Name: Beltran, Roquemar S.

Adviser: Ar. Bernabe Lazarte, UAP

Project proposals:
-

Aquatic Centre
Astronomical Observatory / Planetarium
Health Resort

Executive Summary B Project Title: Cagayan

Valley Astronomical Observatory
Project Location: Tuguegarao City, Isabela
Chapter I: Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study / Overview
Have you ever gone out at on a cloudless night,
when there is no bright Moon in the sky or city lights
to obscure your view, and been blown away by the
astonishing number of stars in the sky? Probably for
as long as people have been around, to look up into
the sky, we have wondered what the many spots of
light in the sky mean. Thousands of years ago, the
earliest civilizations observed the heavens. Early
man observed the heavens because the Sun, Moon
and stars gave indication of coming seasons to
farmers and hunters. The sky aided in navigation
especially for nomads and sailors. And many
ancient civilizations thought the sky gave signs of
life, war, earthquakes, the fate of kingdoms and
more. Since the invention of the telescope, we have
been able to "see" further away and study stars and
galaxies, as well as many of the more mysterious
objects in our Universe.
Astronomy in the Philippines
It is a sad fact that astronomy in the Philippines is
subject to a power play between institutions,
societies, and individuals - a thing we can do
without in order for progress to happen.
-A State of Philippine Astronomy
The astronomy in the Philippines started in 1897. It
was one of the functions of the "Observatorio
Meteologico de Manila" (OMM), which became a
government agency on 28 April 1884.
There are lots of achievements and new knowledge
discovered by Filipino astronomies and scientist,
now a Philippine-made MOSES tablet for DOST
Project NOAH its a scientific tool to mitigate, if not

to prevent negative impacts of typhoons, floods,

and even volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.
Project NOAH is a tablet capable of receiving realtime weather and flood information reports from
DOSTs Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and
Astronomical Services Administration, it can access
by local officials down to barangay level, can
access for accurate decision-making eventually to
prevent different casualties.
1.2 Problem Setting
1. Statement of the Problem
Astronomy knowledge in our country is limited, one
its main reason is the lack in facilities there are only
institutions which attempts to support astronomical
activities in the Philippines. The three institutions
are; PHILIPINE ASTRONOMICAL GEOPHYSICAL
AND ASTRONOMICAL SERVICES
ADMINISTRATION (PAGASA), Observatorio
Meterologico de Manila (OMM), and National
Museum (NM).
The study will attempt to answer the following
questions:
What can the project help to promote
astronomical activities and
How and where will be the facility for
Astronomical Observatory
What will be the other benefits/contribution
of Observatory besides knowledge in
science and astronomy?
How will this proposal fix the current
situation of astronomical observatory?
What will be the features can we add to
educate and discover new knowledge in
astronomy?
2. Scope and Limitations of the study
This study will focus on promoting Astronomy
and science in the Philippines through
Architectural Design and Building Technology.
It also includes advanced modern technology
like building observatories and other facilities
that can use on different science observation.
The PROPOSED CAGAYAN VALLEY
ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY will serve
not only for the people of Tuguegarao but also
for the development of our Astronomy.
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3. Assumptions
- This proposal Astronomical Observatory
will visualize the increasing of knowledge
and information about Astronomy and
Geology and promote astronomy in the
Philippines.
- It will increase the demand of Astronomical
tourism in our country and also our
economy.
- It will give us the knowledge and new
discoveries not just about the universe but
in our own planet.
- To promote scientific studies and give
support to different astronomy research
groups.

PAGASA - Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical

and Astronomical Services Administration

4. Project Goals

In this chapter reviews of literature followed by

pertinent references related to the Astronomical
Observatory studies in terms of performance
efficiency is presented. This review allows the
readers to understand this specific area of research
and the tools employed to conduct this research.

The aim of the study is to provide a facility that will

promote Astronomical and Geological study in the
Philippines. Discover new things and information
about our environment.
5. Objectives
- To provide a facility for our Filipino
Astronomies and Geologist and young
aspirants to gain new knowledge about
science.
- To promote Astronomy in our country.
- To attract tourist and Filipino to promote
and support Astronomy in the Philippines
through architectural design.
- To support our Filipino astronomies and
take our knowledge to the next level.
- To understand and help us about global
warming and other problems that can
identify through scientific explanation.
6. Significance of the Study
Astronomical Observatory is for discovering new
things, new knowledge, and new information about
universe and our own environment. To help us to
understand how and why things happening in our
climate and understand global warming.
1. Definition of Terms, Acronyms, &
Abbreviations
Astronomy the study of objects and matter
outside the earths atmosphere and of their physical
and chemical properties.

DOST - Department of Science and Technology

NOAH - Nationwide Operational Assessment of
Hazards
OMM - Observatorio Meterologico de Manila
NM - National Museum
Observatory A special building for studying stars,
planets, weather, etc.: a building from which
scientists study and watch the sky.
Chapter II: Theoretical Framework

1.) Review of Related Foreign Literature

and Case Studies
Research Works
National Optical Astronomy
Observatory/Kitt Peak National Observatory
The McMath-Pierce Solar Telescope
The worlds largest solar telescope with a
diameter of 1.6 meters. Housed in a structure
nearly 100 feet tall with a shaft that slants two
hundred feet to the ground and continues into
the mountain for prime focus viewing. This
telescope detected water and isotopic helium in
the sun. It noticed solar emission lines at 12
microns and created the first high resolution
images at 1.6 and 10 microns. It also took the
first measurement of Kilogauss magnetic fields
outside sunspots.
The Synoptic Optical Long-term Investigations
of the Sun (SOLIS) project produces
continuous unique observations of the Suns
magnetic field. Conducted over several
decades, these long term studies will provide
data fundamental to understanding the solar
activity cycle, including how solar energy
releases and irradiance (solar flares) affect
global change.
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Typology of Astronomical Observatories

With type being a rather vague concept, the use of
type in this study is divided into three parts. The first
part is the use of type to analyze the development
of the observatory, the second is a comparison of
the building type with other building types, and the
last part is the use of typology in the design of a
new building. The method developed by Durand of
a juxtaposition of different plans, disregarding
epoch, location, or style, suits the taxonomy9 of
observatories for the possible discovery of the type.
After this taxonomy, it is important to evaluate if the
found type(s) correspond to any other building
types. This leads to a better understanding of the
building type and its role in architectural history.
Next to these analytical methods, typology can also
be used in a synthesis. Already in his early
development of morphology in botany, Goethe was
already interested in showing how recombination of
the basic elements of plant form could create
theoretical species.
Architecture of Observatories
-

The first modern observatories after the

invention of the telescope were erected in
the 17th century in Paris (1667) and
Greenwich (1675). Around 1800 Gotha
was the leading observatory in Europe,
built in 1788, where in 1798 the first
international astronomical congress was
organized by Franz Xaver von Zach (17541855) was acting as director.
Change of research field: From
classical astronomy to modern
astrophysics
Navigation, time keeping and astronomy
Positional astronomy with meridian circles
The rise of astrophysics
Centres of Astrophysics

The change from classical astronomy to

modern astrophysics can be seen very well in
several observatories concerning the choice of
instruments, the architecture and the idea of
Astronomy Park; all this is an important cultural
heritage connected with observatories. The
urbanistic complex, the buildings and their
architecture, the quality of instruments, the
scientific archives, photographic plates,
observation books, star catalogues, inventions

and discoveries made to understood as

categories of cultural heritage.
Review of Related Local Literature and
Case Studies
The Metro Manila Earthquake Impact
Reduction Study (MMEIRS)
The Earthquake Impact Reduction Study of
Metro Manila (MMEIRS) project was
implemented from 2002 to 2004 under the
collaborative efforts of the Philippine Institute
of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS),
the Japan International Cooperation Agency
(JICA) and the Metro Manila Development
Authority (MMDA). The project aimed to
produce a master plan for earthquake impact
reduction for Metro Manila.
The project developed 18 scenario hazard
(ground shaking and liquefaction) maps for the
metropolis. The scenarios ranged from
possible movement along the various
earthquake source zones surrounding or in the
metropolis including the Valley Fault System.
The study also computed for the projected
casualties (death and injuries) including
possible disruption to lifeline facilities that may
result from the three worst case scenarios.

Philippine-made MOSES Tablet for DOST

Project NOAH
MOSES is a tablet capable of receiving real-time
weather and flood information reports from DOSTs
Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and
Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)
and Project NOAH that local officials, down to the
barangay level, can access for accurate decisionmaking eventually to prevent massive destruction
and casualties.
The 8-inch mobile tablet is designed locally with
assembled chipset and circuit boards to ensure the
availability of spare parts as well as service support.
It has a dual SIM function, television, and radio
component and is packaged in a rugged shell with a
long-life battery that can last up to three days.
Edwin Aguirre
-

Joined Sky Publishing in January 1995. As

an Associate Editor of Sky & Telescope, he
edits the magazine's Astro Imaging and
Amateur Astronomers departments,
including Star Trails and Amateur Events.
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He proposed and designed two

astronomical stamps issued by the
Philippine Postal Service in 1986 to
commemorate Halley's Comet and in 1988
to mark that year's total solar eclipse. For
the latter event they also served as
technical consultants to the Philippine
Atmospheric, Geophysical and
Astronomical Services Administration's
Solar Eclipse National Committee. In 1990
they obtained from then-president Corazon
C. Aquino an executive proclamation
declaring the country's first National
Astronomy Week. The event has been
celebrated annually ever since.
Hypothesis
The information and data gathered from
different reliable sources; articles, books,
consultations and also government
agencies who give knowledge and guide
this thesis proposal about Cagayan Valley
Astronomical Observatory in Tuguegarao
City. For coming years this will help not
just the Tuguegarao City but also water
sports athletes and aspiring young ones,
not just in sports Philippine Architecture
will also benefit because of promoting
Astronomy in the Philippines.
This development will bring Tuguegarao
City to its capability of being not just the
hottest place in our country but to be one
of the best sites for astronomy in the
Philippines.
Conceptual Framework / Research Paradigm
INPUT:
-

DIFFERENT TYPES OF TOOLS AND

EQUIPMENTS FOR OBSERVATORY
DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES IN
ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY
DIFFERENT TYPES OF
ROOMS/FACILITIES.
NEW TECHNOLOGIES FOR BUILDING
CONSTRUCTION & SUSTAINABILITY.
GENERAL PROVISION & GUIDELINES
FOR DESIGNING OBSERVATORY.

PROCESS:

STUDY THE NEEDS IN ASTRONOMICAL

RESEARCH
STUDY HOW WILL ASTRONOMICAL
RESEARCH CONTRIBUTES ABOUT
OUR ENVIRONMENT
STUDY HOW WILL ASTRONOMICAL
OBSERVATORY PROMOTE
ASTRONOMY
GATHER DIFFERENT DESIGN & IDEAS
FOR ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY

OUTPUT:
-

FUNCTIONAL AND WELL-PLANNED

CAGAYAN VALLEY ASTRONOMICAL
OBSERVATORY.

Chapter III: Site Justification

-

Site/Development Selection Criteria

Geographical / Topography

Surface ground slope of the site is considered

on selection of criteria base on the needs of
development of the proponent proposed
project. Since the proposed target site is
located in Tuguegarao City with mountainous
topography of the land, site should be located
in in gently slope or slightly undulate terrain.
-

Land use and zoning

Preferable site should be complies on the

existing or proposal land use and zoning
ordinance based on the Comprehensive Land
Use Plan of the City Development Planning
Office of the province.
-

Shape and size

Consider the project site size approximately not

less than 8 hectares for wide development of
water sports course and facility. Shape should
be taken for consideration on site selection,
regularity form of the site needed for
maximizing the site land area.
-

Climate

Development of this kind of water sports

needed a good climate condition to enjoy
adventurous sports. Site should have
appropriate weather condition for wake
boarding venture site for the convenience of
the users.
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Soil Condition and Environmental

View

Soil condition should be preferable for the

proposed development on the desired site.
Surface/top soil should have indication of
availability for landscaping and vegetation for
design purposes. Panoramic/natural view of
the site as considered in the purpose of
attraction for the project users (tourist) suit for
holiday vacation.
7. Accessibility
The location of the site should have an easy
access for Provincial road and also accessible
on the city proper.
8. Power Source (utility)
Availability of existing power supply on the
project basic necessity need of the proposed
project especially support the operational cable
ski for the water sports activities and supply for
the other facilities and amenities.
Macro-Meso Site Analysis:
Region/Province/City/Town
CAGAYAN VALLEY (REGION 02)
Cagayan Valley is one of the regions in the
Philippines. It is designated as Region II and
the regional center of Cagayan Valley, is the
oldest major trade, education and government
of Northeast Luzon. The region is composed of
five provinces; namely: Cagayan, Isabela,
Nueva Viscaya, Quirino and Batanes. The
region is in Northeast Luzon and is the fourth
lowest population level among all regions in
2007, with a population of 3.05 million
inhabitants.
Cagayan Valley Region or Region 2 abounds
with the natural resources and exudes with the
development potentials consisting of fertile
farmlands, forestlands and grassland, and
marine resources. It is located in the northeast
part of Luzon with an area of 26,858 sq. kms

representing nine percent of the countrys total

land area. The mighty Cagayan River, the
longest in the country, runs from north to south
bisecting the Valley, which is bounded by the
Pacific Ocean in the east, the Caraballo and
the Cordillera mountain ranges in the west, and
the provinces of Nueva Ecija and Aurora in the
south.
With its geographical features, Cagayan Valley
Region is arguably one of the most naturallyendowed of all the countrys regions. The
Region has a rich and immense natural and
development potentials. It is abundant in
agricultural products such as rice, corn, peanut,
beans, and fruits and livestock products include
cattle, hogs, curacaos, and poultry. It has also
a vast source of mineral resources like hydropower the source of Magat Hydro-Power
plant with a 360 megawatt plant supporting the
power needs of the Luzon Grid.
CAGAYAN PROVINCE
Cagayan is the province in Cagayan Valley
region. Cagayan lies in the northeastern part of
mainland Luzon, occupying the lower basin of
Cagayan river. Tuguegarao ( now a component
city), its capital is 483 kilometers north of
manila, and an hour by air travel, and ten hours
by land, through the Maharlika Highway, also
known as the Cagayan valley road.
The Cagayan mainland has a level coastline on
the north opening to the South China Sea and
an irregular coastline on the east facing the
Philippine Sea, the countrys territorial waters
of the Pacific Ocean. The sierra Madre
mountain form its rugged and mountainous
eastern coast, but its beaches and coves could
be utilized for economic production. Cagayan is
bounded on the south by the province of
Isabela. The cordilleras enclose its hilly
southwestern part, bordering the province of
Kalinga, and its low and swampy northwestern
part bordering the province of Apayao.

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