SIBOL: A PROPOSED MEMORIAL COMPLEX | PESEBRE

CHAPTER 2: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE Bios Urn is a company supported by more than 15 years of natural

projects, Bios offers a smart, sustainable and eco-friendly solution to

In order to make a more concrete illustration on the functions of
approach an inevitable phase of human life. Bios aims to change the way
SIBOL, this chapter is dedicated on the review of the current situation and
people see death, converting the “end of life” into a transformative process
functions, principles, concepts, and ideas of other systems that are related
and promoting a return to life through nature.
to the study.

These were done to critically analyze related concepts and

considerations to describe the over-all system and then create a basis for

the design development of the Memorial Complex.

Fig. 2.2: Illustration of cycle of life with a Bios Urn

STUDY INSPIRATION AND EVIDENCES Illustration of cycle of life with a Bios Urn, created by Alice Bonpunt.

The researcher got the idea of developing SIBOL from Bios Urn. Death is nothing but a word, a construction of the human mind, the

only thing real is life.

(Bios Urn Environment SL, July 10, 2017, Forests over

Cemeteries: The Rise of Green Burials and the Bios Urn, Retrieved from
Fig. 2.1: Biodegradable Urn process
https://urnabios.com)

SUSTAINABLE
INDIGENOUS
BIRTH
OF
LIFE
 SIBOL: A PROPOSED MEMORIAL COMPLEX | PESEBRE

The first Bios Urn cemetery was erected on May 6th, 2017, in roughly translates to “The tree of life garden”. This Bios garden is

Quebec, Canada; it was planted in a special garden just for Bios Urns. A welcome to people of all faiths, and from all religions.

cemetery in Quebec has recently teamed up with a local Bios Urn

distributor to provide a new experience for those seeking to use a Bios

Urn, and plant it in a special outdoor garden.

Fig. 2.4: The Tree of life Garden

Fig. 2.3: First Bios Urn cemetery

Cimetière Catholique Granby, located in Granby, Quebec has

devoted a portion of its land specifically to be used for the planting of a Celebrations are possible on site under a beautiful garden

Bios Urn – the new garden is called Jardin d’arbre de vie in French, which pavilion. Given this privilege, this is where the memories take roots.

SUSTAINABLE
INDIGENOUS
BIRTH
OF
LIFE
 SIBOL: A PROPOSED MEMORIAL COMPLEX | PESEBRE

APPLICATION

A tree is a living, breathing thing. It is something which cannot

always be controlled, and which should be given careful attention. A

common concern about using a Bios Urn is the concern about whether or

not the tree will grow. Naturally, this is a founded concern, as planting a

Bios Urn is a very important thing, especially in what it represents. While

Fig. 2.5: The Tree of life Garden
there is never a guarantee in nature, there are things we can do to make

sure that whatever tree a person choose, grows beautifully and healthily.
(Bios Urn Environment SL, May 11, 2017, First Garden Dedicated
The patented design of the Bios Urn has been tested for over 20
to Planting the Bios Urn has Opened, Retrieved from https://urnabios.com
years at this point, and was made to hold ashes and provide a nutrient-rich
and Images and Maps Available from
base for the tree to grow. The lower portion of the Bios Urn holds the
https://www.cimetierescatholiquesdegranby.com/)
ashes, and the upper portion holds an expansion disc, as well as growth

mediums which work to protect the roots, and provide vitamins and

minerals that are essential for growth.

SUSTAINABLE
INDIGENOUS
BIRTH
OF
LIFE
 SIBOL: A PROPOSED MEMORIAL COMPLEX | PESEBRE

Whether you choose to use seeds, or a small baby seedling, both

will be dependent upon the care a person provide. Planting seeds or a

seedling and not caring for them in their first year of growth, can stunt

their growth – even if you start with an established tree. During the 18

months, trees require basic TLC, mainly in the form of sunlight and water

requirements. These differ from tree to tree, but most have similar ones for

the first year.

Fig. 2.6: The Tree of life Garden

(Bios Urn Environment SL, May 08, 2018, How Can I Make Sure
The Bios Urn currently offer Maple, Oak, Pine, Redwood, Honey My Bios Urn Tree Grows? Retrieved from https://urnabios.com)
Locust, and our Tree of Life (trees can be planted on zone 3-11), as well
In the Philippines, Narra is one of the country’s national symbols
as the Bios Urn without seeds and the Bios Urn works with any kind of
and all for good reason. Its sturdiness is likened to the Filipinos’
seed or seedling. People can elect to use your own, or choose a tree which
unwavering spirit. In its entirety, the tree acts as a wind breaker to protect
is sentimental and meaningful to you. Fruit trees, flowering trees,
food crops as well. Of course, the tall and sturdy Narra provides the
evergreens or conifers are all completely compatible. It is recommended to
ecological balance to our environment – providing refuge to different
always choosing a native tree species or one which is common to your
species of birds, acting as soil stabilizer against erosion and landslides;
location, to respect the ecological balance.

SUSTAINABLE
INDIGENOUS
BIRTH
OF
LIFE
 SIBOL: A PROPOSED MEMORIAL COMPLEX | PESEBRE

while its thick foliage also serves as air purifier against a polluted

atmosphere.

Unfortunately, studies done by the University of the Philippines

Los Banos revealed that there are only “several thousand Narra left in the

world.” Today, remainders of Narra-Trees are especially only located at

the coast of the province Isabela, that Sierra Madres, in Bicol, Mindanao

and the forests of Cagayan.

Fig. 2.7: Narra tree

The SIBOL therefore aims to emphasis the symbolism of the Narra

Tree in the Philippines giving it more respect without any threat of

deforestation. Narra tress shall live long and prosper along with the Narra (Pterocarpus Indicus), the Philippine national tree, is a

memories of our love ones. majestic reddish hard wood tree, growing to 35 meters nigh and 2 meters

in diameter with an irregular fluted trunk. Leaves are compound, pinnate,

(NOLISOLI, Jill Chua, March 21, 2019, 5 Endangered tress in the
which ovate to oblong-ovate, and 5 to 10 centimeters long. Flowers are
Philippines, available from http://nolisoli.ph)
numerous, yellow, fragrant, and on branched, axillary panicles. Pods are

disc-shaped, flat, with winged margins, more or less reticulate and

undulate, and very shortly beaked, orbicular to obovate, including the

SUSTAINABLE
INDIGENOUS
BIRTH
OF
LIFE
 SIBOL: A PROPOSED MEMORIAL COMPLEX | PESEBRE

wing. Its distribution is forests at low and medium altitudes throughout the Introducing the process will take up several considerations

Philippines. It is grown from seeds and cuttings, found in calcareous soil especially the guarantee of the tress growth. To provide a good plant

or moist sandy loams or clay loams and grows well in bottom lands. establishment programs and care listed are some related principles and

facilities for utilization and management of the trees.

Narra has an approximate 4 to 5 years period for its growth, for the

first 3 to 4 years it grows 2 meters/ year, slowing down to 1 meter/year

after. From nursery, its out plant (transferring to outdoor soil) varies from
INDIAN COUNCIL OF AGRICULTURE RESEARCH, INDIA
1 by 1 (minimum) to 2 by 2 (standard) for rehabilitation purposes.
Nursery management is an important tool for the success of such
This shall provide sufficient evidence that our national tree, Narra,
entrepreneurships and will help nurserymen to run profitable businesses.
is suitable tree species to be utilized for SIBOL. The study shall identify
CAZRI, Jodhpur and other authors produced a bulletin in August
an effective implementation in establishing the Memorial Forest with the
2014, which will help quality planting material production and nursery
characteristics sited.
management in their country.
(Retrieved from http://tropical.theferns.info)
“Plant Nursery Management: Principles and Practices” provides

guidelines for nursery establishment and describes species specific

propagation techniques, pest, disease, weed, water and nutrient

management and economics.

SUSTAINABLE
INDIGENOUS
BIRTH
OF
LIFE
 SIBOL: A PROPOSED MEMORIAL COMPLEX | PESEBRE

This bulletin is an attempt for narrating the nursery establishment

guidelines, species precise propagation techniques, pest, disease, weed,

water and nutrient management, economics and information system of

plant nursery.

Fig. 2.8: Forest Tree Nursery

COMPONENTS OF A GOOD NURSERY

SEEDLING SUPPLY CHAIN

The nursery site should be located in the nutrient rich/medium soil,

The main suppliers of perennial tree seedlings are the
near to water source, free from soil pathogens and insects, availability of
departmental/government and industrial nurseries. They are producing
cheap and skilled labors and has good access to the main road for easy
seedlings and vegetative propagates to meet their own seedling demand
transportation.
and also supply them to public to meet their raw material demand

The site should be on gently sloping area and away from other tall

crops: this is important for good drainage as well as to encourage air

NURSERY
circulation. An appropriate site must be selected for the most effective,

A nursery is a place where plants are propagated and grown to a efficient, and economical design of a nursery.

desired age. Nurseries may supply plants for gardens, for agriculture, for

conservation biology and for forestry.

SUSTAINABLE
INDIGENOUS
BIRTH
OF
LIFE
 SIBOL: A PROPOSED MEMORIAL COMPLEX | PESEBRE

The purpose and target of plants to be produced will decide the site room/shelter is required for staff and the watchman, and where equipment

selection and its improvement. Careful observation of site conditions and can be securely stored. Layout should be in a way that enables operations

an assessment of past and present climatic records are important. If to flow logically through the nursery so as to save labor and time. Roads

desired, make a list of potential nursery sites and compare them using a and paths within the nursery should be carefully planned. The nursery

decision matrix. facilities should be kept clean. Every effort should be made to control

weeds in and around the nursery as weeds may host insects and pathogens.
LAYOUT

The general layout of a nursery is given below:

No standard blueprint for designing a plant nursery exists. On the

contrary, each nursery will have a unique design based on distinct needs,

resources, and requirements. Generally a good nursery should consist of

water tank/pond, water pump/pump house, seed and fertilizer store room,

implement shed, germination/mother bed area; potting/container filling

area, seedling raising area, worker mess/hall, office room, propagation

structures, compost area, etc.

A nursery is usually arranged in a series of beds with pathway

between them. An open area is needed at one end, where work such as

sieving of soil and filling of containers can be done. Usually a

Fig. 2.8: General Layout of
Nursery SUSTAINABLE
INDIGENOUS
BIRTH
OF
LIFE
 SIBOL: A PROPOSED MEMORIAL COMPLEX | PESEBRE

(1: Main road, 2: Gate, 3: Nursery road, 4: Path, 5: Office, 6: Labor  Pragathi biotech Ltd., Jalandhar and Barathi grow more biotech

shed, 7: Store rooms, 8: Vehicle shed, 9: Potted plants, 10: Saplings, 11: Ltd., Bangalore are some examples of successful private owned

Seedlings, 12: Propagation/mist chamber, 13: Shade net house, 14: Poly nurseries feeding the demand of

house, 15: Seedling beds, 16: Mother beds, 17: Well/water source, 18:  Eucalyptus saplings in north India and Banana, Bamboo, rose,

Water pipeline, 19: Soil dumping, 20: Compost area, 21: Mother plants, other tissue culture plants in South India

22: Fencing, 23: Plant library, 24: Generator/Electricity room).  Profit functioning ITC, WIMCO, TNPL, JK, Star and Seeshasayee

corporate nurseries used to meet the pulp and paper seedling

requirements. The field nurseries established by them in villages

EXAMPLE OF SUCCESSFUL MODEL NURSERIES
under contract farming ensure the continuous supply of raw

The need of increasing the tree cover at least one third of our material

geographical area and increasing demand on fuel-wood, timber, pulp and  The Kisan nurseries established in watershed areas eg. Puja

paper develops more dependency on plantations establishment. Since nursery and Bhati nursery in village Bujawar, Jodhpur are some

success of any plantation depends on the quality of seedling stocks used successful nurseries established to ensure livelihood and

for planting. Attempts were made by Indian government to develop socioeconomic improvement of the people

departmental nurseries in several places. Due to the limitations with the  Departmental nurseries are serving the purpose of meeting local

system and the increasing demand, scope exists for the beginning of demands. Eg. CAZRI horticulture nursery is mainly producing

private, co-operative and Kisan nurseries. budded ber saplings for distribution

SUSTAINABLE
INDIGENOUS
BIRTH
OF
LIFE
 SIBOL: A PROPOSED MEMORIAL COMPLEX | PESEBRE

(Jodhpur, Director of CAZRI, August 2014, Plant Nursery Manangement: (Alexander Villafania, April 17, 2012, Article: DENR opens forest

Principles and Practice, Central Arid Zone Research Institute) tree nursery in Taguig, retrieved from http://www.science.ph)

PHILIPPINE NURSERIES

Forest tree Nursery have been developed in the Philippines such a In Albay, Provincial DENR has also been providing Forest Tree

in TAGUIG CITY, METRO MANILA - The Department of Environment Establishment facilities, one of which is the Mechanized and Modernized

and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Science and Forest Nursery at BONGA, LIGAO CITY.

Technology (DOST) have jointly opened a clonal nursery at the latter's

MMFN in Ligao is the largest Agro-Forestry nursery in the
main office Taguig City.
province of Albay; it houses different species of trees such as Pili, Palm

The nursery will be used for producing forest tree seedlings, which Trees, Molave, Coconut, Acasia and many more species.

will be deployed for the DENR's National Greening Program (NGP).

The 1.5-hectare clonal nursery will produce several types of tree

seedlings, mostly forest-type trees, which will be planted in over 200,000

hectares of land. These would include native forest trees such as yakal,

kamagong, mayapis, molave, tindalo, to-og, and Philippine teak.

Fig. 2.9: Agro-Forestry Nursery

SUSTAINABLE
INDIGENOUS
BIRTH
OF
LIFE
 SIBOL: A PROPOSED MEMORIAL COMPLEX | PESEBRE

MMFN Ligao also produces large number of Narra Tree seedlings. CREMATION

Just this January 2019, the record of Narra Tree seedling available in the
Since the study will focus on the process of cremation for the
agro-forestry nursery is 2500 seedlings. Latest recorded update was June
development of SIBOL to be possible, the researcher aimed to identify if
2019 it became 500 after release of the seedlings.
the process of cremation is widely accepted especially by the Roman

This shows a sufficient amount of production rate to be recognized Catholic.

as a source for the Plant Establishment facilities for SIBOL.

According to Janvic Mateo of Philstar, for a long time, the

(Available from https://r5.denr.gov.ph) Catholic Church in the Philippines frowned on cremation, but with

increasing burial costs and changing lifestyles, more and more Filipinos
Given the information, SIBOL shall adapt and be take in
now choose to be practical and eschew tradition. And the Church no
consideration these principles and related facilities in order to create a
longer objects.
development suitable.

In fact the Vatican had issued on August 27, 2001, the "Liturgical

Guidelines on Cremation", according to CNN. Catholics may be cremated

but should not have their ashes scattered at sea or kept in urns at home.

According to new guidelines from the Vatican's doctrinal office, cremated

remains should be kept in a "sacred place" such as a church cemetery.

SUSTAINABLE
INDIGENOUS
BIRTH
OF
LIFE
 SIBOL: A PROPOSED MEMORIAL COMPLEX | PESEBRE

With a favorable result the proponent will have no great hindrance memorial sites or cemeteries, or they may be legally retained by relatives

in pushing through the development of necessary facility for SIBOL. or dispersed in a variety of ways and locations.

(Janvic Mateo (The Philippine Star), 2012/11/01, More Pinoys want

Some people prefer cremation for personal reasons. Some people
Cremation, available from https://www.philstar.com. And Delia
view cremation as a way of simplifying the funeral process. The cost
Gallagher, Daniel Burke, and James Masters, CNN, 2016/10/26,
factor also tends to make cremation attractive. Cremation is generally
Vatican’s new guidelines for cremation, available from
cheaper than traditional burial services. Cremation might also be
https://cnnphilippines.com)
preferable to some for environmental reasons. Burial is a known source of

certain environmental contaminants, with the coffin itself being the major

contaminant. The traditional burial also takes up a great deal of space.

SENATE BILL No. 3374 (Crematories Regulation Act.)
Many cemeteries, particularly in Japan and Europe have run out, or are
According to the Senate Bill No. 3374, introduced by the late
starting to run out, of permanent space.
Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, Crematories refer to mortuaries where
However, there is a growing body of research that indicates
corpses are cremated or facilities for the disposal by incineration of the
cremation has a significant impact on the environment as well. The major
bodies of the dead. Recent years saw the rise of crematories in the country.
emissions from crematories are nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, sulfur
Cremation may serve as a funeral or post funeral rite that is an
dioxide, particulate matter, mercury, hydrofluoric acid, hydrochloric acid,
alternative to the interment of an intact body in a casket. Cremated
NMVOCs, and other heavy metals, in addition to persistent organic
remains, which are not a health risk, may be buried or immured in
SUSTAINABLE
INDIGENOUS
BIRTH
OF
LIFE
 SIBOL: A PROPOSED MEMORIAL COMPLEX | PESEBRE

pollutants (POP). According to the United Nations Environment But over the past four years, cremations have surpassed burials as

Programme report on POP Emission Inventory Guidebook, emissions the most popular end-of-life option.

from crematories contribute 0.2% of the global emission of dioxins and

Cremation is often marketed as a more environmentally friendly
furans. This Act regulates crematories to ensure that they do not pose
option than traditional embalmment and casket burial. Concern for the
hazards to public health.
environment, in addition to economic considerations, may be driving some

With emphasis to SECTION 4 (Erection and Maintenance of of the increase in popularity.

Crematories), which states that any natural person, partnership,

But while it’s true that cremation is less harmful than pumping a
corporation, or association may erect, maintain, and conduct a crematory
body full of formaldehyde and burying it on top of concrete, there are still
and provide the necessary appliances and facilities for the disposal by
environmental effects to consider. Cremation requires a lot of fuel, and it
incineration of the bodies of the dead, in accordance with the provisions of
results in millions of tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year—enough
this Act.
that some environmentalists are trying to rethink the process.

With this, the SIBOL aims to provide a suitable “sacred place” for
How can this be addressed??
the Filipinos that will choose Cremation as its ideal burial option, with
(Becky Little, National Geographic, November 5, 2019, The
compliance to the regulations provided by the law of the Philippines and
Environmental Toll of Cremating the Dead, available from
of the Church.
https://www.nationalgeographic.com)

SUSTAINABLE
INDIGENOUS
BIRTH
OF
LIFE
 SIBOL: A PROPOSED MEMORIAL COMPLEX | PESEBRE

SIBOL’s aim to use the Bios Urn and transform cemeteries into a RELATED WORKS

significant forest, will deal with crematorium’s negative environmental

To further analyze the space requirements and development for
effects.
SIBOL, here are some related works;

Through the introduction of the Memorial Forests in the

SANCTUARIUM
Philippines, it shall make drastic innovation in addressing not only the
The Sanctuarium is a 12-storey landmark towering along Araneta
pollution produced by the crematorium, but also the overall air pollution in
Avenue in Quezon City boasts of its 5-Star hotel amenities to service the
our planet.
living while being the final resting haven for our loved ones. It is the only
Cemeteries will create a more significant identity around the
structure with a mortuary, crematorium, columbarium, religious chapels
world. And will serve the purpose of SIBOL; giving salvation to the Earth
and audio-visual archives all in one.
through our death.

Fig. 2.10: The Sunctuarium, Quezon

SUSTAINABLE
INDIGENOUS
BIRTH
OF
LIFE
 SIBOL: A PROPOSED MEMORIAL COMPLEX | PESEBRE

Show rooms for Caskets and Urns selection along with the

conference rooms and tribute center is located at Sanctuarium’s

Its state-of-the-art functionality goes beyond its modern fume-free
Mezzanine floor.
environmentally-friendly cremation process, computer controlled

“intelligent” building systems, totally secured vaults or its user-friendly

audio-visual archives. It is combined with the artistry and comfort of a 5-

Star hotel with amenities like a Concierge, 28 vigil chapels with hotel

suite accommodations in its furniture, family rooms with toilet and bath Fig. 2.12: Mezzanine Floor

(H&C showers). It comes complete with Genki Japanesque Café, Floral

Symphony Flower Shop, and the Mei Hua Convenience Store to meet all
For Sanctuarium’s 2nd to 3rd floors, viewing rooms with family
the family’s needs.
room and chapels are provided. On its 5th floor is their crowned Sky

Garden, pertaining to their columbarium with an atrium ascending through

10th floor. A Buddhist temple is also available at 11th floor.

Fig. 2.13: Sky Garden

Fig. 2.11: Ground Floor Facilities and
Amenities SUSTAINABLE
INDIGENOUS
BIRTH
OF
LIFE
 SIBOL: A PROPOSED MEMORIAL COMPLEX | PESEBRE

4-level basement parking, scenic elevators, escalators and service The project offers the best alternative to overcrowded cemeteries

elevators are also a prized possession of Sanctuarium. that are open to the elements. Moreover, it has take the memorial service a

level higher by being sensitive to the individual needs of Christians,

Buddhists, and practically all religious sects.

“Where memories live forever”

Fig. 2.14: 4-Level Basement Parking (The Sanctuarium, Araneta Avenue, Quezon City. Available from

http://www.sanctuarium.net)

Sanctuarium is a funeral home that also specializes in cremation;

we can personally attend to all the arrangements for you. Cremation

allows you to arrange any type of ceremony which is meaningful to you,

with cremation before or after the ceremony. Located on its 12th floor, if

you choose cremation, you still have all the options available to you for

gatherings, memorial, and final disposition.

Fig. 2.15: Cremation Room

SUSTAINABLE
INDIGENOUS
BIRTH
OF
LIFE
 SIBOL: A PROPOSED MEMORIAL COMPLEX | PESEBRE

ST. PETER Loma, Mayon, Sampaloc and Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City,

Bacoor City, Baguio City, Mandaue City, Cebu City, etc; and more than
St. Peter Chapel and Memorial Services been providing
280 St. Peter Chapels nationwide ready to serve the public with reliable
professional and traditional memorial services to the Filipino public and
and superior quality memorial services including St. Peter Legazpi.
has recently diversified into modern cremation services through the St.

Peter Crematorium. It has also continuously led the memorial services

industry through pioneering technological innovations like the St. Peter E-

Burol, St. Peter E-Libing and St. Peter Tribute.

Fig. 2.17: St. Peter, Facilities

Fig. 2.16: St. Peter, Legazpi Branch To meet the growing preference of the Filipino people for

cremation, St. Peter Life Plan, Inc. developed new St. Peter Cremation

St. Peter Chapels operates twenty-three elite Mega Chapels in Plans to give nothing else but the best and most affordable cremation

Araneta Avenue, Quezon Avenue, Novaliches, Kamuning, Cubao, La

SUSTAINABLE
INDIGENOUS
BIRTH
OF
LIFE
 SIBOL: A PROPOSED MEMORIAL COMPLEX | PESEBRE

products and services to its valued customers with all the flexibility that NUESTRA SENORA DE SALVACION FUNERAL PARLOR-

we, Filipinos, look for in a cremation plan. LEGAZPI

The St. Peter Cremation Plans guarantee first class cremation Nuestra Senora de Salvacion Funeral Parlor, Inc., a pioneer in

service performed by our St. Peter Crematorium and accredited crematoria funeral accommodation serves the district of Albay and nearby towns.

in selected areas nationwide. St. Peter Cremation Plans are only available They operate in five cities (Legaspi Ligao, Naga, Tabaco, Sorsogon) and

in Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao and Bacolod City. six towns (Guinobatan- Main Office,Daraga, Camalig, Pio Duran, Oas,

Polangui).
(St, Peter Chapel and Memorial Services, Available from

https://www.stpeter.com.ph) The company was founded by Leonor Rucio Orfano in October

1976. She became a leader in community service and has been looked up

as a business legend. Under the management of her family, the company

continues her vision filled with love and care for its employees, contract

workers, and the families served.

NsDSFP Legazpi is a family owned business, located in front of

the Bicol Memorial Park.

SUSTAINABLE
INDIGENOUS
BIRTH
OF
LIFE
 SIBOL: A PROPOSED MEMORIAL COMPLEX | PESEBRE

RELATED LAWS

For specified provision for the development of SIBOL, the study

referred to the following laws/references.

National Building Code of the Philippines (PD 1096)

The study shall conform to the guidelines on buildings and other

Fig. 2.18: NSdSFP Legazpi Branch
accessory structures within the cemetery and memorial parks should
They have two types of chapels that can be rented, an air-
comply with the SECTION 709.C, of the National Building Code of the
conditioned and a non-air-conditioned. Two multi-function rooms are also
Philippines (PD 1096).
available on the second floor. A Caskets selection room is also available
Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board Guidelines
near the office and the crematorium is a newly added service.

The proposal will also refer to the latest applicable Housing and
Other amenities are located at the rear side of the building.
Land Use Regulatory Board Guidelines regarding Cemeteries and
(Phil Plans, Nuestra Senora De Salvacion Funeral Parlor and
Memorial Parks (Article IV Sections (c) of Executive Order No. 648).
Crematorium, Available from https://philplans.com.ph)
With emphasis to RULE III, SECTION 9 (Design Standards and

Guidelines for Memorial Parks/Cemeteries), that states that the Cemeteries

or memorial parks shall conform with the land use plan or zoning

SUSTAINABLE
INDIGENOUS
BIRTH
OF
LIFE
 SIBOL: A PROPOSED MEMORIAL COMPLEX | PESEBRE

ordinance of the locality having jurisdiction over the project site, the ARCHITECTURAL BACKGROUND

pertinent provisions of the Sanitation Code, Water Code, National

The study also aims to develop an architectural design suitable for
Building Code of the Philippines and its referral codes, like the
the Native Ifugao house called “Bale”, with the hopes that native houses
Accessibility Law, Plumbing Code, Electrical Code, etc. and other
will be preserved so they can be seen by future generations.
applicable laws and rules affecting related services and the following

design standards.

P.D. 856 (Sanitation Code)

The proposal shall conform to the requirements of P.D. 856

(Sanitation Code). With emphasis to CHAPTER XXI (DISPOSAL OF

DEAD PERSONS) Fig. 2.19: Bale House

Department of Environment and Natural Resources

The native Ifugao house called “Bale” is commonly seen in Ifugao.

Air Quality Standards for Crematoriums provided by Department It has three levels. The "cha-ulon," or the space under the house where the

of Environment and Natural Resources (Available from families hold their rituals; the second level is the "unig," where they cook,

http://air.emb.gov.ph.) will be also taken into consideration. eat, and sleep; the third one, the "palan," is where they keep their rice.

However, most Ifugao families no longer live in bales anymore.

SUSTAINABLE
INDIGENOUS
BIRTH
OF
LIFE
 SIBOL: A PROPOSED MEMORIAL COMPLEX | PESEBRE

This is because it only has one room which is too small for a big (ABS-CBN News, Melinda Ramo, Updated as of May 21 2018,

family, and the cogon (grass) used for its roof is hard to maintain. Modern Ifugaos urged to preserve native houses, Available on https://news.abs-

families now prefer to live in modern houses. cbn.com)

To protect the rich heritage of the native Ifugao house, residents

are being encouraged to preserve them.

The O-wind turbine will be the inspiration of the structure of the

“We have a cultural code regarding the preservation of the Ifugao Bale adaptation architectural design that the proposal will utilize.

native house, which is saying that we should strengthen and encourage

Omni-wind turbine, created by Nicolas Gonzalo Orellana Olguin
people to still preserve these houses because primarily, these are one of
and Yaseen Noorani, is of a spherical shape with a single axis of rotation
the things that identify us from other races,” according to the head of the
going through it. O-Wind takes advantage of horizontal and vertical winds
Ifugao Cultural Heritage Office, William Mamanglo. He added that if
without requiring steering.
families will build new houses, they are encouraged to adapt the design of
Its dimensions and shape mean that it is very suitable for an
the bale with pyramid-type roofs and paint the roof brown or green.
environmentally conscious approach that aspires to zero or low-
Though modern architecture, they had to make sure it still looked
carbon footprints or cost reduction. With this notion, the turbine will be an
like the traditional bale. From its shape to the colors they chose, they
efficient addition to the Memorial Complex for basic components.
wanted to preserve the old style of their original house.

SUSTAINABLE
INDIGENOUS
BIRTH
OF
LIFE
 SIBOL: A PROPOSED MEMORIAL COMPLEX | PESEBRE

BUILDING MATERIALS

BAMBOO

VOLCANIC ROCKS

Fig. 2.20: O-Wind Turbine

SYNTHESIS OF THE STUDY
(The James Dyson Award, 2018, O-Wind Turbine, available from

https://www.jamesdysonaward.org) The general systems description for the Memorial Complex shall

be a cemetery incorporated with the facilities to introduce Memorial

With these structural design considerations, the proponent aims to
Forest such as Columbarium, Crematory, Funeral Services, Chapel,
address some issues of Mindanao such as the Bale house preservation and
Nursery, and other necessary function of a Memorial Complex.
natural disaster resiliency: Earthquakes and Typhoon. Its purpose is, even

if the proposal was developed in Bicol Region, it shall provide the The proposal will identify a suitable planning method as to how

architectural knowledge to Mindanao and other regions on how they can the facilities will develop a Memorial forest and be incorporated to the

cope with these resent issues. present planning methods of a Memorial Complex in the Philippines.

As a proposed Memorial Complex, the facilities will adapt to its

natural setting and shall be provided with adequate land area for burial

usage. There shall be an easy access and satisfactory accommodations for

SUSTAINABLE
INDIGENOUS
BIRTH
OF
LIFE
 SIBOL: A PROPOSED MEMORIAL COMPLEX | PESEBRE

the users and future users without sacrificing the tradition and culture of

the Filipino.

The study also aims to emphasis the symbolism of the Narra Tree

in the Philippines giving it more respect without any threat of

deforestation. Narra tress shall live long and prosper along with the

memories of our love ones.

It seeks to develop a design to preserve the Ifugao Houses and

adapt the structural concept of the Omni-wind Turbine as an innovative

way to develop an architectural design that will address Mindanao’s

current issues. It shall also allow several benefits to the structure such as

passive cooling and natural ventilation.

The proposal will introduce two innovations to the locality; The

Biodegradable Urns and the O-wind Turbine. This development of the

Legazpi City Burial Complex shall be one of the well-known and iconic

developments in the province of Albay.

SUSTAINABLE
INDIGENOUS
BIRTH
OF
LIFE