption, determines traffic patterns and thus, the production of green house gases. In which, the overall development of the built and natural environment and its density influences directly the urban climate.

Lehmann, S., 2007. Sustainability on the Urban Scale: Green Urbanism. Hanoi, Vietnam. 15-16 2007. Hanoi: International Conference on Sustainable Architectural Design and Urban Planning.
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As density was introduced by Lemann (2007) as a planning issue on his paper on sustainable architectural design and urban planning, Daniel Klauss (1998)6 relates the conventional patterns of urban development that have frequently led to lower densities and greater infrastructure costs are unlikely to remain economically feasible, as the greater dispersion of activity centers lead to an increased automobile dependency. Klauss (1998) explained that the aim of a significant amount of new developments is to get the right mix of usage, scale, and increased density to create a city center with a compact and spatially complex model. Through consideration of new models of urban centers, all aspects of the environment have to be considered, wherein in urban context, the quality of space and light, the compositional questions of urban form and grouping, and the choice of materials all have to be considered as an integral part of an ecological, wellbalanced proposal. Thereby, agreement on the general idea of several authors that the greatest challenge in terms of sustainable building lies in the area of energy consumption through operation. As an over-all view of the study, Scott (2007)7 said that environmentally responsible design is at its best when it achieves an outcome in which the environmentally sensible elements are closely linked to the design process, go beyond being additive, and become meaningful parts of an architectural whole.

Ecotourism and Carrying Capacity: Definition

According to The Australian National Ecotourism, Ecotourism is defined as nature-based tourism that involves education and interpretation of the natural environment and is managed to be ecologically sustainable.

On the other hand, The International Ecotourism Society defines Ecotourism as responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the welfare of local people.

Klaus, D., 1998. Low-Tech.Light-Tech.High-Tech.Bauen In Der Informationsgessellschaft.. Bikhaeuser, Basel. Berlin. 7 Scott, A., 2006. Design Strategies For Green Practice. In: Journal Of Green Buildings.vol.1, number 4. College Publishing. Virginia.
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Therefore, Ecotourism and sustainability defines minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts while maximizing positive economic impacts. Such a focus is a means to the end of achieving sustainability. Tourism Sustainability is postulated to result from a positive overall balance in environmental, experiential, socio-cultural, and economic impacts 8 (experiential impact is used to describe the effect of visitors on each other and socio-cultural impact is used to describe the effect of visitors on local residents). Thus, tourism activities that generate more positive net benefits would be more sustainable, in general, than tourism activities that generate fewer positive net benefits. 9

The nature component is descriptive or positive in the sense that it simply describes the activity location and associated consumer motivations. The sustainable component is prescriptive or normative in the sense that it reflects what people want the activity to be. An important point is that, as used here, sustainability incorporates environmental, experiential, sociocultural, and economic dimensions.

According to Halpenny (2002), carrying capacity is a measure of the amount of human activity that a site can biophysically sustain without severely changing its ecology.10 It aims to establish the limits of tourism development in a particular towards the general concept of sustainability.

Establishment of Carrying Capacity

Halpenny (2002) provided a set of criteria on how to estimate the carrying capacity of a site and establish limits for environmental change is listed below:

Wood, M.E., 2002. Ecotourism: Principles, Practices, and Policies. United Nations Environment Programme. UN Publication. 9 Lindberg, K. et.al., 1998. Ecotourism in the Asia-Pacific Region: Issues and Outlook. The International Ecotourism Society. 10 Halpenny,E., 2002. Marine Ecotourism: Impacts, International Guidelines, and Best Practices Case Studies. The International Ecotourism Society. Burlington VT.
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Inventory environment including wildlife, geological and water resources, cultural monuments, etc. and categorize (e.g. fragile/resilient; dry/waterlogged; habitat/non-habitat).

Maintain an inventory of all resources used and the potential impact that the planned uses could potentially have. The resource should be defined in small units (e.g. a patch of rare plants, a bird rookery, a temple).

Experts such as scientists and planners are important in determining what negative impacts are possible and what it takes to mitigate those impacts.

Identify all cultural and natural resources appropriate for ecotourism use/visitation. Also identify other ecotourism components (e.g. restaurants; mooring buoys). Note the location of both ecological and tourism resources and consider this in planning/estimating ecotourists activities at the site (e.g. an ecotourist may snorkel at the coral reef and then walk through the coastal dunes to eat lunch at the ecolodges restaurant).

Evaluate available water and power resources that the site can yield to determine the limit of sustainable ecotourism use (e.g. quality and flow rate of underground water; hours of direct sunlight; potential rainwater yield).

Identify the specific kinds and levels of use (e.g. daily hiking for groups of 15 visitors to the same site, etc.)

Identify level of service proposed (e.g. will the operator provide a temporary camp vs. an ecolodge).

Estimate the maximum number of visitors using the site at any one time.

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Estimate effect of climatic conditions on different parts of the site and therefore on sustainable numbers of visitors, use and impact (e.g. effect of recurrent high rainfall and cold winds).

Evaluate the extent of buildings, landscaping and equipment including extent and impact of construction, infrastructure and waste.

Donsol, Sorsogon: Local Government Unit Profile

Donsol is a coastal town with a total land area of 152.99 sq. km. and is located at the northwestern part of the province of Sorsogon, which occupies the southern terminus of the Bicol Peninsula. Of the total land area, about 25.64 sq. km. comprises the built-up urban area and 15.68 sq. km. is devoted to agricultural purposes, and about 13.86 sq. km. is reserved for recreational and tourism purposes. Some 5.33 sq. km. of undifferentiated lands including waterways of are not fully developed.

It is bounded on the north by the municipality of Jovellar, Albay, on the northwest, by the municipality of Pio Duran, Albay, on the south by the Burias Pass and on the east part by the municipality of Pilar, Sorsogon.

It is geographically located about 12 54' 26.896" north latitude and 123 36' 28.867" east longitude. It is 66 kilometers away from the City of Sorsogon and 51 kilometers away from the City of Legazpi in the province of Albay. A provincial road connects Donsol to the municipality of Pilar while provision for road network
Source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b0/Ph_locator _sorsogon_donsol.png

connecting Donsol to the two adjacent municipalities of Jovellar and Pioduran has been considered and included in the development plan of the municipality.
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The creation of Donsol as Settlement, originated in the latter part of the 18th Century. It was said that a group of refugees led by a certain Francisco Noradi, collectively called Miraya in reference to residents near Mount Mayon near the Province of Albay, escaped and settled to a place away from the furry of said Volcano during one of its destructive and horrifying eruptions.

Donsol got its name from donsol or dosol, an indigenous local medicinal plant, which grew abundantly in the settlement area. A more plausible version was about a blacksmith in the place, famous for his skills and of his donsolan a Bicol term for anvil or iron stand upon which the blacksmith pounds and forges red-hot iron into tools or weapons. Unfortunately, the name of said blacksmith was wire-corded in history. Eventually, people called the whole settlement area as Donsolan.

In the early years of this settlement and during Spanish rule, Moros from Mindanao who refused to acknowledge Spanish colonization, periodically marauded and invaded the coastline of Bicol. Thus, the inhabitants of Donsolan were constrained to abandon the place and create a new settlement wherein the municipal government was established. The place is now called Brgy. Banuang Gurang or Old Town while the former settlement area is now called Brgy. Dancalan.

To defense the perennial Muslim invasion, the provincial government of Albay sent coast guard patrol to Quipia River (now Donsol River) and to the Burias Pass and this hostile situation improved. After security had been attained in the area, the seat of the municipal government was transferred to a new place just across the river from Brgy. Dancalan. This new place had opportunity for expansion being on a wider plain and now the present site of the Poblacion area.

During year 1800, Donsolan became an independent municipality and possess legal existence as one of the towns in the Province of Albay, with Don Mariano Adrian elected as the first Gobernadorcillo. In the book Ibalon written by Don

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Mariano Adrian, the government of Alcadia Mayor de Albay decreed however, Donsolan as an independent town in year 1880.

It is of faith and religion, the existence of the municipal parish was proven by the water wells within the church of Quipia. Furthermore, records show that the first baptism was held on January 1890 with Father Monico Barrameda as Parish Priest. The Parish saint of that is Senior San Jose and celebrated the town fiesta in his honor on the 19th of May every year.

During year 1894, Sorsogon was declared as a separate province. Along with this declaration, Donsolan and Pilar were separated from Albay on October 17, 1894 and included in the newly declared province in exchange for the towns of Rapu-Rapu and Manitto.

The name Donsol means Mr.Sun. Donsoleos however, never had any pagan worship to the sun. It may be presumed that the mapmakers wanted the town to be likened to the Sun. e.g. full of energy and accordingly, the Spaniards recorded and place as Donsol.

Through the years, the Municipality of Donsol basically remained as an Agricultural Town. With the improvement however, of the vital transportation and other infrastructure facilities, the municipality is gradually progressing socially and economically. Much to its advantage is the now worldwide recognition of the municipality as one of the best place for animal encounter. Tourism economy now significantly contributes to the development of the municipality. This is manifested by the regular infux of both domestic and foreign tourists all eager to see and interact with the visiting whale sharks locally known as Butanding along the coastal waters of the municipality particularly during Butanding Season.

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The settlement role of the municipality of Donsol under the Sorsogon Provincial Physical Frameworks Plan, Year 1993- 2002 is that of a small town. Its principal role therefore is as a Small Agri-Processing.11

Sitting on the northwestern part of Sorsogon Province, Donsol marks the provincial boundary on the northwest, adjoining the province of Albay. The town has 51 barangays, 11 of which are situated in the coastal areas of the municipality. With a population of 39,995, population growth is relatively high, at an annual rate of 3.23%, higher than the national average of 2.36%. Fishing is the primary source of food and income. Noel Castro, a former coastal barangay captain reports that, prior to the tourism boom, there had been few development projects in his community; until recently and the common sources of drinking water were water pumps and open wells.12

In a case study presented by WWF- Philippines entitled Community-Based Ecotourism and Coastal Resources Management Project in Donsol, Sorsogon13, Pine (2007) presented the current conditions of whale shark interaction activities in Donsol. This case study gave a good situational approach of the existing conditions of the ecotourism activities. Since 1998, WWF-Philippines have been assisting the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Donsol in conserving the whale sharks (Rhincodon Typus) and developing a community-based whale shark ecotourism program for the municipality. The project supported the establishment of a community-based ecotourism program and participatory assessments as basis for coastal management. Since 2002, 8,088 visitors descended to Donsol earning the town PhP 4.2 million in registration fees, whale shark tours and other services. The direct monetary benefits are equitably shared among whale shark interaction officers, banca operators, LGU and tourism suppliers. Whale shark tourism is currently the number one tourist destination for Bicol Region and was awarded the
Municipality of Donsol, Sorsogon. 2009. Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Local Government Unit of Donsol,Sorsogon. Donsol. 07/17/2009. 12 Pine, R., 2007. Community-Based Ecotourism and Coastal Resources Management Project in Donsol, Sorsogon. [online] Available at: <http://www.wwf.org.ph/about.php?pg=wwd&sub1=00011>. [Accessed 17 July 2009]. 13 Pine, R., 2007. Community-Based Ecotourism and Coastal Resources Management Project in Donsol, Sorsogon. [online] Available at: <http://www.wwf.org.ph/about.php?pg=wwd&sub1=00011>. [Accessed 17 July 2009].
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Kalakbay Award for the best ecotourism destination in 2003. In 2004, TIME magazine cited Donsol as the best animal encounter destination in Asia. To protect the whale shark habitat, WWF-Philippines in cooperation with the LGUs will implement coastal resources management in 11 barangays and in the neighboring town of Pilar. The project gained more momentum when the newly elected mayor of Donsol renewed the enforcement campaign against illegal fishing. Satellite tagging and photo-identification efforts are currently being implemented to determine Whale shark migratory routes and to estimate the numbers that visit Donsol annually. The project is supported by USAID through WWF-US. The satellite tagging efforts are supported by WWF-Denmark.

III. Research Problem Studying green and vernacular architecture is not only aimed to contribute to a more in-depth study of architecture in the Philippines. In relation to the tourism development of Donsol, Sorsogon, and how the sudden turn of events gave implications on the physical character of the municipality, this study suggest to answer questions that will give adequate attention to the issues of this research proposal. Among which are listed below: 1. How can tropical and sustainable design further contribute to the development of Donsol, Sorsogon? 2. What are the effects of tropical and sustainable design on the current typology of architecture in Donsol, Sorsogon? 3. How can architectural sustainability be attained in the rural landscape of Donsol, Sorsogon? 4. What are the effects of intrusion of modern architecture in the rural landscape of Donsol, Sorsogon? 5. How can green and vernacular architecture be embraced by the locals to achieve sustainability?

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Upon arriving with necessary data the study will further lead to the analysis and possible recommendation of the research topic. Illustrating the flow of the proposed research activity, the conceptual framework will show the over-all dimensions of the study.

Conceptual Framework

The research work will mainly focus on the assessment on the development of Donsol, Sorsogon looking at the aspects of the applied green and vernacular architecture within the municipality. This aspect will be correlated with the issues and concerns of sustainability, and on how these two main concepts were developed to further contribute to the entire tourism development of Donsol. The introduced concepts will be expounded by looking at its primary importance and relevance to the existing rural and urban development and on how it generally affected the tourism sites.

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IV. Data Collection For the development of this research activity, the proponent will be using a specific research methodology through which data will be collected and analyzed. Through the extraction of available data through primary and secondary data gathering, and conduct of focus group discussions, survey, the research activity aims to gather and generate information that will be crucial to the final analysis of this study. Likewise, data generated through these methods will indicate scientific bases for the results. In response to the research problems identified to be answered by this research, the following methodology and tools to be implemented are the following: A. Methodology 1. Primary data gathering will involve data collection to establish a database of physical developments on the municipality. This will determine the current status of the study areas architectural typology. Manual tagging of sites and with the aid of geographic information system (GIS) software applications such as Google Earth and ArcGIS will be used to determine the types of architecture existing on the municipality. 2. Thus, windshield survey will document the current physical developments, and later be compared to the previous years of development through comparative method. 3. Secondary data gathering will link and validate the primary data collected through event structure analysis. This will involve cross-referencing and checking of existing data from the municipality of Donsol to verify the conditions of the site. Sample data which will be gathered through this method are the following: Verification of Existing Land Use Map- to verify the physical conditions of the site, and Case Studies pertaining to the tourism development pertaining to its physical contributions to the community. 4. Conduct of survey on stakeholders primarily on the tourism sector, to further educate the research proponent on the intermediate and concurrent
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effects of tourism to the physical developments of the study area other than its physical implications. Historical trending and comparison may be conducted depending on the results of the discussion. 5. Survey on local stakeholders to establish local data, also to establish several point-of-views for the study, and to determine the stakeholders with level of viability of the study are with regards to the effects of green and vernacular architecture to the tourism development of the municipality.

B. Tools During the course of research, the following tools will be used to establish data. It is important to know that in order to come up with the measures viability of green and sustainable architecture to the tourism development of the Municipality of Donsol, these tools will aid the proponent to establish bases for conclusion and recommendation and primarily to determine the existing local condition. Among which are the following: 1. A Physical Development Map will be generated to determine the developed areas of the study area. 2. Comparison of site photos that may be collected from the Municipal Planning Development Office of the study area. 3. Survey questionnaires to be answered by the following stakeholders, that aims to determine the viability of green and sustainable architecture to the tourism development of the study area: a. Municipal Officials (Local Development Council) b. Tourism Sector Stakeholders such as Tourism Officer, Representatives of various private groups such as tourist operators and assistants, travel agencies, locals, and other related groups that may be identified within the course of study c. Focus group discussion primarily on experts and historians that have
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knowledge about vernacular architecture and sustainability d. Focus group discussion on key informants with greater knowledge and observation on the physical developments of the study area

V. Analytical Method Upon generation of required data for the proposed research activity, the proponent is tasked to undertake the specific analytical method for the arrival of results and recommendation through the generated qualitative information. Some of the qualitative information, such as perception and sentiments of interviewed stakeholders will further give basis on the assessment of the effects of green and vernacular architecture on the tourism development of the study area. Proceeding primary and secondary data gathering, verification and validation of data from the existing sourced data from the municipality will be done to further establish the developments through historical analysis. This will determine the trend of architectural typology of Donsol in the recent years, to correlate the physical developments to its effect on tourism development. After validation, maps will be generated to illustrate physical developments, and documentation of current and previous photos collected from various sources. Mapping and photomontage will be done as main basis of comparison to further illustrate changes happened and implemented on the physical fabric of the study area. Assessment of the survey forms will be done measuring the perception of locals and tourists with regards to the implications of green and vernacular architecture to the tourism development of the study area. Through validation of data, results and recommendation will be given through the application of systems approach, where each sector will be interdependently analyzed and later will be correlated to one another.

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VI. Research Timetable Period of Accomplishment (Month and Week No.) Research Activity June July August September October November December January 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Topic Selection and Drafting of Research Proposal Conduct of Preliminary Readings and Review of Related Literature Establishing Conceptual Framework Identification and Formulation of Research Questions Selection of Research Strategies and Methodology Creation of Research Tools and Questionnaires Data Gathering

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Period of Accomplishment (Month and Week No.) Research Activity June July August September October November December January 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Consolidation of Data and Research Conduct of Windshield Survey Conduct of Interviews Conduct of Actual Survey
(One week will be allotted for the Pilot Survey)

Findings and Report Writing Recommendation Writing Presentation of Results

Legend: Holiday or Research Break Conduct of Research Activity

Note: One (1) week of research activity is equivalent of eight (8) working hours per day on five (5) days of the week excluding Saturdays and Sundays.

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VII.

Bibliography:

Serrano, V., 2010. Aquatika: whale shark exploration center: Undergraduate Thesis. BS Architecture. University of Santo Tomas College of Architecture. Oliver, P., 2006. Built to meet needs:cultural issues in vernacular architecture. 1st ed. Oxford: Elsevier Ltd. Hawkes, D., McDonald, J. and Steemers, K., 2002. The selective environment: an approach to environmentally responsive architecture. London: Spon Press. Yeang, K., 2006. Ecodesign:a manual for ecological design. 1st ed. Great Britain: Wiley-Academy. Lehmann, S., 2007. Sustainability on the urban scale: green urbanism. Hanoi, Vietnam. 15- 16 2007. Hanoi: International Conference on Sustainable Architectural Design and Urban Planning. Klaus, D., 1998. Low-tech.light-tech.high-tech.bauen in derinformationsgessellschaft. Bikhaeuser, Basel. Berlin. Scott, A., 2006. Design strategies for green practice. in:journal of green buildings. vol.1, number 4. College Publishing. Virginia. Wood, M.E., 2002. Ecotourism: principles, practices, and policies. United Nations Environment Programme. UN Publication. Lindberg, K. et.al., 1998. Ecotourism in the asia-pacific region: issues and outlook. The International Ecotourism Society. Halpenny,E., 2002. Marine ecotourism: impacts, international guidelines, and best practices case studies. The International Ecotourism Society. Burlington VT. Municipality of Donsol, Sorsogon. 2009. Comprehensive land use plan. Local Government Unit of Donsol,Sorsogon. Donsol. 07/17/2009. Pine, R., 2007. Community-based ecotourism and coastal resources management project in donsol, sorsogon. [online] Available at: <http://www.wwf.org.ph/about.php?pg=wwd&sub1=00011>.[Accessed 17 July 2009].

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VIII. Appendices Donsol Comprehensive Land Use Plan: Tourism14 Existing Situation: Existing tourism situation within the Municipality of Donsol in terms of attractions, facilities and services are manifested by the following indications: 1. Natural eco-tourism attractions abound in the municipality particularly firefly watching at Barangays Gimagaan, San Ramon and Ogod. Waterfalls at Barangays Tuba and San Rafael; Butanding interaction off the municipality waters at Barangay Dancalan and adjoining Barangays; and mangrove areas along Donsol River. 2. Man-made attractions such as the Grotto Chapel at Barangay San Antonio and the Astillero Archaeological Site at Barangay Dancalan; 3. Annual Butanding Festival held during Butanding Season which attracts participants local and foreign 4. Potential tourism sites such as Proposed Eco-Park at Barangays Market Site and Bororan and another Eco-ark proposed at Barangay Punta waling-Waling. 5. Tourism accommodation facilities within the municipality consists of the Visitor Center at Barangays Dancalan and several facilities such as the Amor Beach Resort at Barangay Apuyan, Residential Inn at Barangay Tres Maria, Woodland Beach Resort at Barangay Pangpang, Inday Tourist Inn & Lodge at Barangay Punta, Santiago Tourist Inn at Barangay Ogod, Hernandez Guest & Pension House at Barangay Poso and Sea Breeze Canteen at Barangay Dancalan.

Development Needs: 1. Inadequate infrastructure support facilities for tourism development. 2. Inadequate development of tourism facilities or services.

Tourism strategies based on SWOT Analysis Conducted are as follows: 1. Sustainable development of eco-tourism attractions and other tourism related activities or facilities.

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Donsol Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Local Government Unit of Donsol,Sorsogon. 07/17/2009.

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2. Institutionalization of tourism activities within the municipality. 3. Vigorous tourism marketing campaign to enhance more influx of tourism visitors in the municipality both local and foreign. 4. Development of priority infrastructure support facilities for tourism.

Development Goal: Full development of tourism potentials of the municipality in a sustainable manner.

Development Objectives: 1. Sustainable development of tourism attractions within the municipality. 2. Development of tourism facilities and services. 3. Provision of adequate infrastructure- support facilities priority for tourism.

Development Targets: 1. Sustainable development of all tourism attractions within the municipality. 2. Developed tourism facilities and services. 3. Adequate infrastructure-support facilities priority for tourism.

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Research Topic: The Viability of Integrating Green and Vernacular Architecture in the Tourism Development of Donsol, Sorsogon

Introduction: Good Day! I am Vinson P. Serrano, a researcher working on the Viability of Integrating Green and Vernacular Architecture in the Tourism Development of Donsol, Sorsogon. In relation to this study, obtaining feedback from you is an important input in our research. Kindly fill-up this survey form and it is assured that no personal information will be disclosed for the analysis of this survey. All responses will be confidential and will be compiled together and analyzed as a group.It will only take less than 5 minutes. Thank you very much!

INSTRUCTION Please read carefully and fill-up the spaces below. Kindly indicate your answer in part IProfile of Respondents and check the box that is appropriate in part II the Survey proper. I. Profile of the Survey Respondent:

Category of Respondent:

Tourist

Local

Age: ______ Sex: ________ Civil Status: _______ Occupation/Profession: ___________ Educational Attainment: Elementary High School College

Present Address: (barangay or city)_____________________________________________

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SURVEY PROPER II. Survey Questions: 1. How long have you been staying in Donsol? Less than a year One year- two years Two years- five years More than five years 2. Do you know the tourist attractions in Donsol? Yes No If yes, what are the tourist attractions that you know? Firefly Watching Manta Ray Diving The Grotto Catundulan Tuba Falls The Astilleros Site Tankulan Mangrove Ecopark Butanding Arribada Festival Whale Shark Interaction Snorkeling Boating Scuba Diving 2. What is your purpose of visiting Donsols tourist attractions? For relaxation and recreation For work For study For vacation Others (please specify) _______________________________________________________________ 4. How do you find the character of Donsol with regards to its physical development? Poor Satisfactory Very Satisfactory Excellent

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5. Do you even consider the type of architecture in your preference for tourist attractions? Architecture defined as the art and science of design of buildings and other infrastructure governed with the principles of function, safety, and aesthetics.
(Source: FDK Ching Visual Dictionary of Architecture)

Yes No 6. What are type of developments you have seen in Donsol as an effect of Tourism? Bahay-Kubo inspired accommodation facilities Internet-ready tourism spots High-rise and modern type of accommodation facilities High-end bars and night clubs Open parks Nature centers Hiking centers Camp sites Museums Educational Facilities Concrete/asphalt road developments Steel bridges Transportation Terminal Casinos Dining/Restaurant 7. Envision Donsol to be developed in the next ten years, what type of development would you likely want to have in the municipality? Developments that blend the natural surroundings, horizontal and tradition driven Modern and urban development, vertical and high-technology driven 8. What are type of developments would you want to see in Donsol? Bahay-Kubo inspired accommodation facilities Internet-ready tourism spots High-rise and modern type of accommodation facilities High-end bars and night clubs Open parks Nature centers Hiking centers Camp sites Museums Educational Facilities Concrete/asphalt road developments Steel bridges Transportation Terminal Casinos Dining/Restaurant

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9. Do you like how Donsol was developed in terms of its current physical characteristics? Yes No

Situational Questions: 10. If you were to stay in a hotel, what kind of hotel would you prefer? (Please select one among the given choices based on your preference) High-rise, concrete-mass structure Native, bahay-kubo/ filipino-inspired structure 11. If you were to choose between the given sets of tourism activity, what would prefer most? (Please select one among the given choices based on your preference) Nature-inspired activities City or urban type of activities 12. If you were to dine with your loved ones, what would you prefer most? (Please select one among the given choices based on your preference) Dining by the bay, with the view of Donsols coastline Dining inside a restaurant, with a good interior design 13. If you were to stay in a hotel, what kind of hotel would you prefer? (Please select one among the given choices based on your preference) Modern-looking structure, with elevator and fully-airconditioned Filipino-inspired structure, with natural ventilation with split-level floors following the natural site contour 14. In your personal view, does the tourism development have an effect on the physical development of Donsol? Yes No 15. Comments, Suggestions, Reactions on the Physical Development of Donsol ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ END OF SURVEY

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