Thesis Project 1 PDF

TAGPUAN Community Center |1
CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND AND NATURE OF THE STUDY
“Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because,
and only when, they are created by everybody.” (Jacobs, 1961) Public spaces are areas
in the public realm that help promote social interaction and a sense of community.
(American Planning Association) Public spaces are shared by the community to spend
their time in. People who come from different backgrounds, cultures and personalities
share these spaces. A community commonly spends time in these places for leisurely
activities like eating, exercising, or doing personal activities like going out on dates,
getting together with friends or family, selling food and practicing their talents and
hobbies. On certain occasions, public spaces become a venue for community gatherings
and important events shared by different people. “Public spaces are key elements of
individual and social well-being, the places of a community’s collective life,
expressions of the diversity of their common natural and cultural richness and a
foundation of their identity.” (United Nations Programme on Human Settlements)
These spaces provide opportunities for human interaction to occur, ultimately achieving
a sense of place and of community.
All across the globe, public spaces and places play a major role in the growth
of cities, as well as establishing a sense of pride for people who live in communities
that share these spaces. The sense of pride and stewardship helps in keeping their public
places alive, healthy and resilient. The local economies grow and communities with a
good sense of place become more habitable by people. Places that are designed and
driven by a community attract people. The presence of people attracts more people and
local businesses start to invest in these places. Examples of this can be seen in Las
Ramblas in Barcelona, Spain, Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy and Kyojima in Tokyo,
Japan. These public spaces are widely inhabited and visited by people. These places
become important to people that they attract even tourists, increasing the economic
value of land as well as its cultural and historical value. These places all shared one
important aspect in common: they were designed for people to use. Once people started
using these places, these places became a part of everyone who visited them, brought
together by the experience these public places have to offer.
In the Philippines, a strong sense of community is present. Normally, one would
hear of the term bayanihan, which is the Filipino concept of being a community. This
sense of community is nowadays commonly seen and practiced in small, rural
communities in remote areas or provinces of the country. In municipalities and some
cities, plazas are civic places which people have been using for different activities.
Filipinos are known to have a very strong sense of hospitality and one factor that
strengthens this value is how communities more or less know one another, especially
neighbors. A common scenario seen and experienced in the Philippines is how well
people in a community are updated with the lives of those their neighbors, often
portrayed in movies or shows as neighbors gossiping about one another. The most
important sense of community in the country is shown in fiestas where members of a
community gather in celebration of different occasions. These events are known to be
so lively and vibrant in color that they attract people from across the country and even
tourists towards public spaces, especially streets and homes, where these annual
celebrations are held.
Public places play a key role in the development of a community. Access to
public spaces and basic services is considered to be an essential human right.
(MacKenzie, 2015) Furthermore, civic spaces act as the front porch of our public
institutions, and allow interaction between a community and the government. (Project
of Public Spaces, 2009) Community spaces and civic centers have become an extension
of the community and homes. In these spaces, growth of a community and achieving a
sense of community through shared experiences are what give identity and life to public
spaces. It is in these places that people experience the culture and identity of a
community through the life, experience and interaction in such places.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The concept of bayanihan, although has been a strong value and sense of
community in the Philippines for many years, is gradually diminishing, especially in
the urban areas and cities. Many factors affect the loss for this Filipino sense of
community. A culture of distrust has infected many communities due to the lack of
safety in places people call homes. Homes have begun building higher walls and gates
that separate families from the outside and from one other. Public spaces like streets
and parks have become less used and inhabited by people due to the presence of danger
that can affect individuals. Importance on pedestrian safety has been ignored in
planning of communities and cities; sidewalks become narrower, parks become more
infested by risks to safety and health of people due to the lack of maintenance,
streetlights become dimmer, and the lack of the presence of people in public areas invite
danger to inhibit and to lurk around those areas.
Ironically, with all the innovations in technology and communications, people
are more connected than ever but have even grown more disconnected with one another.
Rather than talking and spending quality time with present family and friends, the
internet and new gadgets keep that physical company apart. Even more so, people living
in communities have become more and more disconnected with one another. The lack
of people-oriented public places and the innovation of technology and communications
have brought people far more apart than ever. The government along with urban
planners, architects and stakeholders play a major role in reconnecting the people.
Public spaces need to be designed to encourage physical activity and social interaction
to occur. Places need to engage the community to go out and interact and reconnect
with nature and with people.
Civic places used to be a focal point in communities or cities. Government
institutions, public institutions and establishments that provide people with their needs
used to be planned around what we call a plaza. A plaza is a public space, also
considered to be a civic space where people gather and spend time for activities, events
and spend their leisurely time. Communities used to grow around these focal points
because they are so inhabited and self-sustaining with life and economy. Eventually,
Filipinos veered away from public spaces due to different factors like, heat, safety and
health. Nowadays, people often gather in commercial establishments, most especially
shopping malls, rather than in public parks, plazas and civic buildings like museums
and libraries. Shopping malls in the Philippines have become new focal points in cities.
Whenever a new mall is built, value for land and economic growth increases. Malls
have started to offer a range of services and facilities that public parks don’t, from
government offices, groceries, shopping, even to churches, indoor playgrounds, event
venues and indoor parks. The ensured security, air conditioning and Wi-Fi-access
available in these places have even attracted people to go to these places even more.
This invites consumerism. Local economies and growth opportunities for small
businesses are interrupted. People have veered away from their own public places in
their community because of the strong mall culture of Filipinos.
Urban spaces must be able to allow better interaction between people and their
environment. (Waterman, 2010) Metro Manila, with its 17 cities and smaller
communities need to focus more on civic pride and sense of community. Providing
spaces designed and planned for specific communities can uplift the economic and
social state of areas, proving to become pioneers for designing public places for and by
communities in the Philippines. Civic centers are where forums and cultural events can
take place, becoming places where all lines meet; where people from all walks of life
in a community may cross paths to improve social interaction and uphold civic pride,
stewardship and a better sense of community.

1.3 PROJECT GOAL AND OBJECTIVES
The primary goal of the proposed Baseco Community Center is to create a
new public place within the Baseco Compound in Tondo, Manila as a public space to
be shared among people in the community to achieve civic pride, urban regeneration,
improved social interaction and community resilience, with the following objectives:
1. To develop and plan public spaces that will initiate social interaction amongst
the members of the Baseco Compound community
2. To promote the local economies and markets in Baseco Compound that will
make the community a focal point in Tondo, Manila
3. To promote and engage civic pride and stewardship through the design of
spaces and places that are made for the people of the community
1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROJECT
4. 1 in every 5 Filipinos were considered poor in 2015, meaning 21.9 million of our
population were poor. Among the poor in the basic sector, 34.3% were farmers, 34%
were fishermen, 31.4% were children, 25.0 percent were self-employed and unpaid
family workers and 11.5% were individuals living in urban areas. (PSA,2015) Many of
these Filipinos live in Urban Poor areas around the city with only little to no
opportunities of improving their living conditions. Those living in the slums have to
settle for small living spaces, low-quality facilities and unhealthy living conditions.
5. By focusing the capacity to sustain and create places it is possible to find real and
integrative solutions to modern-day problems. Not a single one of the major challenges
facing today’s cities—whether it’s poverty, environmental degradation, social
segregation, transportation, or inequality—exists in isolation of the others. A focus on
Placemaking offers a practical, proactive, and integrated approach for addressing global
change and resilience at every scale. (Kent, 2015)
6. Designing public places that provide healthy environments to communities is a
responsibility that requires studies and discussion among different people; urban
planners, architects, stakeholders, government, and others. There are several
communities like barangays which lack interaction and civic pride in their own
communities, putting all the focus on areas with bigger establishments rather then
improving their own as an anchor that attracts people, development and growth in their
own community. People go far away from their own areas to spend their time in, or
public places, are undesired by their users. People in these communities look further
away when they can look at where they live and achieve livelihood and development
with the community they already live with.
7. “There is an important and significant correlation between how attached people feel to
where they live and local GDP growth.” The love that people have for their community
has a positive effect on the economic growth of that place. When people love where
they live, the tendency is that they spend more time there and may even invite other
people to do the same as well. What drives most people to love the place where they
live and strengthens their attachment to it is their perception of aesthetic, social
gatherings and the openness of the place. (Lofline, 2013) A public place can boost the
economic growth of even the smallest communities. It does not only have a positive
impact on the physical health, but as well as the mental health of its people. Community
development is empowered by the social interaction that occurs in public places

designed for the people to use. It plays a key role in keeping the citizens healthy, safe
and happy.
1.5 SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS
The study and research of the proposed project will be conducted in Baseco
Compound in Tondo, Manila. The project shall focus on how the site will become a
public center designed based on the observed behavior, wants and the needs of the
people living in the community. The project will focus on the formation of the proposed
civic center based on the studies and research conducted within the community, in order
to instill civic pride and stewardship to its users.
The project will focus on becoming more accessible to pedestrians while
allowing public transportation within the area, mainly tricycles, to connect people from
further points of the community and even visitors from outside the premises of the
community to visit and use the center and its public spaces. The basic services that a
community will need will be located within the site, such as the barangay office, a
satellite police station, a small health care center, a day-care center, tricycle terminal,
community gallery, livelihood classrooms and a satellite library. Other facilities will
include a play area, basketball court and a park for the inclusive use of the public.
Moreover, the project will include areas for the public economies to potentially grow,
such as providing areas where weekend markets and community farms which may be
used to allow opportunities for the community to earn and help in the growth of the
economy. The business and economic factors are not to be included in the project and
will be based on behavioral studies rather than business, economic and management
studies and numbers.
All studies and research will be focused on the community itself, including
institutions and establishments located in the range of the said community (e.g.
churches, school, commercial establishments). The framework that the design of the
structure and the spaces will be based on interviews and analysis done around the site
and with main stakeholders of the site (the chosen community), as well as the local
government only up to the barangay officials. Higher government officials will have
little involvement, through data, demographics and local ordinances and laws that may
apply in the formation of the project. Due to constraints, the demolition process of the
built structures in the chosen site will not be included in the scope of this research.
1.6 DEFINITION OF TERMS
For the purpose of the research and study of the proposed project, the following
terms and their corresponding definitions will be used.
1.6.1 ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
DPWH Department of Public Works and Highways
DSWD Department of Social Welfare and Development
GK Gawad Kalinga
T A G P U A N C o m m u n i t y C e n t e r | 10
GDP Gross Domestic Product
LGU Local Government Unit
PUJ Public Utility Jeep
PUV Public Utility Vehicle
UN United Nations
UN-HABITAT United Nations Human Settlements Programme
1.6.2 OPERATIONAL DEFINITIONS
BARANGAY
Basis for modern political units in the Philippines, base unit for the management
of political duties in the government, a body of members from villages and districts in
Philippine cities. (UP Dictionary)
CIVIC
Of or relating to a city; municipal; of or relating to citizenship; of citizens
(Dictionary.com)
CIVIC CENTER
The buildings that house our post offices, courthouses, government agencies,
and libraries are often grand but uninviting. They can also be a stage where friends
meet, celebrations are held, and economic and cultural exchanges build a sense of
community. (Project for Public Spaces)
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
Civic engagement means working to make a difference in the civic life of our
communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and
motivation to make that difference. It means promoting the quality of life in a
community, through both political and non-political processes. (Ehrlich, 2000)
COMMUNITY
A social group of any size whose members reside in a specific locality, share
government, and often have a common cultural and historical heritage; a social,
religious, occupational, or other group sharing common characteristics or interests and
perceived or perceiving itself as distinct in some respect from the larger society within
which it exists (Dictionary.com)
COMMUNITY CENTER
Community centers are intended to be identifiable focal points and activity
centers for surrounding groups of residential neighborhoods (Los Angeles Citywide
General Plan Framework)

CULTURE
Culture is the characteristics and knowledge of a particular group of people,
defined by everything from language, religion, cuisine, social habits, music and arts.
(Zimmerman, 2015)
ECONOMY
An entire network of producers, distributors, and consumers of goods and
services in a local, regional, or national community. (The Business Dictionary)
FOREIGN
Of, relating to, or derived from another country or nation; not native. Belonging
to or coming from another district, province, etc. (Dictionary.com)
LOCAL
Pertining to, characteristic of, or restricted to a particular place or particular
places (Dictionary.com)
PEDESTRIAN
A person who goes or travels on foot (Dictionary.com)

PLACE
Place – environments that have meaning put to by people or communities over
time. It has a history defined by the way people use such environments. These places
nurture communities in the physical, social, environmental and economic aspects.
(MacKenzie, 2015)
PLACEMAKING
Refers to a collaborative process by which we can shape our public realm in
order to maximize shared value. More than just promoting better urban design, it
facilitates creative patterns of use, paying particular attention to the physical, cultural,
and social identities that define a place and support its ongoing evolution. (Project for
Public Spaces, 2009)
PUBLIC
Of, relating to, or affecting a population or a community as a whole, open to all
persons, Maintained at the public expense and under public control (Dictionary.com)
PUBLIC SPACE
Any landscape area or building interior that is free for the use of all people at
all times. (Wall & Waterman, 2010)

Public spaces are all places publicly owned or of public use, accessible and
enjoyable by all for free and without a profit motive. Each public space has its own
spatial, historic, environmental, social and economic features. (UN-HABITAT)
RESILIENCE
In the context of exposure to significant adversity, resilience is both the capacity
of individuals to navigate their way to the psychological, social, cultural, and physical
resources that sustain their well-being, and their capacity individually and collectively
to negotiate for these resources to be provided in culturally meaningful ways.
(Resilience Research Center)
SIDEWALK
A path for pedestrians alongside but higher than a road. A sidewalk includes
both hard-paved and soft, landscaped areas. (NYC Department of Planning, 2013)
SLUMS
An overcrowded urban street or district inhabited by very poor people
(Merriam-Webster)
STEWARDSHIP
The careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care
(Merriam-Webster)
TOURIST
A person who is traveling, especially for pleasure. (Dictionary.com)
URBAN
Of, or relating to, or designating a city or town, living in a city (Dictionary.com)
URBANISM
The study of cities, usually as a holistic discipline. This includes consideration
of ecological, environmental, geographic, economic, political, social and cultural forces
and their influence upon, and interrelationship with the built environment. (Wall &
Waterman, 2010)
CHAPTER II: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
2.1 PUBLIC SPACE
A Public Space is a publicly-owned land that, in theory, is open and accessible
to all members of a given community regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, age or socio-
economic level. Access to public spaces and basic services is considered to be an
essential human right. Where such spaces already exist, the careful process of design
and maintenance is important for the cultural, social, economic and physical aspects of
a community or a city. (MacKenzie, 2015) Public spaces consist of open environments
and sheltered spaces created without a profit motive and for everyone’s enjoyment.
(UN-HABITAT)
The idea of a public space is that it is a third space – one that is neither a space
of work nor of home. This idea has become increasingly important to communities.
Public spaces provide a necessary neutral ground in which conversation may flow,
regulars may congregate and the mood can be playful. (Chaplin, 2011) Public spaces
are the key elements of individual and social well-being, the places of a community’s
collective life, expressions of the diversity of their common natural and cultural
richness and a foundation of their identity. (UN-HABITAT) The 10 Benefits of
Creating Good Public Spaces are:
1. They support local economies
2. They attract business investments

3. Attract tourism
4. Provide cultural opportunities
5. Encourage volunteerism
6. Reduce crime
7. Improve pedestrian safety
8. Increase use of public transportation
9. Improve public health
10. Improve the environment
(Project for Public Spaces, 2009)
2.1.1 TYPES OF PUBLIC SPACE
Private-Public space is a privately-owned space in which access can be easily
denied, but the users of the space consider it as a public space. Examples of privately-
owned spaces are shopping malls, bars, even civic buildings. In these spaces, a user
may be asked to leave or be removed from the space by a higher authority although it
is generally open to the public. (Johnson & Glover, 2013)
A common space is a privately-owned space, where access cannot easily be
denied. The space is viewed by its users as a public space. An easement used to piece
together a trail system is a right given to others to use private land, thereby establishing
it as common space. (Johnson & Glover, 2013)

Club space is a space that is publicly-owned. Access can be denied upon the
decision of the operations of this club. A club is a group of people who organize for a
common purpose. (Johnson & Glover, 2013)
The outwardly public space is publicly-owned and access to this space cannot
be denied. Such spaces include public parks, are the least contested type when it comes
to denial of access. Inappropriate acts done in such spaces cannot easily deny a person
access to the space unless there are laws or rules enforced to ensure the conduct of its
users. (Johnson & Glover, 2013)
2.2 PLACE
Places are environments that have meaning put to by people or communities
over time. It has a history defined by the way people use such environments. These
places nurture communities in the physical, social, environmental and economic
aspects. (MacKenzie, 2015) Place has the power to enable people to learn from each
other and the changing world they inhabit. (Chaplin, 2011)

Table 1 : Factors that make a great place, Project for Public Spaces
2.2.1 PLACEMAKING
Placemaking is the process of building and nurturing the relationship between
people and their surrounding environment. It is the connection that members of a
community have to a place, which gives a sense of attachment or invested in that said
place. This connection is the very heart of the resilience of the community.
Place-making is not only about making places, but about making and growing
lives and livelihood. (Chaplin, 2011) Placemaking provides great opportunities for
places to become self-sustaining. In order to achieve this, it needs to be a community-
based process. Placemaking is a strategic planning and designing of a place that requires
the participation of the community. The design and strategies need to be people-
oriented, it cannot be a strategy or solution that leaders and planners simply impose and
implement. Allowing members of the community the opportunity to play an active role
in creating the community builds a stronger relationship between the community and
the place. This connection allows communities and places to become resilient and self-
sustaining despite adversities and problems the community may face.
It is only by focusing on the capacity to sustain and create places that real and
integrative solutions to the most pressing concerns of the 21st century may be
discovered. The major challenges that today’s cities face - poverty, environmental
degradation, social segregation, transportation, or inequality - exists in isolation of the
others. Focusing on Placemaking offers a practical, proactive, and integrated approach
for addressing global change and resilience at every scale. (Kent, 2015)
2.2.2 SENSE OF PLACE
The strong sense of place built upon the relationship of places with people has
a positive impact on the healthy lifestyle of people, as well as the physical and economic
growth of cities. (Project of Public Spaces) Great places invite a boost in the economy
and several other factors that communities benefit from.

Table 2 : The Benefits of Great Places, Project for Public Spaces
2.2.3 PLACE CAPITAL
Creating a smarter infrastructure is important. Providing a well-integrated
transportation and pedestrian infrastructure and investing on different forms of civic
technology increases the place capital of a place. (Kent, 2015) There is a significant
growth in the GDP of a local economy when a place is booming with life, energy and
local markets that produce and products that contribute to this growth. In the recent
findings in a study that Dr. Katherine Lofline conducted, it has been determined that
the love of people for their community has a positive effect on the economic growth of
that place. (Lofline, 2013)
2.2.4 ESTABLISHING A PLACE
What most drives people to love where they live is their perception of aesthetics,
social offerings, and openness of a place. People want a place that is attractive,
engaging, friendly and welcoming. (Lofline, 2013) In Dr. Lofline’s study, there are 9
Key Lessons that can help in establishing a place:
1. Optimizing place – allow places to be who they are – just optimized. Instead of
changing the community, make it the best it can be, making no place left behind.
A community must not try to be something they’re not.
2. Lead with strengths – the most powerful path to change for people and places
is to leverage strengths to address challenges
3. Place optimism matters – optimism is linked to attachment. The more optimistic
people feel about their future, the more attached they can be to the community
today. This plays an important role in a community’s resilience.

4. Young talent is leading the place renaissance – young talent is consistently
perceived as the least welcomed group in a place. People decide place before
the jobs to pursue changes the way communities are imagined. If places are to
succeed, jobs are better and more people will want to live there.
5. The corporate world gets this – corporate companies know that to attract and
retain best talent, they have to successfully sell where that job I located
6. A solution on the “growth” tug of war that immobilizes many places – people
are worried that modernizing for growth will lose their community’s identity as
a place
7. You’ll see impact sooner – there is a relationship between social offerings,
openness and aesthetics, and resident attachment. When one of those is changed,
a difference can be seen in attachment of the public. “Lighter, Quicker,
Cheaper” approach can change minds and meet expectations faster than anyone
can think it can
8. It’s totally scalable - You can start anywhere and see impact soon. Remind
people of the greatness of their place and help them rediscover that.
9. The power of place – love of place is a great equalizer and mobilizer. The
message of attachment – that the softer sides of place matter- resonates deeply.
In establishing a place around public spaces, architecture acts as a good citizen.
Architecture becomes a good citizen when it sits well on its site, reaches out to its
community through programming and sensible massing, it opens itself to abundant
nature, has a sense of warmth, community and natural light, and it integrates art into
everyday life. Ultimately, it is the sense of reciprocity between the building and the site
that create places which play a dignified and lasting role for the buildings, occupants
and wider community. The outdoor places are every bit as compelling as the indoor
places and they are strongly engaged with one another. (Sisam, 2013)
2.3 CIVIC CENTERS
Civic distrust exists in our communities. With the rapid growth of cities and
towns, they become more populous but less worth inhabiting. Today our society faces
the loss of “social capital” (Robert Putnam) where people undo connections with
neighbors and members of communities by favoring the use of cars over investing on
pedestrians and commercial developments that offer consumerism rather than social
interaction. Such factors suppress peoples instinct for human encounter. By creating a
culture of civic engagement, a venue for interaction and forum occurs. (Kent & Fried,
2009)
2.3.1 CIVIC BUILDINGS
Civic institutions, such as parks, libraries, city halls and cultural facilities, are
the foundations of a civil society and the cornerstones of democracy. At their best, they
nurture and define a community’s identity by instilling a greater sense of pride, they
foster frequent and meaningful contact between citizens, they provide comfort in their
public spaces and they encourage an increasingly diverse population to use them. When
civic institutions are located in places that are easily accessible by pedestrians and
transit, they help to make a city more walkable and reduce dependence on the
automobile. Civic institutions can also help to support and build local economies by
encouraging small-scale businesses and local entrepreneurship through vending
programs, farmers’ markets, festivals and other locally-sponsored activities. (Nikitin,
2009)
2.3.2 CIVIC SPACES
Civic Spaces act as extensions of a community. They can serve as stages of a
community’s public living, especially when they are designed well and work well with
and for a community. The true function of their civic role is that it acts as a place where
celebrations are held. It is a place where there is an exchange of human interaction, as
well as social and economic exchanges and improvements. These places are where
cultures are so diverse, they can mix well. A civic space acts as the “front porch” of our
public institutions, like post offices, courthouses, federal office buildings and allows
interaction between a community and the government. (Project for Public Spaces, 2009)
1. Benefits
Enriches lives of its users and enhances surrounding buildings and
neighborhood itself. Contributes to community health. (social, economic,
cultural, environmental) Provides a sense of character and a forum for public
activities. Acts as anchors and focal points in communities to define and be
foundations of a healthy growth of a community. Makes a community more
livable.
2. Places Give Identity to Cities
Great public places can become world-renowned, attracting people and making
a place livelier and livable. This makes a community value such places, giving
a sense of stewardship and responsibility towards keeping these places intact
and improving it even more. With that, a sense of pride and ownership is shared
amongst diverse groups of people and can help foster the teamwork to keep the
well-being of these places.
3. Places Benefit Cities Economically
Great places increase land value. When a place becomes successful in leading
civic pride and providing a sense of place, people attract people, and where there
are more people, more businesses are likely to follow.
4. Places Help the Environment

Provides relief from the urban environment. Places can help increase
appreciation and stewardship over natural environments. Providing landscape
and wildlife help in filtering out pollutants in the air the community lives in.
5. Places Provide Settings for Cultural and Social Activities
Public Places offer free, open forums for people to encounter art and enjoy
performances and other cultural activities. This attracts more people to the area
and appreciation for the arts and culture the community can offer and allows
positive social interaction.
2.4 COMMUNITY
A community is a small or large social unit or a group of people who all share
something in common, such norms, religion, values, or identity. (Dictionary.com)
Communities often share a sense of place that is situated in a given geographical area
(village, town, or neighborhood). (Blackwell Encyclopedia) Durable relations that
extend beyond immediate genealogical ties also define a sense of community. People
tend to define those social ties as important to their identity, practice, and roles in social
institutions like family, home, work, government, society, or humanity, at large.
Although communities are usually small relative to personal social ties (micro-level),
"community" may also refer to large group affiliations (or macro-level), such
as national communities, international communities, and virtual communities. (James,
2006)
Communities can be classified into three types. The first is the Location-based
Community, where the range of the community comes from the local neighborhood,
suburb, village, town or city, region, nation. These are called communities of place.
(Delanty, 2003)
The second type of community is classified as the Identity-based Community.
It ranges from the local clique, sub-culture, ethnic group, religious, multicultural or
pluralistic civilization. These are culture-based communities. (Delanty, 2003)
The last classification is the Organizationally-based Community. The range of
this classification that are organized informally around a family or network-based
guilds and associations to more formal incorporated associations, political decision-
making structures, economic enterprises, or professional associations at small, national
or international scale. (Delanty, 2003)
2.4.1 SOCIALIZATION
It is the process of learning to adopt the behavioral patterns of the community.
The earliest form of socialization is usually experienced in the early stages of life, when
individuals develop the skills and knowledge and learn the roles necessary to function
within their culture and social environment. For some psychologists, especially those
in the psychodynamic tradition, the most important period of socialization is between
the ages of one and ten. But socialization also includes adults moving into a
significantly different environment, where they must learn a new set of behaviors.
(Newman, 2005)
Socialization is influenced primarily by the family, through which children first
learn community norms. Other important influences include schools, peer groups,
people, mass media, the workplace, and government. The degree to which the norms of
a particular society or community are adopted determines one's willingness to engage
with others. The norms of tolerance, reciprocity, and trust are important "habits of the
heart," as de Tocqueville put it, in an individual's involvement in community. (Smith,
2001)
2.4.2 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Community development is often linked with community work or community
planning, and may involve stakeholders, foundations, governments, or contracted
entities including non-government organisations (NGOs), universities or government
agencies to progress the social well-being of local, regional and, sometimes, national
communities. More grassroots efforts, called community building or community
organizing, seek to empower individuals and groups of people by providing them with
the skills they need to effect change in their own communities. (Kelly, 1988)
2.5 STEWARDSHIP
A community that achieves a good sense of community and good placemaking engages
stewardship amongst its members. Stewardship is generally understood as the personal
responsibility an individual feels towards something. There are two kinds of
stewardship:
Urban Stewardship – Caring for the urban commons is an act of individual stewardship
(long-term care of the public space/urban commons for the benefit of oneself and others
including the resource itself) and collective trusteeship (UN-HABITAT, 2015)
Civic stewardship – the activity or job of overseeing, protecting and being responsible
for something considered worth caring for and preserving (UN-HABITAT, 2015)
2.6 KEY INGREDIENTS OF A SUCCESSFUL PUBLIC SPACE
Copenhagen is often praised for its commitment to cycling, infrastructure and
building successful and inviting public spaces. A notable feature in Copenhagen is
that even the informal public spaces are well-used by people, because of
programming such as festivals, events or farmers markets. (Proulx & Baron, 2015)
1. Make Public Spaces Inviting and Engage People

Make spaces human-scaled rather than too large, alienating people with
unpractical gestures, making people feel small or insignificant by virtue of
size and scale of human.
2. Anchor Public Spaces with Food
People often need to eat or drink, and spaces can be anchored with food no
matter what the food serving size may be. It invites people and suggests
that they can stay in the place.
3. Offer Places to Sit – Formal or Informal
People like to sit in comfortable spaces, especially if there is something to
watch, like other people.
4. Allow People to Relieve Themselves
Bathrooms are often neglected in the Philippines, letting people go to
restaurants or other establishments just to use the bathroom. In
Copenhagen, public spaces have free public washrooms. People are
human, and if you treat them with respect by acknowledging their need to
relieve themselves, they will feel welcome and more likely chose to spend
more time in a space.
5. Let Public Spaces Self-Regulate
Spaces need to be regulated by the people who use them. The more rules
are put telling people what not to do, the less they are likely to use a space.
Spaces need people to be successful spaces, let people figure out how to
use them and take care of them.
6. Give People Things To Do

Give people various activities, inviting various types of people, to keep the
space as alive as possible.
7. Don’t Be Afraid to be Eccentric or Bold
The aesthetic of a space added with eccentric or bold colors can establiish
the space and be more inviting.
8. Be Good to People
“It is so cheap to be sweet to people.” (Jan Gehl) Creating spaces that are
attractive to people who use the result to more people outside. This in turn,
has positive effects to places, such as security as in more “eyes on the
street” and people are more likely to support adjacent businesses.
9. People Attract People
People are the lifeblood of our cities, without them, cities cannot function.
Successful urban places require their presence, acting as a ‘third space’
where people meet with other people outside from home or work. A public
space full of people will inevitably attract other people.
2.7 CASE STUDIES
The following case studies are related to the proposed project in nature. Civic
buildings and public spaces are focal points, sitting in the very heart of communities.
It invites people, activity and social interaction.

2.7.1 PALACE OF INTERNATIONAL FORUMS UZBEKISTAN
Image 1: Exterior Perspective of Palace of International Forums
Location: Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Architect: Ippolito Fleitz Group
Dimensions: 40,000 sq. mts.
The building was designed to accommodate acts of state, congress and
conferences and cultural events. The architects’ main task was to give a contemporary
form to the interior, which will incorporate elements of the traditional Uzbek
architecture. The exterior combines classical elements with a modern glass façade.
(Miguet, 2016)
Image 2: Interior Perspective of Palace of International Forums
The building’s interior is cosmopolitan and communicative, dressed with
materials, crystals, precious metals and interactions of natural and artificial light.
(Minguet. 2016)
Image 3: Auditorium of Palace of International Forum

2.7.2 MUCAB
Image 4: MUCAB Exterior Perspective
Location: Murcia, Spain
Architect: Martin Lejarraga

Image 5: MUCAB Interior Perspective
The architectural complex is composed by a museum (central area); a music
school; a center for local development, women and youth (north building); a creche,
and a center for child care (ground floor), The building is grouped into three
programmatic packages connected by courtyards, but each one works in an
independent way. (Minguet, 2016)

Image 6: Sample Floor Plan and MUCAB Zoning
Image 7: MUCAB Zoning Perspective

2.7.3 PARQUE DE LECTURA
Image 8: Aerial Perspective of Parque de Lectura, Spain
Location: Torre Pacheco, Spain
Architect: Martin Lejarraga
The project appears beginning from a new planning in one of the city’s extension
areas. This plot consists of public equipment for the citizens’ enjoyment The open-air park
stands out, that enjoys special conditions of the Mediterranean climate and social life for the
interaction of different ethnicities. (Minuet, 2016)
Image 9: Site Development Plan of Parque de Lectura, Spain

2.7.4 THE LAUFER FAMILY YOUTH RESOURCE AND COMMUNITY CENTER
Daraga Community Center is a project funded by Children International in Albay,
Bicol, Philippines. It replaced what once was a rented storefront in order to care for the 7000
children it serves. The new center features separate health and dental clinics, a library,
computer center, playground and dedicated spaces for meetings and program activities where
children can learn and play.

CHAPTER III: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

In this chapter, the following research methods and instruments are the
methods to be used for gathering the necessary data for the proposed Civic Center.
The research methods to be used will include a great involvement of the public, in
order to help achieve the sense of civic pride and stewardship due to playing a role in
the proposed project. The methods to be used are as follows:
3.1.1 INTERVIEW
A one-on-one interview helps develop a deeper sense of understanding the users
of the proposed projects. The physical presence and time allows an intimate and deeper
understanding of the character and personality of the stakeholders of the community.
The researcher intends to conduct interviews on different members of the community,
varying in different ages and social class.
3.1.2 DATA GATHERING
Data contain facts from studies conducted or information that are exact and
right. The researcher shall gather necessary data needed to fully understand the situation
and behavior of the community as well as collect standards and examples that can be
used in the development of the design of the center.

3.1.3 OBSERVATION
Observation makes use of the five human senses; sight, smell, hearing, taste and
touch. By performing observations on the site and its environment, the researcher aims
to gather data about the project which involves the experience of being physically
present in the site and in environments that are similar or related to the proposed project.
3.2 RESEARCH INSTRUMENTS
Research instruments are the specific method and approaches that the
researcher intends to use in order to gather the necessary data for the development of
the proposed project. The research instruments that the researcher will use in the
proposed project are as follows:
3.2.1 SUBJECT OF INTERVIEWS
To further understand the behavior of the community as a whole, one-on-one
interviews are to be conducted with different stakeholders and professionals whose
experiences and opinions will provide useful data in designing a people-oriented public
place.
3.2.1.1 BARANGAY OFFICIALS AND LEADERS OF KEY INSTITUTIONS
Barangay officials and other important institutions like key members of
church/es in the area are to be interviewed to gather data from a broader perspective.
These members of the community have a closer understanding and relationship with
the chosen community as a whole, therefore, would be able to provide useful
information on understanding the patterns of behavior, strengths and weaknesses from
their deeper relationship with the whole of the community. Questions to be asked will
focus on getting data on the following subjects regarding the community:
- Important Events
- Recent Events
- General Character of the Community
- General Behavior of the Community
- Strengths of the Community
- Weaknesses of the Community
- Aspects that Need Improvement
- Needs of the Community
- Involvement of Institution in the Community
3.2.1.2 GAWAD KALINGA
In order to develop a suitable and effective public place, the general behavior of
people, or Filipinos are to be further understood, thus the research shall conduct
interviews with a psychologist and a sociologist, who understand the human behavior
of the poor sector, especially in living as a community. As people who have first-hand
experience when meeting and working with the poor sector, they have credible
knowledge that can be important for the research. By presenting the gathered data from
the conducted surveys and interviews to the said professionals, the researcher aims to
further understand how to effectively design a place that is suitable for the behavior of
the chosen community. The expected output from the interview will follow the said
topics:
- Filipino Behavior (General)
- Community Behavior (General)
- Strengths and Weaknesses of the Community from their Behavior
3.2.1.4 STAKEHOLDERS
The members of the community are the primary users of the proposed project.
The project will be designed using the residents’ lifestyle, behavior and character as the
foundation and framework for the project. Their involvement plays a vital role in
achieving a sense of community, ownership, pride and stewardship towards the project.
Their insight will be the starting point of usability and the ability to grow and become
a resilient community. The important insight from the community will be interviewed
according to the following topics:
- Personal Opinion on the Community
- Awareness and Usage of Existing Public Places
- Relationship with neighbors and the Community
- Familiarity with place
- Needs of the Community
- Ways to Improve the Existing Community
- Personal Ideas and Preferences for a Community Center
-
3.2.2 TYPES OF DATA TO BE GATHERED
Important files that are needed for research are laws, standards and zoning
ordinances that can affect the project. Other types of data needed are studies on the
behavior and values of those in the poor sector, needed in order to understand their
behavior and design a community center specifically designed for them to use and take
good care of.
3.2.3 SUBJECT OF OBSERVATION
The existing site, as well as the behavior of human and vehicular traffic, the
environmental conditions, present community behavior, network of transportation and
social behavior of the community will be observed to determine the effective designing
of spaces and networks within and around the site of the proposed project. The
documentation of the existing site condition of the proposed site and the surrounding
environment as well as the behavior of people around it will provide further references
in the study and improvement of the site.
3.2.3.1 SITE OBSERVATION
Site observations during different hours of the day as well as the evening will
determine the general behavior and flow of people in and around the site. The site is
also observed during different weather conditions to determine the environmental
impacts of the macro climate has on the site. Observing pedestrian and traffic flow will
also help in addressing possible strengths and weaknesses of the proposed site. The
following elements of the site are to be observed by the research:

- Vehicular Traffic
- Pedestrian Traffic
- Macro Site Analysis
- Micro Site Analysis
- Natural Environment (Sun and Wind Orientation)
- Site Inventory
3.2.3.2 OBSERVATION OF RELATED CASES
Public places that attract human activity and local economies exist in various
places in Metro Manila. These places are teeming with life and activity, observation of
the experience to help determine what drives and attracts activity in such places. The
social behavior and dynamics of the public will help determine techniques in planning
and designing the proposed project. The following settings will be observed to aid the
researcher in developing the project:
- Weekend Markets
Weekend Markets are where small-scale local businesses come together
to earn and promote local craft like art and culinary. Since the proposed
project will cover an open market for local economies to contribute to the
promotion and growth of the community.
- Other poor communities
The other poor communities that can be related to the site are the Smokey
Mountain community and other poor sectors around Tondo, Manila.

- Plazas
Several plazas around the city, especially in Manila City lack human
activity. By observing these places, the researcher will be able to avoid
problems that repel human activity from these areas.

CHAPTER IV: SITE SELECTION
4.1 Overview
The selection of the site for the project is an important factor that is needed in
order to properly develop an architectural design development. It is important to be able
to choose a site that is fitting for the function of the proposed project. The proposed
project is mixed-use in nature, focusing more on assembly and institutional as important
focuses, and will therefore be an important factor in critically choosing a site for the
said project, allowing a positive influence and impact on the site and the community.
4.2 SITE CRITERIA
The following criteria will serve as the basis in choosing the site for the project:
4.2.1 GENERAL SITE CRITERIA
 Land Use and Zoning
The Land Use and Zoning of the site must be appropriate for the
intended use of the project. The standards and policies set by the CLUP of the
Local Government of the City of Manila should be followed when planning the
proposed project. To maximize the use and potential of the said project, the site
must be properly located to be accessible to various parts and members of a
community.
 Accessibility
Having a nature of being a structure designed for the use of the public,
specifically its community, the site requires to be easily accessible to all types
of people, as well as members of the community from various parts of it. The
site must be accessible to pedestrians and even the local community’s key forms
of transportation.
 Access to Utilities
Nearby proximity to utilities such as water supply and electrical supply
is necessary to avoid added costs for the construction of required infrastructure
to make the said utilities accessible to the site, as well as to save on energy,
transportation, maintenance and other services required for the operation of the
utilities.
 Safety & Security
The site is secure from any external threats that can bring harm to the
users of the site. It is safe from natural threats like earthquakes, landslides, storm
surges and such that can bring harm to the users of the project.
4.2.2 SPECIFIC SITE CRITERIA
 Topography
The slope of the site is not too steep to allow open spaces for activities.
The slope can also be not too steep to add character to the site, structure and
play of elevations, through site planning.
 Proximity to Target Demographics
The location of the site is not too far from the target community that the
proposed project is going to be designed for.

 Size
The size of the lot is large enough to accommodate big groups of people
who will be visiting the proposed project especially during major events that the
community will be celebrating. Enough open space will be integrated for
leisurely activities, but not too much to make the site less safe and secure. Space
for future expansion can be considered in selecting the site.
 Relevance to Community
The proposed project is a civic center to be designed for the use of the
public, most specifically the chosen community in which the site sits in. In order
to generate human activity, the project needs to be relevant to the community
by improving public spaces and facilities while avoiding the repetitive elements
that the community already has.
 Existing Natural Environment
Enough natural environment include the climate in the selected site, as
well as the inventory of natural elements within and around the site. Enough
natural elements like plants and trees will help in the development of the site,
especially the open spaces. The lack of natural elements can allow further
development of the site, but a more natural look where design and planning of
spaces around the existing environment is desired.

 Opportunity for Urban Regeneration
The site may not necessarily be a greenfield and shall give the chosen
community an opportunity for urban regeneration once the site is further
developed.
4.3 SITE DESCRIPTION
Figure 1: Overhead view of Baseco Compound
The project site is located in the Fifth District of the City of Manila, namely the
Port Area of Manila. It is a coastal district in Manila. Barangay 649, otherwise known
as the Baseco Compound is one of the one hundred forty-six barangays located in the
district. The district being a coastal district, houses the major ports of Manila, mainly
for industrial purposes.
Baseco Compound is an urban poor community ever since its beginning in the
1970s. In February 2002, the Baseco Compound was proclaimed by then-President
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as a residential site for the people who were already living
within the site. It consists of Engineer’s Island and two stone breakwaters that extend
out from it into Manila Bay. One borders the Pasig River, while the other protects
shipping in the South Harbor.
For many years, Baseco had been a ship loading and unloading site, as well as
a ship repair yard. It was once called the National Shipyard and Steel Corporation
(NASSCO). In 1964, it was acquired by the Romualdez family, kin to Imelda
Romualdez Marcos, and named BASECO, Bataan Shipping and Engineering
Company.
The other parts of the Fifth District of Manila are Ermita, Intramuros, Malate,
Paco, and San Andres Bukid. These districts are known for the historical walls and city
of Intramuros, Rizal Park, National Museum, Manila Zoo, the University Belt, Manila
Post Office, Manila Ocean Park, Quirino Grandstand, Roxas Boulevard Baywalk, and
many other prime destinations in Manila.
It is near the Binondo District (Third District), known for its Chinatown and
Divisoria. It is also relatively close to the Tondo District (First District of Manila),
where the infamous Smokey Mountain was located. It used to be a dump site that turned
into a mountain of garbage until it was closed down in the year 1995. The area is now
known to be greatly occupied by a great amount of those from the marginalized sector,
known as informal settlers.

Figure 2: Fifth District of Manila
4.4 SITE EVALUATION AND JUSTIFICATION
CRITERIA EVALUATION & JUSTIFICATION
The land use and zoning of the site is intended

for Institutional and Public Open space, which
Land Use and Zoning is suitable for the mixed-use nature of the
proposed project that will focus on Institutional
and Assembly Occupancies.
The site is easily accessible for pedestrians or
residents from all parts of the BASECO
Accessibility Compound as it is located in the heart of the
area, having main avenues that lead to all sides
of the area.
The site for the proposed project is located
within beside major Institutions, the Public
Access to Utilities Schools of the district and near major ports. All
facilities designated for maintenance of utilities
can be found in its neighboring districts, but the
site is surely accessible by the needed utilities.
The project site’s safety and security is
questionable for the members of the BASECO
Community are known for vices such as drugs
and violence, but being located in bigger roads
Safety & Security and institutional areas, and providing space for
the local government and police forces
strengthens the security of the site. The site is

also prone to storm surges and flooding due to
its location being in the coastal area.
The site’s topography is relatively flat, allowing

Topography an easier development for the project, its open
spaces and its future developments.
The site is located in the heart of the district,

right beside the public schools. It is a busy area
Proximity to Target Demographics that is relatively close to all sides of the district,
making it an easy access through walking for
members of the community.
The site is large enough to allow public open
Size spaces as well as areas for future expansion or
development of the project.
The project site’s area being in the heart of the

Relevance to Community community allows opportunity for the
community to grow by allowing the proposed
project to establish a sense of place and
camaraderie among its target demographics.
The site is lacking in existing natural
Existing Natural Environment environments, allowing an opportunity to create
a healthy one for the users especially since the
area is polluted and the stench is foul.
The project site’s area is in the heart of the
community allows opportunity for the
Opportunity for Urban Regeneration community to grow and uplift its living
standards. Improvements caused by the
proposed project may radiate to its neighboring
areas, which are the marginalized sectors, or
informal settlers.
4.5 MACRO SITE PROFILE
4.5.1 HISTORICAL
During the 16th century, a small settlement at the mouth of the Pasig
River had already existed. The abundance of Nilad plants along its banks gave
the settlement its name, and it was rightfully called Maynilad

When the Spanish conquistadores arrived in 1565, they found
prosperous palisaded communities. As soon as the news of these settlements
reached Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, the head of the Spanish expedition, he set
out to conquer them. There were two battles that fought over Manila, with the
second battle ending with a decisive victory for the Spaniards.
Recognizing the strategic position of Manila as a trading center and
military outpost, Legaspi promptly declared the area as Spain’s capital of its
new colonies on June 24, 1571. The first plan for the City was drafted based on
King Philip II's Royal Ordinance issued on July 3, 1573 in San Lorenzo, Spain.
The Spanish settlement was perennially threatened by piracy and
attempts at invasion. This necessitated the building of walls. What began as a
wooden enclosure became a fortification. Eventually a walled city 1.2 square
kilometers in area rose at the mouth of the Pasig River. That fortified city was
called Intramuros and was the City of Manila up til the 19th Century.
Spanish colonization was carried out not just by the sword but by the
cross. In fact, the establishment of Spanish settlements all over the country were
entrusted to and carried out by missionaries. The first community to be brought
under the bells" outside of Intramuros was Sapa which the colonizers renamed
Santa Ana.
The Spaniards enlisted the services of the Chinese in order to build
Intramuros. The Chinese community then grew outside of the city's walls. Indio
carpenters and masons, who worked in the city during the day, had to leave by
night; the city was exclusive to Spaniards during the evenings. In time,
Intramuros became crowded; some of its residents established secondary homes
in choice locations to escape the congestion of the city and eventually, these
became the suburbs of Intramuros.
During the occupation of the Americans, Manila remained as the seat
of political power. On July 31, 1901, Manila became the first chartered city by
virtue of Act 183 of the Philippine Commission. It constituted the inhabitants
of Manila into a municipality which shall be known as the City of Manila to
succeed and to possess all the rights of property herein granted or heretofore
enjoyed and possessed by it as organized under the Spanish sovereignty. This
made Manila the first city in the country to gain local autonomy.
On October 1903, the Municipal Board of Manila requested the
Philippine Commission to secure the services of an expert architect and
landscape engineer to prepare a master plan for the general improvement of the
city. Daniel H. Burnham and his assistant Pierce Anderson arrived in Manila to
study existing conditions of its environs. Their report, along with detailed plans
and descriptions were submitted in January 1906 and adopted by the Board in
June 1906.
Burnham's plan for Manila was in many respects patterned after his
design for San Francisco, using the same planning principles that had been
applied on the Chicago Fair and the city of Washington D.C. Generally, the
Burnham Plan put great emphasis on the Civic Center, linked to various points
of the city through wide radial boulevards. As the country's premier city,
Manila's business and commercial activities intensified. Binondo, Port Area,

Southern Manila Bay and other districts became industrialized. Social and
cultural institutions proliferated.
Unfortunately, the Second World War in 1941-44 left the city of Manila
in ruins. In the Pacific region, Manila was the most devastated capital:
thousands died and historical landmarks were erased from the earth.
The New Philippine Republic wasted no time in rehabilitating the city.
It set up the National Urban Planning Commission to address the needs of the
land left in ruins by the war. The city was then divided into four congressional
districts as follows:
District I: Tondo;
District II: San Nicolas, Binondo, Quiapo and Santa Cruz;
District III: Sampaloc and San Miguel;
District IV: Intramuros, Port Area, Ermita, Malate, Paco, Pandacan and
Santa Ana.
Reclamation projects along Manila bay began in the year 1910 and
continued during the period of 1956-1963. 278 hectares of land were added to
the Tondo area. In the year 1966, half of the reclaimed area had been occupied
by squatters so that the first housing project undertaken by the national
government was located there.
The City's perceived prosperity and reputation as a "land of
opportunities" became a magnet for migrants from the provinces and its
population increased even as many Manila districts started to lose its old
residents. By 1970, Manila had more out-migrants" than "in-migrants" though
its population continued to grow.
Local governments were not only restored by the 1986 Revolution;
they were greatly empowered. Many of the functions and services that used to
be the preserve of national agencies have been passed on to the care of the City's
administrators.
The 1987 Constitution divided Manila into the present-day six
congressional districts.
Expectedly, the city experiences the problems that accompany
exceedingly high concentrations of people: housing shortages, unemployment,
traffic congestion, problems regarding safety, peace and order, health and
sanitation. In response to these challenges the present administration has begun
a multifaceted revitalization program.

4.5.2 LAND USE AND ZONING
As shown in the CLUP of Manila, the site is a node for an ideal open
space in the city.

The image above shows the Zoning and Land-Use Plan for Manila. The
site is located in an institutional, public open space zone.

Above is the Planned Unit Development Zone Plan of Manila, included is BASECO
Compound.
4.5.3 PHYSICAL
4.5.3.1 TRANSPORTATION
4.5.3.1.1 ROADS
Manila City has an extensive network of well=paved
roads and bridges crossing its rivers and waterways. Located
along major routes are established build-up areas which can
provide an easier access and mobility across the city. Circulation
within the City, as well as the movement inside and outside has
become difficult as traffic builds-up along congested routes.
The administrative classification of roads and other
streets are classified as national and local roads. The
development and maintenance of the national roads are the
responsibility of the national government, while the same for
local or city roads are the responsibility of the local
governments. Manila has a total number of 1,580 streets.
4.5.3.1.2 OTHER MODES OF TRANSPORTATION
According to existing ordinances, there are 41 officially
designated jeepney terminals in Manila and these terminals are
complimented by 42 officially designated tricycle terminals and
19 pedicab terminals.
4.5.3.1.3 TRAFFIC
Manila is ranked as the second to the top in terms of generating
trips, accounting for about 11% of the total Trip Origins and
about 12% of the total Trip Destinations within the 16 considered
zones. The active trip desire lines are directed along the North-
South direction, across Pasig River. The longitudinal directions
connecting Manila to Mandaluyong/Pasig, Marikina/Pasig and
Makati-Pateros account for less than 3% of the total trips
gathered.
Table 1: Transportation Use in Manila (MCLUZO)
As shown from the table above, the use of jeepneys is the
most preferred mode of transportation by commuters in Manila.
Jeepneys and private cars are strong competitors of rail transport
and other land transportation modes.
The roads of Manila serve a heavy volume of vehicles
under the limited road capacities in Manila, despite its extensive
coverage of road networks. Congestion in major intersections

have continuously wasted a lot of fuel energy and worsened
Manila’s air quality.
4.5.3.1.4 RAILWAY
The main railway systems that transport commuters in
Manila are the Philippine National Railways (PNR) and the
Light Railway Transit Authority (LRT-1 & LRT-2).
The two major railways stations of the PNR in Manila
are located in Tutuban and in Paco, which connects Manila to
the Southern part of Luzon. Meanwhile, the LRT-1 System
services an average of 386,963 commuters daily, using 4 coaches
as of the year 1995. 12 out of 12 LRT-1 Stations are located
within the city of Manila.
4.5.3.1.5 WATER TRANSPORT
Manila has 2 major bodies of water; the Manila Bay to
its Western side while the Pasig River runs right through the city.
These bodies of water serve as access to several destinations that
allow water transport as an alternative mode of transportation.
The port of Manila is composed of two harbors and one container
terminal. While a ferry service once existed to serve and run
along the Pasig River, this service is not so well-used and efforts
are given to the revival of this transport system service of the
City of Manila.
4.5.3.2 INFRASTRUCTURE
4.5.3.2.1 PARKING
In some areas of Manila, roads are being used for short
and long-term parking spaces for cars, trucks and jeepneys,
thereby reducing the capacity of roadways and increasing
traffic congestion. Parking facilities that can accommodate the
vehicles of various types circulating within the area are lacking
in some major activity centers, compelling the vehicle drivers
to park on the street.
Therefore, there is a need to identify potential parking
areas in areas of high commercial activity supported by a
parking scheme. Such schemes may include revenue-
generating ones. Formulating clear planning standards for big
commercial establishments can likewise ease parking and
traffic problems.
4.5.3.2.2 PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES AND SIDEWALKS
Sidewalks are provided along many streets of Manila.
Unfortunately, obstructions such as electrical posts,
construction, parked cars and the like serve a inconveniences
for traffic flow of pedestrians. Pedestrian facilities for safe
crossing and for disabled, the elderly and young children should
be strategically placed along sidewalks and roads in Manila. By

improving the quality of such, conflict and obstruction to
pedestrian and vehicular traffic flow may be reduced.
4.5.3.2.3 ENGINEERING FLOOD CONTROL & ABATEMENT
The flooding problems are part of those related to the
drainage network of the bigger catchment areas draining
through the city towards Manila Bay and the city’s hierarchy of
drains. The drainage outfalls of the City of Manila are normally
within one or two meters above sea level.
Flooding is brought about by two main causes: over-
banking water of the Pasig River and other rivers, and the poor
capacity of the drainage system. The former happens less
frequently, but may bring more damage.
Local street flooding is caused by intense storms and
inundates an area of about one to two streets or an entire city
block. Varying from depths of 20 cm to more than 50 cm, which
subsides after a few hours, local street flooding may damage
light property and cause traffic jams that paralyzes city blocks.
4.5.3.3 UTILITIES
4.5.3.3.1 WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT
The Manila Sewerage System was constructed in 1909
with the
original overload capacity to serve over 450,000 people. The
system covers 1,850 hectares, serving 530,000 people with the
total length of 240 KM.
Sewage is collected by lateral interceptor pipes of 15 cm.
to 150 cm. in diameter from the various districts of the City. It
is then conveyed to the Tondo main sewage pumping station
through seven pumping stations.
In proximity to the site of the proposed project, the
nearest pumping station is the
Among the problems in sanitation and sewage in Manila
is the heavy pollution from the effluent of domestic septic
tanks. According to the Manila Second Sewerage Project, the
estimated number of septic tanks is expected to increase
slightly with new constructions and rehabilitation. There are no
records of desludging of tank or the in use of packaged type
waste water treatment plants but their use may be seen in high-
rise commercial residential buildings in Central Manila.
With the Manila Sewerage System serving roughly 30%
of the City, other households discharge wastewater with either
into a storm drain, septic tank or directly into esteros. The
untreated water carries with it fecal matter and other debris,
moving its way in catch basins or ultimately to bodies of water.
Records of desludging are unavailable, but adequately sized
septic tanks normally are desludged in two or three year

4.5.3.3.2 SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
The total volume of garbage generated per day in Manila
is approximately 6,498.94 cubic meters for the year 2000. This
is including wet and dry household waste, industrial waste,
commercial waste and some hospital waste. District V & VI are
the biggest contributors of solid waste generation; District II &
IV follows and I &II have the least amount.
The approval of RA 9003 reinforced the LGU’s
responsibilities for the collection of non-biodegradable and
special wastes, while the barangay units were given the
responsibility of segregating and collecting biodegradable,
compostable, and reusable wastes. At present, the LGUs collect
city/municipal solid waste in Metro Manila either though
private contracts, or through the LGU’s own sanitation services
departments. Manila however, has 100% coverage of solid
waste collection through a private contract with Leonel Waste
Management wherein 250 compactors and heavy equipment
are used for collection on a daily basis.
Waste collection is done through house-to-house or via
curbside. These are loaded onto a garbage truck wherein all
waste are mixed, thus discouraging the citizens to segregate.
Since the city has no final disposal facility, waste
collected is brought to a transfer station situated at Pier 18,

Tondo. It is then brought either to the Tanza Facility or
Rodriguez Facility.
4.5.3.3.3 AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT
According to the air quality monitoring data gathered
from the Ermita Station for the years 1993-1996, the city’s air
is in the “Fair” category. This rate of Total Suspended
Particulates level in the air is expected to rise due to the
growing urbanization and use of motorized vehicles within the
city. The air quality is also affected by the existence of water
pollution throughout the city.
4.5.3.3.4 WATER SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION
The City of Manila is being served by two
concessionaires in the distribution of its water supply namely:
Maynilad Water Services, Inc. and Manila Water Company.
MWSI covers the Sta. Cruz area.
The average consumption in cubic meters per connection
per month is about 80 to 110 for commercial areas and about
100 to 111 for industrial areas. As of September 2002, the
average monthly consumption in million cubic meters in
Manila is about 1.7 for commercial areas.
The quality of potable water has been sufficiently
ensured with the use of a chlorination treatment at the source.
While the supply and distribution system operates
satisfactorily, the system needs to be reviewed in view of the

low water pressure observed in previous pressure tests. While
the number of hydrants may be adequate, existing pressures
may not be adequate for firefighting purposes.
4.5.3.3.5 TELECOMMUNICATIONS
There are too many attachments on telephone posts and
the poor location of the posts create hazards to pedestrians as
well as the riding public. Moreover, the sight of too many
attachments is also not visually pleasing.
4.5.3.3.6 POWER SUPPLY
As of 1995, the percentage of households connected to
the distribution lines of the Manila Electric Company is already
more than 95 percent and has continually increased.
The nerve center of the power supply of Manila is located
at Solis Street, Tondo, which receives power from five main
sources – Caloocan, Navotas, Balintawak, Sta. Mesa and
Tegen. The power requirement of Manila stands at about 540
MW and is projected to increase in line with
the increase of population.
4.5.4 SOCIAL
4.5.4.1 EDUCATION
District III has an average amount of number of primary and
secondary schools, and has the most number of Private Universities.

The young population of Manila translates to a sizable demand
for education at all levels. The schools in Manila respond to this need,
and with their various locations, are fairly accessible to most residents.
In Manila, there is a huge demand for public education,
especially in the elementary level. There are twice as many students in
public elementary schools than there are students in public high schools.
4.5.4.2 HEALTH
The City of Manila has 23 private hospitals, six national
government hospitals, and four government hospitals. The hospitals
operated by the City of Manila are the Ospital ng Maynila, Ospital ng
Tondo II, Ospital ng Sampaloc, and Gat Andres Bonifacio Hospital.
District III has three national hospitals.
The health center-population ratio is 1:32,267. The Department
of Health minimum standard is 1:20,000 which means that 30 additional
health centers are needed in the city. The Manila Health Department
reports that 22 new health centers will be constructed under the World
Bank-funded Urban Health and Nutrition Project of the Department of
Health. A major criterion in the site identification is the accessibility of
the health centers to their urban poor clients.
While there are more private hospitals than public hospitals, the
total bed capacity of public hospitals is greater. Hospital bed population
ratio is more favorable in the public sector than in the private sector.
Over time, Manila has been experiencing fewer births, as
indicated by its declining crude birth rate. The crude death rate in
Manila, however, has generally been increasing, at least in the last five
years. This trend contrasts with the national trend of a gradually
decreasing death rate.
The increasing crude death rate might be attributed to the
increasing infant mortality rate. In 2001, it reached 53 infant deaths per
1000 live births. The number of infant deaths can be lessened by factors
such as improved health services and medical facilities, prenatal and
postnatal care, and better nutrition for both mother and child.
The child mortality rate in Manila has followed an erratic
pattern in 1997-2001, but it has remained below the national rate. The
maternal mortality rate, i.e. the proportion of women dying from
pregnancy and birth-related causes, is related to the quality of prenatal,
delivery, and postnatal services.
The causes of morbidity and mortality in the City of Manila are
typical of those in an urban area of a developing country. Many illnesses
are preventable and curable. Most causes indicate poor health care and
inadequate services, as well as reflecting the poor quality of sanitation
and inadequate safe water and air in the environment.
4.5.4.3 HOUSING
The Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor estimates that
of the total 15 million urban poor population, 65% live in slums and
squatter communities nationwide. These slum communities are
generally characterized by congestion and poor environmental
conditions, dilapidated housing structures, and low family incomes.
They are usually located near garbage dumpsites, besides railroad
tracks, along river creeks and coastlines, under bridges, and beside
marketplaces and slaughterhouses.
These environments expose the urban poor to natural and
manmade disasters and to high health risks of a congested and
unsanitary environment. The choice of location of the urban poor to live
in these sites is motivated by proximity to sources of livelihood and the
availability of vacant lots. Majority of the urban poor are illegal
occupants, that is, they settle on the land of another without legitimate
title or right.
Among the regions, Metro Manila has the highest number of
slum population. In the City of Manila, almost one of three persons is a
squatter or illegal settler as established by the survey done by the Manila
Social Welfare Department in 1999. The number of squatters in the City
has been increasing over the years. It is generally accepted that the
growth of squatters in inversely proportional to the country’s economic
performance.
According to the Manila Health Department, District III and IV
had the least number of depressed barangays. The criteria for the
identification of depressed barangays as established by the Manila
Health Department are as follows:
1. Families living along esteros and railroad tracks
2. House and lot tenurial problems
3. Low socio-economic status
4. Family dwellings are of makeshift/made of light materials
5. Congested settlements
6. Increased incidence of communicable disease infection
7. Poor environmental sanitation
The present housing need of the city of Manila centers on the
provision of housing units for relocated informal settlers and the
upgrading of housing units site. In addition, the total housing need
covers housing for city employees, as well as for policemen, teachers,
and other public employees those without their homes.
The Urban Development and Housing Act states that settlers on
danger areas will need to be relocated. Danger areas refer to places that
pose a danger to the life and safety of either the concerned residents or
the general community.
Based on the recorded number of upgraded and constructed
housing units as of 2000, there is a serious housing backlog for the City.
The housing program for illegal settlers is only 5% finished. On the other
hand, the accomplishment for the housing program for government
employees has not even reached 1%. The relocation of illegal settlers
has mostly been off-city.
4.5.4.4 SOCIAL WELFARE
The most vulnerable of groups in the city are youth and children.
Persons with disability as well as families affected by disasters also
make up a sizable portion of the recorded social welfare cases.
Social welfare programs are administered mainly by the Manila
Social Welfare and Development Department, which networks with
other government agencies and the barangays as well as with non-
government organizations in implementing projects for the
disadvantaged. There are more than 30 social welfare organizations in
the City of Manila working with the city government in caring for the
needy and disadvantaged groups in society.
4.5.4.5 PROTECTIVE SERVICES
Theft and robbery are the two most common crimes in the City
of Manila which is both accountable for 39 % each of the recorded cases
of crime. This is followed by physical injury with 10%.
Murder cases almost doubled in number from 65 cases in 2000
to 124 cases in 2001. Index crimes increased from 47% in 1999 to 56%
in 2001. Crime is often an outcome of contributing factors such as

poverty and drug addiction, and hence these factors need to be addressed
as well while enforcing protective regulations.
The City has eleven Police Stations and 40 Police Community
Precincts with 2,984 uniformed personnel of which 441 accounts for the
traffic police of the 170 outposts. These stations are all strategically
located at different areas to facilitate immediate enforcement of law.
In the City of Manila, there is one policeman per 622 of the
population. An additional 619 policemen are needed to meet the PNP
manning level standard of 1 policeman per 500 population. Also, there
is one traffic police per 3,585 population and an additional 86 traffic
police personnel are needed to meet the standard of 1 traffic police per
3000 population.
The City of Manila has 15 fire stations manned by 335 personnel.
There are also several volunteer fire brigades such as the Association of
the Philippine Volunteer Fire Brigade.
In District III, there are three fire stations: the San Nicolas Fire
Station in Binondo, the Tanduay Fire Station in Quiapo and the San
Lazaro Fire Station in Sta. Cruz.
4.5.4.6 SPORTS AND RECREATION
As of the year 2000, there are 53 public plazas in the City of
Manila maintained by the Parks Development Office, occupying a total
land area of 119,120 square meters. This translates to a plaza-population

ratio of 75 square meters per 1000 population, which is inadequate,
reflecting the scarcity of open space in the City. Following the HLURB
standard of at least 500 sq.m. of parks and plazas per 1000 population,
Manila needs 671, 380 sq.m. of additional parks and plazas.
As of the year 2000, there are 53 public plazas in the City of
Manila maintained by the Parks Development Office, occupying a total
land area of 119,120 square meters. This translates to a plaza-population
ratio of 75 square meters per 1000 population, which is inadequate,
reflecting the scarcity of open space in the City. Following the HLURB
standard of at least 500 sq.m. of parks and plazas per 1000 population,
Manila needs 671, 380 sq.m. of additional parks and plazas.
Recreation in public places should also be supported by public
amenities such as functioning toilets. There is a need to build additional
facilities and to make these available to the public for free or for a
minimal fee. Not only do working toilets make recreation in public areas
more comfortable, but they also promote proper sanitation and curb the
spread of illnesses.
4.5.5 ECONOMIC
4.5.5.1 AGRICULTURE
The City of Manila is predominantly a service-oriented city. It is
one of the most densely populated cities in the country, next to Navotas,
and it is fully built-up. Thus very little agriculture, forestry, mining and
quarrying are undertaken. There is a miniscule number of those
employed in the agriculture sector of the industry, possibly only
involved in backyard vegetable growing and small-scale fishing.
4.5.5.2 COMMERCE AND TRADE
Manila is the premier international port in the country as well as
one of the major domestic ports for inter-island shipping. It is known as
a major center of water transport and storage, and has experienced a
steady increase in shipping, cargo and container traffic from 1994 to
1997. The shipping, cargo and container traffic generate substantial
revenues to the City. This revenue has reached Php 2.227 billion in 1997.
The port will remain the major international and domestic port for the
country in the future, and will continue to be one of the main entry points
for passengers, immigrants from the island provinces, imported goods
and products from various parts of the country. It will also remain as the
major exit point for the country’s exports.
Agglomeration of the products and services occur in well-
defined and identified area, and is located on the street-level. These sites
also coincide with designated tourist districts and the location of retail-
wholesale commercial establishments, and informal sector
establishments. A number of areas of substantial agglomeration are:
Northern Tondo, District III, which includes Divisoria, Binondo, Sta.
Cruz, Quiapo and P. Casal zone, and the ErmitaMalate Zone. A further
evidence of the lively commerce and trade and the vibrant informal
sector is that the City has granted permits to a large number of hawkers
in Binondo, Quiapo, Sta Cruz, Sampaloc, Ermita, and Malate. These
have provided employment for informal settlers and consumers with
inexpensive goods and services.
The number of business permits issued has declined since 1997.
This can be attributed to the economic slowdown as less business
establishments are being set up of the increasing number of
establishments in the informal sector. The mechanics of obtaining a
business permit might needs to be reviewed so that more establishments
can be encouraged to register. In addition to this, the city needs to
emphasize the benefits of being registered and the possible sanctions of
not being so to the business establishments.
4.5.5.3 INDUSTRY
Like major global cities, Manila has become less of a center of
manufacturing but more of a center for services, amenities and leisure.
Given the centrality of the city in the National Capital Region, it
provides employment, services, amenities and facilities for a large
floating population that does not reside in the city. Further, Manila is a
center of education and technical training. Some of the largest
universities and technical institutes are located in the City and they cater
to students who are by and large from outside the City from overseas.
One can conjecture that it has a substantial pool of highly skilled and
technical labor force. The city can therefore absorb the expansion of any
labor-intensive, high technology industry like software development,
product development etc. Also, the city can develop among the students
a lifelong patronage for the city’s amenities and services.
In terms of income, the households are dominantly middle
income with an increase in the number of high-income households and
a decrease in the numbers of low-income households from 1994 to 1997.
About 65% of the city’s households have wages and salaries as
their main source of income. In fact, the sources of income of low-
income households are nearly evenly distributed among wages and
salaries (38%), entrepreneurial activities (26%) and others (35%). This
suggests that these households are engaged in small-scale informal
sector enterprises or low-paid, temporary, wage-paying jobs. The
middle and high-income households have established jobs that also
allow for the build-up of family assets. The average annual employment
rate is lower than the national average. The relative stability of the
employment rate suggests a dynamic market for jobs.
The residents of Manila are actually of a higher income class
than the rest of the country. This is a potential resource for substantial
tax revenue, civic participation and market for various goods and
services. Additionally, given the income profile and the average
unemployment rate, these suggest that the unemployment may well be

concentrated among the newly arrived migrants who eventually move
elsewhere.
4.5.5.4 TOURISM
Manila has the densest concentration of old buildings and
heritage sites in the country. These include the Cathedral and various
colonial churches, government buildings, commercial buildings, office
buildings, theatres and cinema houses, educational establishments,
fortifications of Intramuros and San Antonio Abad, and residential
districts such as San Miguel, Quiapo, San Nicolas and Sta. Ana. It hosts
the seat of government, and contains some of the most impressive civic
architecture in the country. Major pilgrimage centers are located in the
city, among them are the churches of Quiapo, Sta Cruz, Binondo, Tondo,
Pandacan, Sta Ana, Ermita, Malate, San Miguel, Sampaloc, St. Jude, the
Chinese temples in Binondo, and the mosque in Quiapo. And as already
mentioned, Manila is also the largest retail and wholesale center for
Metro Manila. Data from the Department of Tourism show that twelve
out of sixteen museums and seven out of ten performing arts theatres are
located in the City of Manila.
Manila has a high potential for multiple-focus tourism, such as
heritage, shopping, leisure, pilgrimage and education. These will attract
a large number of tourists. Because of the variety of available tourism
activities and the fact that these attract locals, tourism is effectively a
stable and major industry of the City that has yet to be fully utilized.
Moreover, these activities are concentrated in the same areas of
agglomeration for shopping and small and medium scale light industry
and of transport nodes. Many of these activities are therefore accessible
even to pedestrian traffic.
The City has twenty-five hotels, out of 36 in Metro Manila,
classified as De Luxe, First Class, Standard and Economy. These tend
to cater to high-income foreign tourists and high-income local families
for short weekend stays. However, attention might need to be focused
on the budget and midrange accommodations, such as small hotels and
lodging places for a clearer picture of the City’s tourism potential. The
tourism Development Plan also needs to encourage more locals to come
to Manila for shopping and enjoyment of the city’s landmarks, districts
with distinct character, pilgrimage sites, parks, government structures
and the like. Thus, more investment in inexpensive restaurants and
eating places, pensionnes and lodging houses, and souvenir shops might
need to be encouraged.
4.5.6 GEOLOGY AND SOILS
Manila lies off a shelf formed by a ridge of volcanic tuff. It is bounded
by fluvial deposits of sand, gravel and clay. To the east of the ridge, similar
deposits can be found to be naturally transported by the Marikina River, topping
a valley formed by downward and tilted fracture or fault. A part of Manila is
situated in swamps and marshes.

Part of the major soil consists of the Eutropepts, which are deep to very
deep well-drained dark yellowish brown, dark brown, yellowish brown, brown
alluvial soils with loam, silt loam, clay loam, silty clay or loam or sandy loam
textures. The moisture control section is not dry for 90 cumulative days in most
years. These soils have moderate to high inherent fertility. Its Ph levels can be
found from medium acid to neutral.
Another composition of the major soil is the Dystropept. These are
brownish or reddish acid tropepts that are formed from either acid rocks or under
high rainfall or both. Base Saturation is low or very low. The soils have low
inherent fertility and soil reaction is acidic w/ pH levels lower than 5.0.
4.5.7 WATER
The Pasig River, about 25 kilometers long, divides Manila into North
and South. The river provides drainages that link the Manila Bay with Laguna
de Bay.
Manila Bay has a coastline spanning to about 190 KM in length and
receives water and wastewater from the National Capital Region. However, the
highly polluted major rivers draining into it, and the various activities along the
periphery poses a threat to the water quality of the bay.
The drainage system of the City ranges from the river systems to the
river tributaries and creeks or “esteros”, and the large storm sewers which
collect run-off water from the large areas of the city. The smallest drains are the
small ditches or drain pipes that run along the roadside and serve the individual
properties.
Within the urban area and along the main thoroughfares in the city, the
primary drainage system is composed of the main drains composed of
reinforced concrete box culverts and reinforced concrete pipes. The secondary
drainage system is a network of small drains within each neighborhood and each
serves as a small catchment area.
In areas where there is an absence of gutters along roads, overland flow
of water is collected and runs along ditches parallel to the roads. In the absence
of such ditches, the runoff water flows towards the lower areas of the vicinity,
resulting to floods.
4.5.8 CLIMATE
Table 2: Manila's Annual Average Temperature

(https://www.meteoblue.com/en/weather/forecast/modelclimate/manila_philippines_1701668)
As shown in the table above, Manila’s average temperature ranges from
20°C up until 34°C. The warmest temperatures are felt during the summer
month of April and coolest during the month of January. A large amount of
precipitation is experienced from the rainy seasons of June, and is at its highest
level during July, and remains at a high level until September.
Table 3: Annual Maximum Temperatures in Manila
The maximum temperature in Manila reaches until more than 35°C . It
is generally hotter during the summer months, from March up until June.
Table 4: Annual Amounts of Precipitation in Manila
The average amount of precipitation in Manila is at its highest levels
during July and August, where 10-20mm of rainfall is experienced for 1.9 days.
The Monsoon Season occurs during the months of June until September. Dry
days are more common from December up until April, where less rainfall can
be experienced in Manila.
4.5.9 POPULATION
The 2000 Philippine Census of Population of the City of Manila at
1,581,082 persons, the second biggest in the National Capital Region, after
Quezon City. Manila comprises of 15% of the NCR population.

Figure 3: Year 2000 NCR Census (NSO)
As per 2000 NSO data, the City of Manila has a population density of
41,282 persons per square kilometer (412.82 pa/ha), making it the second most
dense city in NCR, after Navotas. Manila is more than twice as dense as NCR
and 160 times as dense as the Philippines.
Despite Manila being the center of the metropolitan, the City of Manila
experienced negative growth rates in 1980-1990 and 1995-2000. The population
may have declined due to the out-migration from the city core to less denser
areas or to outlying areas of the National Capital Region. Residents of
neighboring areas no longer need to travel or relocate to the City of Manila to
avail of facilities and services which they can find in places that are more
accessible and more convenient. The development of new CBDs in Makati,
Ortigas and San Juan catered to the needs of the people seeking services that are
no longer available or have deteriorated in Manila. This out-migration from the
old city center is expected in most urban cores that have experienced rapid in-
migration in the earlier years. In some older cities around the world where this
phenomenon has occurred, city officials have rehabilitated the inner core of
their city. They enhanced the historical heritage and the easy access to other
districts. They have been successful in attracting the residents back to the inner
city and in saving the plummeting land values.
As existing trends and conditions dictate, the pace of Manila’s
population growth is slowing down. As a result, the Demographic and Social
Statistics Division, NSO has projected the City’s population to be around
1,454,588 by the year 2005 and 1,327,369 by the year 2010.

The City’s daytime population is estimated at 2.5 million persons, or a
million more than the census population. This indicates that a large number of
non-resident workers, students, visitors, and other daytime users of the utilities
and services go to the city.

4.6 MICRO SITE PROFILE
4.6.1 TOPOGRAPHY
Figure 4 Topography Map of BASECO Compound
(http://en-ph.topographic-map.com/places/Philippines-5442398/)
Just like the topography of the rest of Manila, BASECO Compound’s
topography is relatively flat, having some parts risen by a few meters compared
to the rest of the area, but most of the area that makes up the area is relatively
flat as it is in the city setting and is already a developed piece of land.

The site of the proposed project sits on an area with a flat topography
and is surrounded by areas with flat topographies.
4.6.2 SENSORY QUALITIES
 SIGHT
Around the site, informal settlements have encroached, with
roads filled with informal economies and vehicles, both private and
public, parked illegally along the sides of the roads. The site is an
existing plaza with some informal resident’s homes. Generally, the view
of this area is highly urbanized but in a chaotic manner. Behind the site,
a public school can be spotted which is a major factor in the activities
that happen around the site in the daytime and afternoon due to its
strategic location and purpose of being a public open space.
The area lacks pedestrian facilities such as sidewalks for the
heavy foot traffic within the area. Vehicles and food stalls along the
streets contribute to the sight of a heavy amount of various activities
happening within and around the said site.
 HEARING
Since the area is right beside a school zone, vehicular noise is
not as evident as in other areas. The general noise comes from the heavy
activity around the site, and during the times of coming to and dismissal
from the public school.
 SMELL
The site has a distinct smell of a polluted and urbanized area. Although
the stench is not that strong, it is evident around the site. Compared to
other areas of BASECO Compound, the general smell around the site is
better than in other areas where there is a high amount of informal
residents.
 TASTE
The food around the site are the typical kinds of food that can be
purchased in any other food stall or carinderia around Manila. There is
no specific cultural identity in terms of culinary.
 TOUCH
The site has been experiencing urban decay and the surroundings
and everything around it seem to be dirty and not ideal for touching. The
walkways are not wholly comfortable to walk on, and a lot of garbage
is scattered around the roads.
4.6.3 HAZARDS
4.6.8.1 EARTHQUAKE
The nearest Fault Line to the site is 12.01 km, which is the West
Valley Fault. Manila City is physically vulnerable to earthquake related
hazards such as liquefaction and ground shaking. While the
implementation of building and structural codes should be emphasized,
retroactivity in applying earthquake resistant technologies or structural
measures cannot be immediately applied to older and hazardous
buildings.
Sta. Cruz is labeled as a very high-risk zone in building
vulnerability, along with Quiapo, Intramuros, Binondo, Port Area
Reclamation area along Roxas Boulevard.
4.6.3.2 FLOODING
The urbanization in flood prone areas has increased flood
damage potential due to the concentration of population and developed
property at various areas.
Elevating the road carriageways have shifted run-off to lower
road portions and property areas with lower elevations, particularly
along streets to Rizal Avenue and Abad Santos.
Based on observations and field photos, many portions of the
pipe system have reduced its carrying capacity to accommodate periodic
flows as a result of the debris clogging up the system.
Based on the cleaning operations of MMDA and the previous
DPWH flood control operations, clogging may have resulted from the
following:
 Refuse and garbage trapped in pipes and inlet catch basins;
 Construction debris such as dried cement, sand, wood and steel
pieces, wasted concrete;
 Road topping materials which may have resulted from the
erosion of asphalted surfaces;
 Wastewater, solid wastes from food preparations and washings
that do not undergo treatment and other domestic waste from
unsewered houses and establishments that drain directly to the
sewer system and
 Street Washings
The site for the proposed project, although is in the center of a
reclaimed piece of land along the bay, does not experience flooding, as well
as its surrounding areas.
Unfortunately, since BASECO Compound can be found along
the coast of Manila Bay, it is prone to flooding caused by storm
surges. During an Advisory 1 Storm Surge, the site is specifically
not affected by the surge, but during an Advisory 2 Storm Surge, the
site for the project will already b experiencing a minimum of 1.5 mts
depth of flood.
4.6.3.3 FIRE
In the City of Manila, fire-prone areas are not from the congested
areas filled with built houses and structures, but are those where
informal settlements have encroached. These situations are mostly
found in the outskirts of the city and most are found in Tondo and in the
BASECO Compound in the Port Area.

Fires are major hazards in informal settlements due to the high
density of populations and homes that are built so close to each other
with no considerations for fire-proofing. Once a fire starts in one part of
the settlement, it is sure to spread throughout a major part of or the
entirety community or settlement.
Since the site for the project has a informal settlements around
half of its boundaries, it is prone to the risk of getting caught in a major
fire in the case that a major one starts within the community or area.
4.6.4 CONFIGURATION AND SIZE
Figure 5: Site of Proposed Project
RIGHT-MOST SIDE: 82.04 meters

BOTTOM SIDE: 66.14 meters
LEFT SIDE: 89.91
TOP SIDE: 77.22 meters
TOTAL PERIMETER: 314.59 meters
TOTAL AREA = 6,227.84 square meters
4.6.5 BOUNDARIES
Figure 6: Roads Around the Site
The site is bounded by three (3) unnamed roads in the Baseco
Compound. One on the Western side, another on the Northern side, and the last
being on the Eastern side. The road west to the site is used mainly for vehicular
traffic for the public schools located on that side of the site. The road on the
Northern side of the site is a larger road compared to the other roads around
BASECO Compound as it serves as an avenue that drives through the site from
East to West. The road located on the Eastern boundary of the site is another
avenue that connects the center of the BASECO Compound to 2nd Street, which
is the only road to access BASECO Compound from the mainland of the District
and City.
Figure 7: Residential Boundary of Site
On the bottom border of the site, as well as parts of the Western side, is
a supposed residential area of informal settlers.

4.6.6 LAND USE AND ZONING
The project site, according to the Manila City Land Use Plan and Zoning
Ordinance (MCLUPZO), is classified as the General Public Open Spaces Zone
and General Institutional Zone. The site is also intended to be a node for ideal
open spaces to be placed.
4.7 DIAGRAMS
4.7.1 Roads and Networks

4.7.2 Residential Slums
4.7.3 Educational
4.7.4 Religious
4.7 SWOT ANALYSIS

4.8.1 MACRO SWOT ANALYSIS
 Composed of 27.87% of Manila’s

land area. (1,125.38 hectares)
 First Manila City (Intramuros) is part
of district
 Most institutions of the city are
located in this district
 Institutional Centers such as
Embassies, NBI and PGH
 University Belt is located in this
district
 Has a population of 290, 378
STRENGTHS (18.37% of Manila’s total, 2nd largest
in Manila)
 Has 23 public parks and playgrounds
 2 pump stations along Ermita
 2 PNR Stations of the city
 Has 16 Social Welfare Organizations
 District in Manila with most
establishments and buildings built
every year
 1:12 physicians to patients ratio
 25 private schools
 Has Tourist Belt of Manila
 Highest number of Hotels
WEAKNESSES  4.34 Kms of unpaved roads
 Only 8 public elementary schools
 Lack of adequate parking facilities,
especially in Paco and Malate areas
 Highest number of depressed
barangays
 High-risk to very high-risk
vulnerability to earthquakes
 Lacks daycare centers, health centers
and midwives
 Pump stations and reservoir are in
need of rehabilitation
 Lacks 94 elementary classrooms and
68 secondary classrooms
 Has several priority development
areas
 The known “red district” turned into
a party place for all ages
OPPORTUNITIES  Has an expansion for urban economy

 Wholesome tourism area
 Makes people more culturally
sensitive
 Development of district
neighborhood cluster
 Impart an image of a place worthy of
exploration
 Aims to increase its amenities
 High number of hotels to
accommodate tourists
 Informal settlers account to 10.41%
of the total population of informal
settlers in Manila (50, 917 informal
settlers)
THREATS  Several flood prone areas that causes
traffic congestion
 Ratio of non-depressed areas to
depressed areas = 57.93 is to 42.07
 Solid waste management problem
 High air and noise pollution
4.8.2 MICRO SWOT ANALYSIS
 Has open public space

 Land Use is for Public Space and
Institutional use
 Located in the center of the
community
 Has 2 major thoroughfares of the
area along its boundaries
 Located right beside public
STRENGTHS elementary and secondary schools
 Walkable from all parts of the
BASECO Compound
 Involvement of DSWD and
placement of police stations in
different areas
 Varying population of several
religious groups, mostly Muslims
 Foul stench caused by pollution,
garbage and stinky waters from
Manila Bay
WEAKNESSES  Large amount of informal settlers
are around the site
 Lack of college-level opportunities

 Lack of livelihood facilities for jobs
and opportunities
OPPORTUNITIES  Development plans for BASECO
 Involvement of Gawad Kalinga and
HABITAT
 Underdeveloped and is open for
development
 An existing mangrove area at the
western side, by the coast
THREATS  Flooding caused by Storm Surges
may be deep and reach past 1.5 mts
 Lack of values formation and most-
drug affected area questions the
security of the area
 Prone to large fires due to high
congestion of informal settlements
4.9 CONCLUSION
The site, being located in BASECO Compound in Port Area, Manila, is suitable
for the proposed project. It sits perfectly in the heart of a community of informal settlers
who have been living in the area since its early days and with little opportunities for
improvement from their lifestyle due to the lack of opportunities for education and jobs.
Although the area is disconnected from the mainland of Manila and lacks various modes
of transportation to connect the community to the city, the site sits well in an area that
is walkable from all sides of the community and along its northern and eastern
boundaries are the main avenues to get to all sides of the area, allowing the project to
be more accessible and eventually improve the conditions of the local economies in the
area. It is an area fitting for its purpose as its designated Land Use is for Institutional
and Public Open Space, which are two of the important classifications of the proposed
project. The site, when redeveloped, can ideally become a starting point for finally
improving the life of the community.

The challenges from using the site is the relocation of those from the present
informal settlers who are currently residing on part of the site. The scope of the project
does not determine the relocation process but it is suggested that through the major
participation of Gawad Kalinga in BASECO and in such situations, the informal settlers
may opt to move to their Housing Projects within BASECO or in other areas. Another
challenge is to ensure the security of the site and its users due to the evident presence
of violence within the community. Although GK, the Local Government and the project
itself aims to establish a community, a sense of place, stewardship and peace, it is still
up to the values of certain individuals to keep not just the site safe, but the entire
community as well. BASECO is also prone to flooding not caused by typhoons, but by
storm surges, which eventually leaves the entire area flooded at Advisory Number 2. It
is also prone to the hazards of fire and earthquake, and can be solved by proper site
planning and development as well as the use of materials for the project.
The project can reach its best potential in this location, serving as a magnet of
life and activity for the area, therefore establishing a stronger sense of community and
bayanihan through the various activities that the project and site has to offer for
community improvement and development.

CHAPTER V: CLIENT PROFILE AND ANALYSIS
5.1 OVERVIEW
The proposed project is a Community Center that aims to establish a sense of
place within a community that will have services for economic, educational, health,
institutional, social and recreational aspects of the community. The following are the
main facilities of the proposed project:
5.1.1 COMMUNITY CENTER
Community Centers are structures that offer a variety of services and
facilities for the benefit of its users, mainly the members of the community that
it specifically serves. Community Centers are supposedly accessible to all parts
of a community and represents a community, serving as the prime source of
activity by and for the community. Community Centers can be handled by
different groups; the local government, volunteers, or members of the
community.
Community Centers aim to provide facilities that the community needs
in their activities. In the poverty setting, Community Centers serve as the source
of hope and opportunity. It is the shared space where feeding programs, health
programs, community development and value-formation seminars, festival and
livelihood programs, as well as educational projects are held in for the benefit
of those in the marginalized or depressed sectors of the country.

5.1.2 LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICE
According to the Project for Public Spaces, civic centers like the
government offices located in public spaces or are accessible to the general
public, serve as the front porches of society where the government and public
meet. In a country where those governed lack the trust towards those in the
government, it is important to provide spaces where the public and government
can interact and socialize. It provides an opportunity for the government to get
to know the public more, and the public to watch over and trust their chosen
leaders.
All office work and transactions of the government are often done in
their offices and the local government offices otherwise known as barangay
halls lack the facilities and space to do their activities.
The presence of the government office in the community center allows
a better communication and establishment of trust among the members of a
community and their leaders.
5.1.3 DSWD SATELLITE OFFICE
The Department of Social Welfare and Development plays a key role in
helping uplift the living conditions and instilling values for the development of
the community. In BASECO Compound, and other parts of the marginalized
communities around Manila and in Tondo, DSWD has satellite offices present
to help address the concern of their communities.

Being a department of the national government of the Philippines, it is
just as important to have their presence in the community center just as the Local
Government is, especially since their job specifically seeks out to study and
improve the life of those from marginalized or depressed areas of the country.
5.1.4 SATELLITE POLICE STATION
Just as the Local Government is present in a community, satellite Police
Stations are also strategically placed throughout the several areas in Manila.
BASECO specifically has two satellite police stations, one being located right
beside the existing Barangay Hall.
As the community center aims to establish a sense of place and the civic
center of the community, it is important to place a Police Station to make the
security of the community more accessible as it sits in the heart of the area. The
Police Station is also serves as a source of added security for the site, especially
since violence and drugs are highly evident in the community.
5.1.5 GK COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT HUB
Gawad Kalinga plays a major role not just in providing housing for the
squatters, they focus on forming communities and their values through various
community development and value formation activities and seminars. GK is
known as one of the first respondents for disaster-struck communities and
marginalized sectors, along with their partners from the corporate sector.
In BASECO Compound, GK first built its community when the area was
caught under a great fire that left the area to ruins. The GK Community in
BASECO ages to more than 10 years and play a vital roe especially in
community building through various efforts. Their shared efforts and help in the
community center will help through their use of its facilities to further improve
the development of the community.
5.1.6 EDUCATIONAL HUB
The problem of the lack of classrooms can be solved by providing
additional spaces that can serve as temporary classrooms, daycare facilities and
operational tutorial rooms, as well as satellite libraries and other educational
facilities can be present to help make education accessible for the community,
especially the young. The Department of Education along with volunteers can
make use of such facilities to share knowledge and encourage learning among
the youth, and they can eventually find opportunities for higher levels of
education and work.
5.1.7 LIVELIHOOD HUB
One concern that the community center aims to address is the lack of
jobs and learning skills for livelihood purposes, These skills and knowledge
regarding livelihood can be taught and practiced with the help of the
government. By acquiring the necessary skills to earn a job, opportunities are
more present for uplifting the depressed living conditions of such communities.
Gawad Kalinga focuses on various Livelihood programs such as
agricultural (farming) and economic (social entrepreneurship). Livelihood
programs that GK can offer can focus on farming such as hydroponics and
vegetation farming, as well as creating products that can be sold to the local and
perhaps even to the international market. Such livelihood programs are done in
GK’s Enchanted Farm in Bulacan. Along with the Department of Education,
GK has feeding programs for Public Schools around the country and they aim
to have Central Kitchens in various areas for economic reasons. This provides
an opportunity for jobs and livelihood for volunteers and members of the
community.
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)
also provides training for various livelihood programs and even provides
scholarship. Their programs can also be integrated for the various livelihood
facilities of the community center.
5.1.8 SATELLITE HEALTH CLINIC
Depressed and marginalized sectors experience the lack of clinics and
number of midwives for the regulation of health of their communities. The
community center addresses this concern by allowing a satellite health clinic
with doctors and midwives who can be present most especially for emergency
cases, since hospitals that offer services for free or lower costs are often flocked
by members of these communities, making lines and congestion in such
facilities too filled, especially for emergency cases, PWD and Pregnant Women.
5.2 CLIENT PROFILE
5.2.1 AYALA FOUNDATION
5.2.1.1 OVERVIEW
Ayala Foundation Inc. is one of the pioneering corporate
foundations in the country. It is known for implementing programs in all
regions of the Philippines.
5.2.1.2 HISTORY
The establishment of the Ayala Foundation Inc. — then known
as Filipinas Foundation Inc. (FFI)—was inspired by the signing of the
Science Act of 1958, which sought to “integrate, coordinate, and
intensify scientific and technological research and development and to
foster invention.” This law encouraged the private sector to get involved
and give priority to science research.
Its founders believed in the need to “push the frontiers of
knowledge and abolish poverty and privation in whatever form among
the people of the Philippines.” Aside from science and research, the
foundation implemented projects in the fields of education, community
development, and arts and culture.
Over the years FFI worked hard to respond to the evolving needs
of its various publics. After the People Power Revolution of 1986, the
foundation renewed its commitment to the Filipino people, strongly
reflecting the great sense of hope and eagerness to contribute to national
development that pervaded the nation.
In 1990, FFI was renamed Ayala Foundation, signifying the
renewed commitment of the Ayala group of companies to responding to
the needs of a changing society.
Over the years, AFI has implemented programs in virtually all
regions of the country, as it nurtures partnerships with a wide network
of government, nongovernmental, corporate, and community-based
organizations, as well as private individuals.
AFI continues to evolve as it works hard to achieve greater reach
and impact. Strongly believing in the need to play an active part in
national development, AFI has chosen to respond more actively to the
changing needs and aspirations of the communities it serves.
Today, AFI envisions communities where people are productive,
creative, self-reliant, and proud to be Filipino. As a believer in creating
shared value and inclusive business, it has four key program areas—
Education, Youth Leadership, Sustainable Livelihood, and Arts and
Culture. AFI is a member of the Ayala group of companies.

5.2.1.3 VISION
Communities where people are productive, creative, self-reliant,
and proud to be Filipino.
5.2.1.4 MISSION
Understanding community realities and engaging people in the
change process.
Acting as catalyst for inclusion to bridge community and
business aspirations.
Building and nurturing partnerships with public and private
groups, civil society, and Ayala to achieve impact, scale, and
sustainability for everyone involved
5.2.1.5 PROGRAMS
 Global Filipino Schools – Started in 2015, the GFS empowers
schools to become 21st Century-ready educational institutions.
AFI provides these schools with support systems that comply
with the UNESCO Standards. GFS works in partnership with
Globe Telecom, DepEd, LGUs and private donors like Chevron,
Mitsubishi and Huawei.
 Training Institute – A two-year teacher and principal training
program that focuses on classroom pedagogy, development of
critical thinking skills, values clarification and use of technology
in the classroom setting. This program includes a mentoring

component to ensure that teachers are able to apply their
learnings.
 Ayala Young Leaders Congress – Started in 1999, AYLC is a
student leadership summit designed to build confidence,
leadership skills, foster nationalism and idealism, and encourage
faithful stewardship.
 BYLP-Leadership Communities – A new program called The
Bangsamoro Young Leaders Program–Leadership Communities
seeks to harness the strengths of Bangsamoro youth as agents of
positive change in their respective communities. It is an offshoot
of the successful Basilan Young Leaders Program and
Leadership Communities (LeadCom) Basilan, which was
launched in 2015.
 Filipinas Heritage Library – A famous project that started in
1996, The Filipinas Heritage Library (FHL) houses
contemporary and rare volumes on Philippine art, history, and
culture; vintage recordings of Philippine music; vintage
photographs; and maps, periodicals, and multimedia materials.
The library has embarked on a digitization project to make their
collection available online. FHL also develops exhibitions and
education programs on Philippine history and culture. In
partnership with government and private groups, FHL develops
community libraries through the OurLibrary program.

 Leadership Communities – Started in 2011, along with LGUs,
Youth organizations and private funders, LeadCom harnesses
the youth’s potential for leadership and community service by
helping them ideate and implement projects that address
community issues.
 CENTEX - The Center of Excellence in Public Elementary
Education (CENTEX) provides holistic, quality education for
bright children from economically disadvantaged families,
honing their confidence and competencies not just inside the
classroom but also through after-hours learning in the
performing arts and other skill-building activities. This program
partners with DepEd, Manila City Government, Provincial
Government of Batangas and other private donors and has been
a success since it started in 1998 (Manila) and 2000 (Batangas).
 Disaster Rehabilitation – Ayala Foundation is helping
communities severely damaged by Yolanda as they work toward
complete recovery. We have also provided support for other
areas hit by other disasters, such as the Bohol earthquake of
2013, as well as Typhoon Nina, which hit the Bicol region, and
Typhoon Ferdie, which hit Northern Luzon in 2016. We have
also formalized an engagement with the Philippine Disaster
Resilience Foundation for various disaster response and
rehabilitation initiatives.
 Project Lio – Along with Ayala Land, Inc., this program is a
prototype community development project for two communities
in El Nido, Palawan. This project started in 2016.
5.2.2 GAWAD KALINGA
5.2.2.1 OVERVIEW
Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation, Inc.
(GK) is a Philippine-based movement that aims to end poverty for 5
million families by first restoring the dignity of the poor.
Although GK is famous for providing housing for the poor, GK’s
main goal is to restore the dignity of the poor, by engaging communities
through various activities, most specifically a Values-Formation
Seminar and various programs that focus on building and empowering
communities, as well as some others that focus on programs like social
entrepreneurship and livelihood to help the poor earn a sustainable
lifestyle.
Presently, GK is present in almost every province in the
Philippines. It spreads to over 2,000 organized communities and affects
around 60,000 families.
5.2.2.2 HISTORY
Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation, Inc.
(GK) was founded by Tony Meloto. It formally established in 2003, but
the work began as early as 1994 in Bagong Silang, Caloocan City, the
biggest squatters relocation site in Metro Manila. Since then it has
expanded its work to over 2,000 organized communities and has been
adopted in other developing nations like Cambodia, Indonesia and
Papua New Guinea. It is also in the forefront of peace-building work in
conflict areas in Mindanao and reconstruction work in post-disaster
communities.
5.2.2.3 VISION
Gawad Kalinga is building a nation empowered by people with
faith and patriotism; a nation made up of caring and sharing
communities, dedicated to eradicate poverty and restore human dignity.
5.2.2.4 MISSION
Ending poverty for 5 million families by 2024.
5.2.2.5 PROGRAMS
Gawad Kalinga does not just build homes and communities. GK
empowers communities through various programs that don’t just focus

on building homes but to encourage Citizen-driven change through
active participation. Some of GK’s Programs from its 2015 Annual
Report include:
 GAWA – a fund-raising for community artisans to be gainfully
employed. Through donations, GK is able to help employ
artisans from their various communities. The cost for every
artisan would be worth Php 5,000.00.
 Barangay Walang Iwanan – Enlists organizations to unleash the
power of bayanihan for holistic development. This helps in the
capacity building for replication of GK Interventions.
 Kusina ng Kalinga – A Fund-Raising Program that aims to
prepare a meal a day for the 50,000 kids for an entire school year.
Lunch meals are cooked, prepared and delivered daily in order
to feed and support public school children. Sourcing ingredients
from the local setting helps boost local economies. A meal costs
Php 15.00, at Php 3,000.00 per child every year.
 GK Enchanted Farm & SEED – A Farm Village University that
helps incubate social businesses. This program helps provide
scholarships for the future wealth creators of our country through
grassroots community learning and training, support and
mentoring for social entrepreneurs and tourism. Its curriculum
complements academic courses with hands-on training and
intensive internship. The GK Enchanted Farm and SEED are

both widely known for social entrepreneurs and business schools
internationally, specifically in France.
 GK Mabuhay – Volun-tourism for the local and foreign
audiences that enhances the experience of Filipino culture and
heritage through immersion in GK Communities. This raises
awareness and support for the poor through tourism.
 SIPAG – GK Sports programs for the poor.
5.2.2.6 PARTNERS
Gawad Kalinga Community Development Inc. (GK) recognizes
that no single organization can do it alone, and there is a need to engage
as many institutions and individuals inspired by GK to help bring in their
own expertise, network of relationships and resources so that they can
reach other poor communities faster. The partners of GK, mainly from
the corporate world are called Bayani Builders. Besides partners from
the private sector, GK also receives donations from individuals, even
internationally, to make their projects possible. Some of its major
partners include Citibank and the Ateneo de Manila University.
5.2.3 MERCY RELIEF

5.2.3.1 OVERVIEW
Headquartered in Singapore, Mercy Relief was established in
2003 to respond to human tragedies and disasters in Asia Pacific. Mercy
Relief provides emergency aid within 72 hours of an appeal in the
aftermath of a disaster. Their longer-term sustainable development
programmes aim to uplift and empower communities in five key areas:
water and sanitation, shelter, sustainable livelihoods, healthcare and
education.
For the past decade, Mercy Relief has responded to more than 63
human tragedies with more than $33.3 million in relief across 25
countries. We have implemented more than 50 sustainable development
initiatives and impacted an aggregate of over 2 million lives.
Along with partners like Billion Bricks, Mastercard, Channel
NewsAsia, CIO Care, MFA Singapore, Edelman, Hermes, playpoint,
netball, The Hour Glass, Club 21, and many more, Mercy Relief’s
projects are a huge success in connecting people with creating impacts.
5.2.3.2 MISSION
To provide timely and effective aid when disasters strike, and
empower communities in Asia
5.2.3.3 VISION
Championing Compassion and Care

5.2.3.4 HABI
HABI (2009) is a joint project of Mercy Relief together with
Kabalikat Para sa Kaunlaran ng BASECO Compound Inc.; Maraming
Bayani Foundation and Oishi. It is a project where members of the
community create hand-woven bags made out of Oishi scrap materials
by Kabalikat to provide livelihood and improvement in the income for
the less-fortunate people of BASECO. Some of their products include
bags, mats, slippers, trays, baskets and other stuff. HABI has started
selling in SM Kultura as well as in a small outlet in BASECO. Their
products are customizable, durable and stylish.
5.2.3.5 OTHER PROJECTS
To build resilient communities. Mercy Relief tackles four stages
in the cycle of disaster response:

The areas of focus are o Livelihood, Shelter, Education, Water &
Sanitation and Healthcare.
Such projects include the Mount Merapi Community Based Disaster
Risk Management Programme in Indonesia, which provided central kitchens,
improved sanitation facilities and two schools. They also conducted public
healthcare and hygiene workshops and evacuation drills in case of emergencies.
Another project of Mercy Relief is the response to the Typhoon Haiyan
victims of the Philippines in 2013 by sending 1 medical team across 7 provinces
in the Visayas Region, as well as provided relief food packs. They also provided
transitional shelters for the victims of the Nepal earthquake back in 2015.
Lastly, Mercy Relief worked with 466 households in Zambales,
Philippines to plant mangrove seedlings along 5 hectares of shoreline to
establish natural nurseries for fish to spawn and increase villagers’ catch. As the
mangroves mature, they also act as natural barriers against storm surges during
the typhoon season.
5.3 PROJECT PROFILE
5.3.1 MISSION
Ending poverty with the engagement of communities in the change and
development process; the TAGPUAN Community Center bridges the
government and public to uplift the economic conditions and create better
opportunities through partnerships with the public and private groups and civil
society. It engages the community through the active participation of

individuals in its facilities and activities for positive impacts and building a
stronger nation.
5.3.2 VISION
The TAGPUAN Community Center is building a nation by empowering
Filipino communities where people are productive and enthusiastic nation-
builders; dedicated in uplifting living conditions to create stronger relationships
and values, eradicate poverty and restore the human dignity.
5.3.3 LOGO
The logo is simply made up of three shapes intersecting. The rectangular
shapes represent spaces and the shape of container vans, which is the modular
design focus of the project. The space of intersection symbolizes the meeting
point, or “tagpuan” of people; the government with the public, and connection
among the members of the community. The meeting point focuses on the
meeting of the community, the civic services and general public, an area for
people to exchange knowledge, ideas, information and engage in activities and
conversation that can expand their knowledge and wisdom. It also symbolizes
the connection of the container vans that through modular design and
construction, can be arranged and rearranged through various connections. This
central point also emphasizes being the core of meeting in the community,
proving to be the center of life and activity in the community.
The use of the color blue represents the trust, faith, truth and loyalty of
the government and the public. It also represents the exchange of wisdom and
intelligence in the center, as blue is associated with consciousness and intellect.
Orange, on the other hand, is a representation of enthusiasm, creativity,
success, encouragement, change, determination, freedom and balance. It
represents positivity towards a better change for the community. The
intersection, of both blue and orange represents the positivity and change in
effect of the social interaction, exchange of information, wisdom and
knowledge and community development activities and facilities offered by the
project for the members of the community.
The color green represents livelihood, farm, and nature, which is
provided for the community, like a breath of new air in the slums. The color
green also represents balance, which helps balance all activities and giving
balance to life in the community.
5.3.4 FOCUS AREAS
TAGPUAN focuses on connecting the relations of people, specifically
of the members of the community and improving their lives through various
activities and facilities made accessible for them.

 People – This focus is mainly on the members of the community
and their activities like fiestas, language, culture, traditions,
celebrations which aim for a development of individuals through
the community
 Institutional – It focuses on the government and on educational
aspects such as government offices and educational facilities,
which contributes to positive effects towards educational
opportunities and strengthened trust between the government
and its people.
 Social – Health and Recreational aspects are given focus to,
especially by providing opportunities to interact through various
facilities and open areas for activity, strengthening the
relationship and experience shared among members of the
community, therefore establishing a sense of stewardship
towards a place that a community built and used together.
 Economic – This focuses on giving more job opportunities
through sweat equity, livelihood programs and a cooperative
program where members of the community can work in open
positions in the center. It also allows local economies to grow.

5.3.5 ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
MEMBERS OF LOCAL
COMMUNITY GOVERNMENT
SOCIAL GAWAD KALINGA GOVERNMENT
COMMUNITY LIVELIHOOD
EDUCATIONAL HEALTH RECREATIONAL BARANGAY OFFICE POLICE STATION
DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
HEAD POLICE
MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT ADMINISTRATION
OFFICER
FACULTY CLINICAL RESERVATIONS FACILITATORS FACULTY OPERATIONS POLICE OFFICERS
MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE VOLUNTEERS MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE
5.3.5.1 MEMBERS OF COMMUNITY
As stakeholders, the members of the community are the main
clients and user of the public project. The improvement and
development of the project varies according to the needs and interests of
the chosen community.
5.3.5.2 LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS
The local government of the community will be in charge of
enactment of the facilities needed by the community, as well as the
general management of the center, as well as maintenance as they serve
as one of the main users of the proposed project. The Local Government
Units will be in charge of proposing annual celebration or activities as
well as special occasions in need of celebrations or organizations.

Management is up to the public servants and shall collaborate and
network with other private companies or organizations to help
implement and fund certain projects for the community.
5.3.5.3 PARTNERSHIPS
Being a public project, the TAGPUAN Community Center has
several partnerships in the management of facilities and activities for the
community.
For funding, implementation of the project itself and other
community development projects:
- Ayala Foundation
- Gawad Kalinga
For management and operations for special facilities, the
partnerships are for the following:
- Department of Education – Educational Facilities
- Department of Health – Health Facilities
- TESDA – Livelihood Programs
5.3.5.4 SOCIAL
The Office for Social Activities and Affairs of TAGPUAN is
divided into three main offices; for Education, Health and Recreational.
Each having its own management in charge of the general management
of all activities and affairs regarding their respective departments. Each

main office also has its own Maintenance Office, in charge of the general
maintenance of their respective facilities and amenities.
For the Educational Branch, the core office lies within the
Faculty of teachers and volunteers, composed of teachers provided by
the Department of Education, as well as volunteers from within the
community itself.
For the Health Branch, the core office is the Clinical office,
composed of doctors and nurses as volunteers or as provided by the
Department of Health. They are experts in the profession and are in
charge of all services concerned with the health of patients.
The Recreational Branch is in charge of managing all
recreational facilities, amenities and services provided by the project.
The use of certain facilities require reservations especially for bigger
events. This branch’s office manages, facilitates and maintains all
facilities, even public spaces of the project.
5.3.5.5 GAWAD KALINGA
One of the major partners of the project is Gawad Kalinga.
Besides funding and implementation of the project, Gawad Kalinga
along with TESDA and Ayala Foundation are in charge of all affairs
regarding activities and seminars that engage and involve the
community. Their most important participation lies in the livelihood
facilities. The Gawad Kalinga Branch of TAGPUAN is divided into two

main offices with their own management for affairs and businesses like
networking, financing and the such.
The first main office of the GK Department is the Community
Development Office, in charge of all seminars and activities involving
the community, most especially the Values Formation Seminars of GK.
They are also in charge of handling all outreach and donation
projects/events for the community, as well as the immersion offered by
several public and private schools.
The Community Development Office has two important
branches; the Facilitators Office composed of employees of GK itself,
and the Volunteers, which are commonly students or other volunteers
who do not earn from working with GK.
The second main office of the GK Department is the Livelihood
Department, in partnership with TESDA. This office mainly focuses on
all the livelihood facilities for the community. The main branch of this
office is the Faculty, composed of professionals or experts in certain
Livelihood programs by GK and TESDA who act as mentors or teachers
for those applying for livelihood programs available in the community
center.
5.3.5.6 GOVERNMENT
TAGPUAN aims to bridge the community and the government
together. The government handles all general management, inquiries,
outsourcing and networking with partners, other LGUs and the such.
The LGU also conducts studies, implements ordinances, enforces
statues, and manages the growth, improvement, safety and development
of the community it governs. The Government Branch of TAGPUAN
has two main offices; the Barangay Hall and the Police Station.\
The Barangay Hall Office has three branches; the administration,
the operations and the maintenance offices. The Administration is in
charge of all political work while the operations is the general manager
of all activities of the community and the center itself. The Maintenance
Office of the Government Branch acts as the main Maintenance office
for the entire TAGPUAN Community Center.
The Police Station is in charge of keeping the community a safe
place, in order to encourage more activity and participation among the
members of the community.
5.4 USER PROFILE AND ACTIVITY PATTERNS
5.4.1 PRIMARY USERS
Since the Community Center is mainly a public-oriented project, its
facilities and services are all done mainly for the members of the community,
therefore making them the primary users of the site.
5.4.2 SECONDARY USERS
The Secondary Users of TAGPUAN Community Center are those in
charge of managing and maintaining the center, including the staff, barangay
admin, teachers, volunteers, doctors and the such. Unlike the primary users
which are the members of the community, the secondary members have more
limited purposes to using or accessing the site, as they mainly visit the site with
the objective of providing services for the center and its users.
Other Secondary Users include volunteers coming from outside of the
community, with like the other secondary users, have the objective of rendering
specific services for the center and its users.
5.4.3 TERTIARY USERS
Other users of the TAGPUAN Community Center are the visitors from
outside of the community. Since the site establishes a sense of place, creating a
node that attracts people and activity towards the site, visitors are more than
likely to be inclined in visiting the center as it represents the community.
5.4.4 ACTIVITY PATTERNS OF USERS
5.4.4.1 STUDENTS
EVENING
WAKE UP DINNERTIME
ROUTINES
GO HOME/ STUDY AND

MORNING
RECREATIONA DO
ROUTINES
L ACTIVITIES HOMEWORK
GO TO
SCHOOL OR STUDY/ WORK SLEEP
DESTINATION
STUDY/ WORK LUNCH BREAK
Students vary from those using the educational facilities, make-
shift classrooms, or those taking the livelihood programs of the

community center. Their activities vary rom hands-on training, to
classroom activities and using other facilities and recreational spaces.
5.4.4.2 COMMUNITY MEMBERS
GO HOME/
WAKE UP RUN DINNER
ERRANDS
SPEND TIME
MORNING
WORK WITH FAMILY/
ROUTINES REST
LUNCH
GO TO WORK SLEEP
BREAK
The members of the community are stakeholders of the project
and are its primary users. Community members more often use the site
and its facilities. The exception to their activities are all work related to
management and operations, but exceptions are members of the
communities who work in cooperative with the LGU and its partners
who run and operate the community center.
5.4.4.3 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FACILITATORS
WAKE UP DINNER REST
GO HOME/
MORNING
RUN SLEEP
ROUTINES
ERRANDS
WORK/
GO TO WORK FACILITATE
PROGRAMS
FACILITATE
LUNCH
PROGRAMS
Community Development Facilitators come from Gawad
Kalinga, Ayala Foundation and DSWD. Their activities vary and depend
on the need for seminars and activities. They have their respective
offices and are made available for services especially when the
community has concerns and they also handle tours within the site and
around the community.
5.4.4.4 EDUCATIONAL STAFF
WAKE UP DINNER REST
MORNING GO HOME/ RUN

SLEEP
ROUTINES ERRANDS
GO TO WORK TEACH
TEACH LUNCH
The Educational Staff are the teachers, from DepEd, to DayCare
Teachers to volunteers for tutoring programs. Teachers are needed when
there are lack of classrooms. Daycare teachers are present to take care
of young infants and children to allow parents to go to work without
worrying about taking care of their young during working hours.
Tutorial programs are done in the late afternoons and evenings, as a
support system for those in need of additional help for school.

5.4.4.5 CLINICAL PERSONNEL
WAKE UP DINNER REST
GO HOME/
MORNING
RUN SLEEP
ROUTINES
ERRANDS
RUN CHECK-
GO TO WORK UP/
OPERATIONS
RUN CHECK-
UPS/ LUNCH
OPERATIONS
The clinical personnel are the doctors, nurses and midwives who
offer clinical or health services to the community. As volunteers or
public doctors, there work at normal operating hours with little activity
for the night shifts, for emergency responses.
5.4.4.6 ADMINISTRATION & STAFF
WAKE UP DINNER REST
GO HOME/
MORNING
RUN SLEEP
ROUTINES
ERRANDS
MANAGE
GO TO WORK
COMMUNITY
MANAGE
LUNCH
COMMUNITY
They are in charge of the general management and operation of
the center. They work at regular working hours and focus mostly in
operating and managing all the incoming, outgoing and on-going affairs
and activities of the center. They are also in charge of maintaining the
peace and order within the community. The exception to the regular
working hours are the policemen who patrol and are available for
emergency responses all hours, even in the late evenings until mornings.
5.4.4.7 MAINTENANCE & SERVICES
WAKE UP DINNER REST
GO HOME/
MORNING
RUN SLEEP
ROUTINES
ERRANDS
GO TO WORK WORK
WORK LUNCH
The maintenance and service staff are in charge of ensuring the
amenities and utilities of the center are well-maintained and operating.
They work at regular working hours with an exception to emergency
responses but from outsourced maintenance and services after the
regular working hours when needed.
5.5 SAMPLE OPERATIONAL/SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES
5.5.1 DAILY ACTIVITY SCHEDULE

1AM 1PM Normal operational hour
2AM Police 2PM Normal operational hour
3AM 3PM tutorial Students visit site
4AM Community begins work 4PM Afternoon jog use of playground
and courts
5AM Staff Arrive 5PM Peak hour of activity
6AM Jogging and Livelihood 6PM dinner
Exercise
Barangay hall operations hall
7AM Community Educational 7PM Educational facility operations halt

development facilities start
activities begin
8AM Office hours of facilities begin 8PM Use of recreational spaces
9AM Day care begins operations 9PM Clinical operations halt
10AM Normal operational hour 10PM police
11AM Lunch break begins 11PM
5.5.2 WEEKLY ACTIVITY SCHEDULE
Livelihood workshops
Monday Gk seminars
Tuesday Educational tuesdays
Wednesday Midweek community meeting
Thursday language proficiency workshops
Friday Healthy fridays
Weekly community assembly

Saturday Weekend community market
Day of worship
sunday Family-oriented seminars and activities
5.5.3 MONTHLY & YEARLY
New year festivities Community fireworks display

Festival of the black nazarene January New year community development and
planning
People power celebration Arts and handicrafts workshops and

National arts month February showcase
Fire prevention month Talks and seminars informing women on

Women’s month March rights, family planning, reproductive
health
Holy week celebration Film showing weekends

Film & literature month April Acting and literature workshops
Cycling month alternative transportation awareness

Flores de mayo May activities and seminars
Flores de mayo parade
Community freedom wall

Independence day celebrations June Plan-action community development
workshops
Health and nutrition month Bayanihan: Philippine games Olympics

July Health awareness seminars
Buwan ng wika Language proficiency contests

August poetry writing and reading
September Community farm tour
Environmental awareness month Environmental awareness seminar
Halloween Weekend market of local indigenous

National indigenous people’s month October products
Children’s month Gk seminars for the youth

National architecture month November Youth plan-action workshop
Start of advent
Christmas celebrations Parol-making and handicrafts

December Community Boodle fight salu-salo
5.6 LEGAL FRAMEWORK
5.6.1 LAWS AND ORDINANCES
5.6.1.1 BUILDING CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES
5.6.1.1.1 TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION
SEC. 401 Type of Construction
The type of construction used for the community center will
focus on the use of mostly steel and iron, with a few components that
are constructed using concrete or masonry construction. This type of
construction as according to the Building Code of the Philippines is
under Type IV. All standards and rules required for Type IV
Construction will be followed in the project.
5.6.1.1.2 CLASSIFICATION AND GENERAL REQUIREMENT
SEC. 701 Occupancy Classification
The TAGPUAN Community Center contains facilities and
provides services that vary in classification. The following are the
classification of its spaces, facilities and services, as according to the
NBC of the Philippines:

Group C - Education & Recreation
Division 1 (Prinicpal Use): Buildings used for school or
day-care purposes, involving assembly for the purpose of
instruction, education or recreation. The project falls
under Group C-1.2 Seminar/Workshop Facilities, C1.3
Training Center/Facilities. And C-1.5 Civic Centers,
clubhouses, lodges, community center
Division 2 (Accessory Use): C-2.1Government Centers
to house local offices in the area
Group D – Institutional
Division 2: Nurseries for full-time care of children under
kindergarten age or non-ambulatory patients
Group E – Mercantile
Division 2 (Accessory Use): Grocery or Supermarket
Group J – Accessory
Division 1: agricultural structures used for farming or
hydroponics especially in the urban setting
All standards and guidelines that follow the strictest among all
the classifications will be followed in the implementation of the design
of the center.
5.6.1.2 FIRE CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES
5.6.1.2.1 FIRE SAFETY IN BUILDINGS, STRUCTURES & FACILITIES
Division 3. Classification of Occupancy
As per the Fire Code of the Philippines, the following are the
classification of occupancies for the community center:
Assembly - include, but are not limited to, all buildings
or portions of buildings used for gathering together of fifty (50)
or more persons for such purposes as deliberation, eating,
drinking, amusement, classrooms of 50 persons and over
capacity; libraries; recreational facilities; piers; and conference
rooms.
Educational - include all buildings or portions thereof
used for the gathering of group of six (6) or more persons for
purposes of instruction. Includes Schools; Nursery schools;
Kindergartens; and Child Day Care facilities.
Health Care - used for purposes of medical or other
treatment or care of persons where such occupants are mostly
incapable of self-preservation because of age, physical or mental
disability. Facilities include hospitals and birth centers.
Mixed Occupancies - two or more classes of occupancies
occurring/located/situated/existing in the same building and/or
structures so intermingled that separate safeguards are

impracticable. The means of egress shall be sufficient to meet
exit requirements for the occupants of each individual room or
section, and for the maximum occupant load of the entire
building. Fire safety construction, protective and warning
systems and other safeguards shall meet requirements of the
most hazardous occupancy unless otherwise specified.
For the project, the designs and requirements to be followed are
the strictest and most compliant among all the classifications as stated
above.
5.6.1.3 ACCESSIBILITY LAW (B.P. 344)
In the design of the community center, it is important to consider the
mobility of disabled persons by following provisions to maximize the
accessibility and mobility of the disabled when visiting the community center.
Provisions on ramps, handrails, parking slots, corridors, toilets and all design
requirements for accessibility within and outside of the building will be used in
order to achieve a community center that is accessible to all types of people of
the community, even those who are disabled.
5.6.1.4 MANILA CITY GOVERNMENT ORDINANCE NO. 8119
The Manila City Government’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan and
Ordinances are prepared for the development and improvement of Manila. It

considers the existing conditions through studies and data and prepares its long-
term plans. It is important to use and follow all ordinances, especially the most
recent Ordinance No. 8119, its Zoning Ordinance. Compliance ensures being
one with the city’s plan of guiding, controlling and regulating the future growth
and development, as well as protecting the character of the city. For the purpose
of the project, the proposed project will comply with the designs and ordinances
that require to be followed based on the classification of the building, and the
CHAPTER VI: DATA PRESENTATION
6.1 DESIGN STANDARDS
6.1.1 COMMUNITY CENTER DESIGN – ARTIST COALITION OF
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
MINIMUM SPECIFICATIONS:
FACILITIES: Community Centres should be just that- the Centres of the
Community. All community centres should have in them the following as barest
minimum:
1. Civil and Intervention services- offices providing generic social services
as well as community-specific ones such as: daycare facilities;
pregnancy, rape and other counseling (we could reduce phenomena like
teenage pregnancy and recidivism by as much as 65% in one generation
if we had the counselors and the service resident in the centres); pension
collection; the very same government run social programmes could have
offices there; etc
2. Hub for legitimate Community groups- a secretariat built around all
satellite groups who can use it as resource. This is the community’s
leadership space.
3. Nursery facilities and Homework centres for young children after school
4. Internet cafes and computer facilities
5. A community specific Hall of Fame with links to a National Hall of
Fame
6. A community specific Museum with space for a multi-purposed art
gallery or exhibition space with links to the National Museum. The specs
in community centre galleries should be such that exhibitions from the
National Gallery should be able to travel to community centres.
7. A library that should be affiliated with NALIS
8. A conference room
9. A community hall which is a meeting space adaptable as a meeting area,
dancehall etc
10. A separate purpose-built performing arts hall with proper seating, lights,
sound, stage and back stage facilities like dressing rooms etc. Most
national productions should be able to take their productions into any
community centre. Community Centre technical specs should be the
same as the National Performing Arts Centre specs so that the facilities
and users can dovetail and graduate one into another.
11. A useable communal kitchen area
12. Business spaces for rent by interested community entrepreneurs

Foyer
A foyer is essential, even for the smallest centre. This should be a comfortable meeting
and assembly space where club and community notices can be displayed, a telephone
located and giving access to toilets and the main hall. The entrance should take the form
of a draft lobby floored with barrier matting and must allow unimpeded access for
wheelchairs. Storage space for pushchairs should be provided off the circulation area
and separate cupboards for coats may be required.
Office
In rural locations day-to-day management is normally via a rota of voluntary keyholders
supplemented when necessary by paid, possibly part-time staff. In all but the smallest
facilities some form of staffing will normally be required to take bookings, collect fees,
supervise volunteers and ensure that the building is safe and secure. An office is often
included as a base for staff, a reception and bookings point, a records store and a
location for the master heating and lighting controls and fire alarm board. Alternatively
a reception desk or kiosk backed by lockable storage cupboards may be sufficient. In
either case location should be in or off the foyer with views to the building forecourt
and into the main circulation space.
Meeting and club rooms
These are smaller rooms but often multifunctional. If used by playgroups the usual care
will be required in the detailing. The only sports potential is for table tennis and then
only if room dimensions are at least 8 x 4 x 3m high. Billiards and snooker tables require
a dedicated room of 7 x 5.2 x 3m minimum.
Kitchen
Locate the kitchen to directly serve the main hall and at least one other space. Whenever
possible, position the kitchen on an external wall. Usual requirements are a large
domestic kitchen equipped with four-ring cooker, double sink, fridge, freezer,
microwave oven and possibly a waste disposal unit. A separate washbasin must also be
included. Design should permit:
● Sufficient space between fittings for several volunteers to work simultaneously. The
design must be suitable for use by outside caterers at specific events.
● Fitting heights and space standards to suit helpers in wheelchairs.
● Serving hatches with inward opening foldback doors and an uninterrupted surface to
prevent spillage.
● Robust, low level shelving beneath the servery worktop if the kitchen is to double as
a temporary bar.
● Provision of mechanical air extraction.
● Easily cleaned surfaces that minimize impact noise and a non-slip floor finish.
● Direct access to refuse bins.
Toilets
Plan male, female and disabled people’s toilets close to the entrance foyer and consider
the need for adjoining coat hanging space. The following figures taken from BS 6465:
Part 1 1994 can be used as a guide:
Female
● 2 WCs for up to 50 persons
● 3 WCs for up to 100 persons
● 1 WC for each additional 40 persons
● 1 washbasin plus 1 per 2 WCs.
Male
● 1 WC for up to 250 persons
● 1 WC for each additional 500 persons
● 2 urinals for up to 100 persons
● 1 washbasin per WC plus 1 per 5 urinals.
There should be at least one toilet for wheelchair users. Minimum dimensions for a
unisex disabled people’s unit are 2.0 x 1.5m. Increase size to 2.5 x 2.0m for an integral
shower and changing bench. The door must open outward. In addition there can be a
requirement for:
● Children’s toilets arranged off a room to be
used for playgroups. Fittings will be of
reduced size and there should be a nappy
changing surface. Alternatively, provide
nappy change in the disabled people’s WC.
● A separate WC cubicle and washbasin in
each changing room for use of players and
performers.
All surfaces must be durable and easily cleaned. Cantilever basins mounted on a duct
to conceal pipework are most easily maintained. If soap dispensers are required they
can be located between basins.
6.1.2 CARGO CONTAINER VAN CONSTRUCTION
American Society for Engineering Education (2015)
Cargo containers are constructed from weathering steel. Weathering
steel includes alloying elements that affect the materials corrosion process.
Weathering steel forms an amorphous inner layer that protects the integrity of
the steel. Figure 1 shows the placement of the layer as well as its composition.
The continuity of the layer also adds to the protection of the steel
Figure 1. Schematic illustration of the corrosion product layers
identified on steels exposed to rural and marine atmospheres for the periods of
up to five years
Furthermore, weathering steel is an ideal material for cargo containers
due to their exposure to natural elements. Cargo containers spend the majority
of their life outdoors on cargo ships, trains and trucks with little protection from
moisture. The cargo container is an appealing construction material for a variety
of reasons. First, their strength and durability provide both structural support
and a long life span. Their weathering steel construction provides not only
corrosion protection, but also strength. Also, with a movement toward
sustainable construction practices, the recycling of unused cargo containers for
construction material puts an unused product to use. Also, the cargo containers
modular construction simplifies the design process. Much like bricks or CMU,
cargo containers are designed to specific standards. Table 1 lists the dimensions
of the standard sized containers.

Table 1. Standard cargo container dimensions
Cargo containers also feature corner assemblies that interlock the
containers to one another, as seen in Figure 2. The locking mechanism provides
stability when multiple containers are being used in the construction of a
building. Cargo containers are designed to be supported from the four corners
they sit on, which provides structural foundation advantages.
Figure 2 Illustration of corner locking mechanism
Cargo containers are a useful construction due to their high availability.
The cost of shipping empty cargo containers back to their starting location is
higher than the cost of buying a new cargo container, so many containers are
left sitting empty in ports all around the world. In 2012, according to Drewry
Maritime Research, the global container fleet consisted of approximately 32.9
million TEU (Twenty-foot equivalent unit) 4 . That figure would estimate 32.9
million standard 20 foot containers, meaning that there is no shortage of cargo
containers in the market today. Overall, the cargo container should be viewed
as a valuable construction material.
1. Design criteria
1.1 Foundation
Cargo container homes require a foundation system just as
any other residential dwelling would. While the design
parameters for shipping container homes are constantly evolving
due to the relatively young age of the technology, there seem to
be two major methodologies in regards to a foundation system.
Most cargo container homes utilize either a slab-on-grade
foundation or a concrete pile foundation. A basement is possible
with either of those two types of foundations, but because the
cargo containers are intermodal containers (and thus can be
moved easily) a basement would not be practical. Moving the
containers would leave a large void that would be wasted. While
a basement is possible, the scope of this paper will cover
foundation systems for cargo container homes that do not have a
basement. As applied to cargo container construction, a home

utilizing a slab-on-grade foundation system would lay a
foundation and set the cargo containers on top of the foundation.
This foundation system is a very simple methodology for cargo
container homes. The modular units are placed on the floor slab
and secured with bolts or fixtures set in the concrete slab itself.
The slab-on-grade foundation system offers a solid platform that
will easily support a cargo container home. An alternative to the
slab-on-grade foundation is a deep foundation system. Two
common types of deep foundations are a pile system and drilled
pier system. The difference between the two systems is evident
in their construction. A pile is typically a precast concrete
cylinder that is driven into the ground, while a pier is cast on site
in a drilled well. Due to having less dead load of a low-rise
housing unit compared to a commercial building such as;
shopping mall, mid or high rise hotel/office building etc., precast
pile have a better solution over drilled piers in consideration of
cargo container homes. This foundation system is also referred
to as a raised foundation that is created by using precast piles.
The home pictured in Figure 3 is clearly supported only by
precast piles.
Figure 3. Cargo container home using precast pile foundation
1.2 Structural system
The cargo container’s steel construction provides the
strength to stack containers upwards of 7 high. That strength,
however, is dependent on the entire steel frame/supporting walls
intact. Many cargo container home designs require the removal
of entire sidewalls of the container, which has an obvious effect
on the strength and safety of the containers. Giriunas, Sezen and
Dupaix performed a container model analysis using SolidWorks,
Hypermesh and Abaqus/CAE to collect information on the
effects of removing steel sections from cargo containers. Their
computer analysis compared 5 different loading scenarios on
both unaltered and altered containers. Their results validated the
claim that containers with walls removed yielded before the
required capacity specified in ISO standards. Also, they
determined that the roof had little structural significance, and
that the end walls were the strongest load resistive components
when subjected to vertical loads. Their research will hopefully
lead to standards and specifications for the use of cargo
containers being used in non-standard applications, following
full scale testing
Figure 4. Deformation and prevention for cargo
containers
While there is very little literature currently available that
discusses the statistical data and requirements for reinforcing
cargo containers for residential use, there are many common
methods that are used to both reinforce and secure the cargo
containers in a safe and effective way. In regards to reinforcing,
one concern is that the removal of major walls will cause sag.
Figure 4 depicts both the potential deformation involved with the
removal of walls, and a potential solution to the problem. Steel
guardrails can be welded to the interior of the structure to
provide additional support and stability for the container. The
amount of reinforcement needed depends on the amount of

material removed, and as previously stated, there are currently
no set guidelines or building codes in regards to this issue. Along
with the structural reinforcement, the connection of the modular
units is a concern. Vertical connection is relatively simple, due
to the nature of the container. Every container is designed with a
fitting on each corner, originally intended to secure the
containers in organized stacks during shipment. Those same
corner connections prove essential in multi-story cargo container
homes and can be used to secure the modular units together. This
methodology is applicable when the containers are oriented in
similar directions, as in Figure 5. Because the cargo containers
are constructed from steel, welding can also be used to secure
containers together in a permanent fashion. Securing the
containers to the foundation is often successfully done by
welding the containers to steel brackets cast in the foundation to
provide a solid base for the home.

Figure 5. Cargo container home secured with original
corner fittings
1.3 Infill system
A cargo container home’s infill system is one of the most
functional and aesthetically pleasing aspects of the building. The
infill system consists of the MEP system (Mechanical, Electrical
and Plumbing), as well as aesthetical components. The home’s
insulation is also included in the infill system. In many ways, a
cargo container home’s infill system is similar to that of a home
build from a traditional steel or timber framing system. Cargo
container homes, however, have many more spatial limitations,
as compared to a normal home or building. The design
challenges are most prevalent in this portion of the design
process because while the same families of components are
necessary in a cargo container home, there is much less space to
place them. It has become a very common practice to first
construct a non-loadbearing frame around the inside of the cargo
containers. Both cold-formed steel and light timber can be used,
and the framing system parallels that of a standard home. This
internal framing offers both a means to hang drywall or gypsum
board as well as a cavity to locate insulation and components of
the MEP systems. Figure 6a depicts the construction of an

internal steel framing system to separate rooms of the cargo
container home. Also, voids can be cut into the container and
framed in to allow for standard windows and doors. After the
framing is complete, the electrical and plumbing systems can be
installed. Again, the wiring and routing of plumbing is very
similar to that of a standard home, with the exception of spatial
requirements. Ventilation/central heating and cooling is a major
challenge due to the height restrictions of the containers. A
standard ventilation system is possible, however, with the usage
of shallow ductwork concealed within a slightly suspended
ceiling. Also, radiant heating and cooling systems require less
space because of their use of hoses instead of metal ventilation
ducts. The insulation methodology is again, Similar to that of a
home constructed by a standard methodology. Both insulating
foam and blown insulation are possible insulation methods, and
due to the internal framing, space is available to do either
method. Many cargo container homes have become very
successful in creating a modern, appealing interior design.
Figure 6b features the interior of a cargo container home. The
application of drywall, hardwood flooring, standard appliances
and furniture, and lighting creates a home that is very similar to
a modern home constructed using a standard methodology (i.e.
without using cargo containers).

Figure 6. (a) Internal framing system for cargo container
home9 , (b) Cargo container home interior
2. Educational adaptation
“Materials and Methods of Building Construction” (Curriculum
code; ArchE2103) course in Missouri S&T Architectural
Engineering Program covers a variety of educational methodologies
such as; traditional lectures, assigned supplementary reading,
documentary movies, demonstrations (material test, site visit, and
brick masonry wall mock-up assembly), discussion group and
hands-on learning experiences. Among these methodologies, a
discussion/work group was created consisting of three or four
students working together completing hands-on tasks. The
discussion/lab section of the course was divided into four modules.
One of these modules focused on the implementation of cargo
containers as a structural unit for an office space design. The
duration of this study was three weeks with eleven teams. Cargo
containers are of particularly interest as a design platform because
of their emerging popularity worldwide. They are very versatile
because of their durability and relatively low cost, thus make for an
interesting subject in showcasing the possibility of modular design.

Problem-based learning (PBL) methodology was applied in this
section on cargo container implementation and in the latter module,
which focused on residential home building utilizing conventional
structural systems with variable floor layouts. Prior to introducing
the “PBL blocks”, a series of “preparatory learning blocks” were
offered. This allows the students to become more acquainted with
the subject. Preparatory blocks should provide students with
knowledge they can apply in PBL blocks, and the PBL blocks
motivate students to explore further in-depth study
The “discussion group” study is also grouped in second module
of the course and it can also be classified as preparatory learning
block. In introducing this topic to students, a short presentation was
given providing an overview of this design concept as well as details
into the specification of the cargo containers’ design. Getting a little
more specific, this short presentation included the information
regarding materials of construction, standard dimensions, load
capacity, limitations, reason of usage in construction industry and
lastly some built-up samples. This problem is being introduced to
the class to be identified, formulated and solved as a real life problem
with architectural engineering practice. One of the challenges of this
assignment is determining the boundary or scope of work. This
study, which is rather open ended, allows for students to purse the
idea further with their own research or imagination.

2.1 Details of design
Due to time limitation of three weeks, typical building
layouts are handed-out to the students at the beginning.
Therefore, it was not a design studio activity, but an activity for
each team to discuss the subject and make an assessment of
requirements mentioned in the rubric. Results of the activity
were submitted as assignments. From the construction of the
models, the groups learned the design features, critical points,
construction methods and building envelope of the cargo
container. Design criteria were defined as; a) An office or retail
space with maximum 2 stories b) Modular cargo container unit
dimensions are; - Unit 1: (l x w x h) (20’ x 8’ x 8’ 6’’) (6.058 m
x 2.438m x 2.591m) - Unit 2: (l x w x h) (40’ x 8’ x 8’ 6’’)
(12.192 m x 2.438m x 2.591m) c) Building types (Figure 7)
Figure 7. Building types.

2.2 Content of the assignment
Each team submitted the results of discussion on; a. 20’’
x 30’’ foam board as “Poster Presentation” (including text and
images). (70% of grading) b. Scaled model with cardboard (1/50
scale) (30% of grading). Expectation from the discussion groups
and the content of the poster presentation is mentioned in rubric.
In the future, the groups could present their work as an authority
on the subject of cargo container design, which would help
encourage group collaboration and further discussion. Scaled
models were assessed as sufficient or insufficient. The minimum
requirements for successful completion of the cargo container
design are a complete consideration of all of the design
challenges presented in their poster. The posters were graded as
per handed-out rubric. These items were to be addressed as if the
group were to implement a particular solution to this problem
and for addressing the challenges of completing an inhabitable
and marketable office space.
2.3 Results of the activity
The grade of the group is reflected by the successful
completion of two different tasks, the poster which has details of
the solution for successful design completion and the scaled
model of the building/site made from prescribed materials,
which in this case was foam board and corrugated paper.
Samples of poster presentation and scaled models in 1/50 are

shown in Figure 9. These models were graded on their accuracy,
workmanship, and design vision and are a great method for
understanding the 3-dimensional space of each building layout.
Figure 9. Samples of scaled model in 1/50 scale.
3. Conclusion
Cargo containers are a valuable modular construction material to
be considered when designing a home. They have the structural
capability and design parameters to produce a standard, living home
in a variety of ways. Cargo container homes are both sustainable and
cost effective due to the repurposing of the container itself.
Container homes can be designed very similarly to a standard home,
and should be heavily considered in today’s market. Design
standards like those presented in this paper should be standardized
in order to create an efficient design process to produce cargo
container homes on a larger magnitude. In order to increase the
popularity of this reusable modular construction units, future

architectural engineers shall be promoted and they have to be
competent over basic design features. By using existing design
parameters of cargo containers, a discussion group project has been
created as a real life problem. The discipline project as part of
problem-based learning lead the students to think outside the box
which was the main goal of this educational adaptation. Student
survey shows that positive feedbacks received from the students but
improvement is necessary to increase the effectiveness of this
activity.
6.2 CODE-RELATED PROGRAMS
6.2.1 LAWS AND ORDINANCES
6.2.1.1 BUILDING CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES
6.2.1.1.1 TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION
SEC. 401 Types of Construction
TYPE IV- Type IV buildings shall be of steel, iron, concrete, or
masonry construction. Walls, ceilings, and permanent partitions shall be
of incombustible fire-resistive construction: Except that permanent non-
bearing partitions of one-hour fire-resistive construction may use fire
retardant treated wood within the framing assembly.

6.2.1.1.2 CLASSIFICATION AND GENERAL REQUIREMENT
SEC. 701 Occupancy Classified
Group C- Education & Recreation
Buildings used for school or day-care purposes,
involving assembly for the purpose of instruction,
education or recreation
Group D – Institutional
Division 2: Nurseries for full-time care of children under
kindergarten age and hospitals.
Group J – Accessory
Division 1: agricultural structures used for farming or
hydroponics especially in the urban setting
6.2.1.1.3 LIGHT AND VENTILATION
SEC. 805 Ceiling Height
Habitable rooms with artificial ventilation shall have ceiling
heights not less than 2.40 meters. The first storey for buildings higher
than one-storey shall have 2.70 meters ceiling height, 2.40 for the second
storey and 2.10 for the rest. The above stated rooms with natural
ventilation shall have a ceiling height not below 2.70 meters.

SEC. 806 Size and Dimension of Rooms
The minimum size of rooms for human habitation should be 6.00
square meters with the least dimension of 1.50 meters. The bath and
toilet must be at least 1.20 square meters with the least dimension of
0.90 meters.
SEC. 808 Window Openings
Every room not provided with artificial ventilation shall have
window or openings equal to 10% of the total floor area of the room,
directly open to a court, yard, street, alley or water course.
The setback requirements are as follows:
RROW FRONT SIDE REAR
30 mts and above 10 mts 3 mts 3 mts
25 mts – 29 mts 8 mts 3 mts 3 mts
Below 10 mts 2 mts 2 mts 2 mts
6.2.1.1.4 GENERAL DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS
SEC. 1207 Stairs, Exits, Occupant Loads
Fire exits of buildings without sprinklers shall be more than 45
mts from any exit. Buildings equipped with complete automatic fire
extinguishing systems may be distance to a maximum of 60.00 mts.

6.2.1.1.5 SIGNS
SEC. 2001 General Requirements
No signages must be erected as an obstruction or to cause
confusion of traffic signs, signals or devices, nor shall they obstruct any
view of landscapes in the country.
6.2.1.1.6 ARCADES AND SIDEWALKS
Sidewalks with a width of over 2.00 mts shall include a planting
strip not less than 800 mm in width to separate the curb from the
sidewalk pavement. There must be no obstructions on sidewalks.
6.2.1.1.7 PARKING AND LOADING SPACE REQUIREMENTS
The size of an average automobile parking slot shall be
computed at 2.4 meters by 5.00 meters for perpendicular or diagonal
parking, at 2.00 meters by 6.00 meters for parallel parking. A truck or
bus parking/loading slot shall be computed at a minimum of 3.60 meters
by 12.00 meters.
In mixed occupancies, the parking requirements shall be the sum
of 100% of the dominant use and 50% of each of the non-dominant uses.
1 accessible parking slot must be provided for the handicapped for every
50 parking lots up to 150 slots and an additional slot for every 100 slots
thereafter.
6.2.1.2 FIRE CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES
6.2.1.2.1 FIRE SAFETY IN BUILDINGS, STRUCTURES & FACILITIES
Division 3. Classification of Occupancy
The following are the classification of occupancies for the
community center:
Assembly - include, but are not limited to, all buildings or
portions of buildings used for gathering together of fifty (50) or more
persons for such purposes as deliberation, eating, drinking, amusement,
classrooms of 50 persons and over capacity; libraries; recreational
facilities; piers; and conference rooms.
Educational - include all buildings or portions thereof used for
the gathering of group of six (6) or more persons for purposes of
instruction. Includes Schools; Nursery schools; Kindergartens; and
Child Day Care facilities.
Health Care - used for purposes of medical or other treatment or
care of persons where such occupants are mostly incapable of self-
preservation because of age, physical or mental disability. Facilities
include hospitals and birth centers.
Mixed Occupancies - two or more classes of occupancies
occurring/located/situated/existing in the same building and/or
structures so intermingled that separate safeguards are impracticable.
The means of egress shall be sufficient to meet exit requirements for the
occupants of each individual room or section, and for the maximum
occupant load of the entire building. Fire safety construction, protective
and warning systems and other safeguards shall meet requirements of
the most hazardous occupancy unless otherwise specified.
Division 5. Means of Egress
No exit enclosure shall be used for any purpose other than for
means of egress. The width shall not be less than nine hundred fifteen
millimeters (915 mm).
When the occupant load for any storey or portion thereof is more
than five hundred (500) but not more than one thousand (1000), the
means of egress shall not be less than three (3); in excess thereof, the
means of egress shall not be less than four (4).
A door from a room to an exit or to a way of exit access shall be
of the side-hinged, swinging type. It shall swing with exit travel. The
minimum headroom shall not be less than two meters (2 m) nor any
projection from the ceiling be less than two meters (2 m) from the floor.
Door openings in means of egress shall not be less than 71 cm in
clear width. When a pair of doors is provided, not less than one of the
doors shall provide at least 71 cm clear width opening.
All fire escape shall have walls or guards on both sides, except
for height, which shall be 107 cm and 91 cm for fire escape for every
small building, the height being measured vertically from a point on the
stair tread 25 mm back from the leading edge, or vertically above any
landings or balcony floor level.
A sign reading "EXIT" with an arrow indicating the direction
shall be placed in every location where the direction of travel to reach
the nearest exit is not immediately apparent.
Division 6. Features of Fire Protection
A manual fire alarm box should be provided in the natural path
of escape from fire, located near each exit and is easily accessible. An
evacuation alarm must operate throughout the building.
Fire extinguishers for protecting Class A hazards may be
selected from the following: Water type, Multipurpose dry chemical
type, wet chemical type.
Division 18. Operating Facilities
SECTION 10.2.18.1 GENERAL
A. Fire Exit Drills
1. Fire exit drills conforming to the provisions of this
Division shall be regularly conducted in schools and in other
occupancies where specified by the provisions of Divisions 8
through 17 of this Chapter, or by appropriate action of the
City/Municipal Fire Marshal having jurisdiction over the area.
The Chief, BFP or his duly authorized representative shall
exercise discretion for the necessary modifications in detail of

procedures to make the drills more effective for their intended
purposes.
2. Fire exit drills, where required, shall be held with
sufficient frequency to familiarize all occupants with the drill
procedure and to have the conduct of the drill a matter of
established routine.
3. Drills shall be held at unexpected times and under
varying conditions to simulate the unusual conditions obtaining
in case of fire.
4. Planning and conduct of drills shall be the
responsibility of the management and/or owners of business
establishments. Such planning and drill shall be made in
consultation and coordination with the City/Municipal Fire
Marshal having jurisdiction.
5. In the conduct of drills, emphasis shall be placed upon
orderly evacuation under proper discipline rather than upon
speed. As such, no running or horse play shall be permitted.
6. Drills shall include suitable procedures to make sure
that all persons in the building, or all persons subject to the drill,
actually participate.
7. Fire alarm facilities, where available, shall be used in
the conduct of fire exit drills.

B. Furnishing and Decorations
1. No furnishing, decorations, or other objects shall be so
placed as to obstruct exits, access thereto, egress therefrom, or
visibility thereof.
2. Furnishing or decorations shall be treated with flame
retardant where required by the applicable provisions of the Fire
Code and this IRR.
3. No furnishing or decorations of an explosive or highly
flammable character shall be used in any place of assembly or
other occupancy.
C. Automatic Fire Suppression System
All automatic fire suppression systems required by this
Chapter shall be continuously maintained in reliable operational
condition at all times and such periodic inspections and tests
shall be made to assure proper maintenance.
D. Alarm and Fire Detection Systems
1. Systems shall be under the supervision of qualified and
competent persons, who shall cause proper tests to be made at
specified intervals and have general charge of all alternations
and additions.
2. Systems shall be tested at intervals as recommended
by the City/Municipal Fire Marshal having jurisdiction.

3. Fire alarm signaling equipment shall be restored to
service as promptly as possible after each test or alarm and shall
be kept in normal conditions ready for operation. Equipment
requiring rewinding or replenishing shall be rewound or
replenished as promptly as possible after test or alarm.
E. Fire Retardant Paints
Fire retardant paints or solutions shall be reapplied at
such intervals as necessary to maintain the necessary flame
retardant properties.
F. Recognition of Means of Egress
Hangings or draperies shall not be placed over exit doors
or otherwise located as to conceal or obscure any exit. Mirrors
shall not be placed on exit doors nor in or adjacent to any exit in
such a manner as to confuse the direction of exit.
G. Preventive Maintenance Record
Preventive maintenance records shall be prepared and
submitted to the City/Municipal Fire Marshal every after
inspection and test.

SECTION 10.2.18.2 PLACES OF ASSEMBLY
A. Drills
The employees or attendants of places or public assembly shall
be trained and drilled in the duties they are to perform in case of fire,
panic, or other related emergencies in order to be of greatest service
in effecting the orderly exit of occupants.
B. Opens Flame Devices
No open flame lighting devices shall be used in any place of
assembly.
Exception No. I: Where necessary for ceremonial or religious
purposes, the City/Municipal Fire Marshal having jurisdiction may
permit open flame lighting under such restrictions as are necessary
to avoid danger of ignition of combustible materials or injury to
occupants.
Exception No. 2: Open the flame devices may be used on stages
where a necessary part of theatrical performances provided that
adequate precautions, satisfactory to the City/Municipal Fire
Marshal having jurisdiction, are taken to prevent ignition of any
combustible materials.
Exception No. 3: Gas lights may be permitted provided that adequate
precautions satisfactory to the City/Municipal Fire Marshal having
jurisdiction are taken to prevent ignition or any combustible
materials.
D. Smoking
1. Smoking in places of assembly shall be regulated by the
City/Municipal Fire Marshal having jurisdiction.
2. In rooms or areas where smoking is prohibited, plainly visible
"NO SMOKING" signs shall be posted.
3. No person shall smoke in prohibited areas.
4. Where smoking is permitted, suitable ash trays or receptacles
should be provided in convenient locations.
E. Decorations and Stage Scenery
1. Combustible materials shall be treated with an effective flame
retardant material. Stage settings made of combustible materials
shall likewise be treated with flame retardant materials.
2. Only noncombustible materials or fire retardant pressure
treated wood may be used for stage scenery or props, on the
audience side of the proscenium arch.
3. The City/Municipal Fire Marshal having jurisdiction over the
area shall impose controls on the volume and arrangement of
combustible contents (including decorations) in places of
assembly to provide adequate level of safety to life from fire.

F. Seating
1. Seats in assembly occupancies accommodating more than two
hundred (200) persons shall be securely fastened to the floor
except together in groups of not less than three (3) or more than
seven (7) and as permitted by the next paragraph. All seats in
balconies and galleries shall be securely fastened to the floor,
except in places of worship.
2. Seats not secured to the floor may be permitted in restaurants,
night clubs, and other occupancies where the fastening of seats
to the floor may be impractical; Provided, that in the area used
for seating (excluding dance floors, stage, etc.), there shall be not
more than one (1) seat for each one and four-tenths square meters
(1.4 m2) of net floor area and adequate aisles to reach exits shall
be maintained at all times.
SECTION 10.2.18.3 EDUCATIONAL OCCUPANCIES
A. Drills
1. Fire exit drills shall be conducted regularly in accordance with
the applicable provisions of the following paragraphs.
2. There shall be at least four (4) exit drills a year in consultation
and coordination with the City/Municipal Fire Marshal having
jurisdiction over the area.

3. Drills shall be conducted during class hours; during the
changing of classes; when the school is at assembly; during the
recess or gymnastic periods; etc., so as to avoid distinction
between drills and actual fires. If a drill is called when pupils are
going up and down the stairways, as during the time classes are
changing, the pupils shall be instructed to form in line and
immediately proceed to the nearest available exit in an orderly
manner.
4. Every fire exit drill shall be an exercise by the school
management. Teachers shall have a complete control of the
class. Great stress shall be laid upon the execution of each drill
in a brisk, quiet, and orderly manner. Running shall be
prohibited. In case there are pupils incapable of holding their
places in a line moving at a reasonable speed, provisions shall be
made to have them taken care of by the more sturdy pupils,
moving independently of the regular line of march.
5. BFP personnel shall be appointed to assist in the proper
execution of all drills. The searching of toilets and other rooms
shall be the duty of the teachers or other members of the staff.
6. As drills simulate an actual fire condition, pupils shall not be
allowed to obtain anything after the alarm is sounded, even when
in classrooms, which would contribute to the confusion.

7. Each class or group shall proceed to a primary predetermined
point outside the building and remain there while a check is
made to make sure that all are accounted for, leaving only when
a recall signal is given to return to their classrooms, or when
dismissed. Such points shall be sufficiently far away from the
building and from each other as to avoid danger from any fire in
the building, interference with fire department operations, or
confusion between different classes or groups. An alternate
assembly point shall be planned for and used during other drills
to ensure safety of the children if and when the primary assembly
point cannot be used by any reason.
8. Where necessary for drill lines to cross roadways, signs
reading "STOP! SCHOOL FIRE DRILL" or equivalent shall be
carried by assigned personnel to the traffic intersecting points in
order to stop the flow traffic during the period of the drill.
B. Signals
1. All fire exit drill alarms shall be sounded on the fire alarm
system and not on the signal system used to dismiss classes.
2. Whenever any of the school authorities determine an actual
fire exists, they shall immediately call the nearest fire station. At
the same time, they shall try to extinguish the fire as
circumstances permit.
3. In order to ensure that pupils will not return to a burning
building, the recall signal shall be one that is separate and distinct
from and cannot be mistaken for any other signals.
C. Child Day Care Centers
1. Fire prevention inspection shall be conducted monthly by a
trained senior member of the staff. A copy of the latest inspection
form shall be posted in a conspicuous place in the day care
facility.
2. An approved fire evacuation plan shall be implemented at
least once every two (2) months.
3. Furnishing and decorations in child day care centers shall be
in accordance with the provisions of Section 10.2.18.1 of this
IRR.
4. Waste baskets and other waste containers shall be made of
non-combustible materials and provided with close fitting
covers.
5. Child-prepared artwork and teaching materials may be
attached directly to the walls but shall not exceed twenty (20%)
percent of the wall area.

SECTION 10.2.18.4 HEALTH CARE OCCUPANCIES
A. Evacuation Plan and Fire Exit Drills
1. The administration of every hospital, nursing home and
residential custodial care institution shall have an approved
evacuation plan for the guidance of all persons in the event of
fire. Copies of such plans shall be made available to all
supervisors and personnel. All employees shall be instructed and
kept informed of their detailed duties under the plan. A copy of
the plan shall be readily available at all times, in the telephone
operator’s position, or at the security center.
2. Every bed intended for use by institutional occupants shall be
easily movable under conditions of evacuation and shall be
equipped with the type and size of casters to allow easy mobility,
especially over elements of the structure such as expansion
plates and elevator thresholds. The City/Municipal Fire Marshal
having jurisdiction may make exceptions in the equipping of
beds intended for use in areas limited to patients such as
convalescent, self-care or psychiatric patients.
3. Fire exit drills in hospitals shall include the transmission of a
fire alarm signal and simulation of emergency fire conditions
except that the movement of infirm or bed-ridden patients to safe
areas or to the exterior or the building is not required. Drills shall
be conducted quarterly on each shift to familiarize hospital

personnel (nurses, interns, maintenance personnel and
administrative staff) with signals and emergency action required
under varied conditions.
6.2.1.3 B.P 344
This is the act to enhance the mobility of disabled persons by requiring
certain buildings, institutions, establishments and public utilities to install
facilities and other devices.
6.2.1.3.1 MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCESSIBILITY
(OUTSIDE)
SEC. 1. Dropped Curbs
1.1 Changes in level walkways should be by a dropped curb
1.2 Dropped curbs should be provided at pedestrian crossings
and at the end of walkways of a private street or access road.
1.3 Dropped curbs at crossings have a width corresponding to
the width of the crossing; otherwise, the minimum width is 0.90
m.
1.4 Dropped curbs shall be ramped towards adjoining curbs with
a gradient not more than 1:12.
1.5 Dropped curbs shall be sloped towards the road with a
maximum cross gradient of 1:20 to prevent water from collecting
at the walkway.
SEC. 2. Curb Cut-outs
2.1 The minimum width of a curb cut-out should be 0.90 M.
2.2 Curb cut-outs should have a gradient not more than 1:12.
SEC. 3. Walkways and Passageways
3.1 Walkways should be kept as level as possible and provided
with slip-resistant material
3.2 Whenever and wherever possible, walkways should have a
gradient no more than 1:20 or 5%.
3.3 Walkways should have a minimum width of 1.20 meters.
3.4 To guide the blind, walkways should as much as possible
follow straightforward routes with right angle turns.
3.5 Where planting is provided adjacent to the walkway, regular
maintenance is essential to ensure branches of trees or shrubs do
not overhang walkways or paths, as not only do these present a
particular danger to the blind, but they also reduce the effective
footways width available to pedestrians generally.
3.6 Walkway headroom should not be less than 2.0 m and
preferably higher.
3.7 Passageways for the disabled should not be obstructed by
street furniture, bollards, sign posts or columns along the defined
route, as they can be hazardous.

SEC. 4. Handrails
4.1 Handrails shall be installed at 0.90 m and 0.70 m above steps
or ramps. Handrails for protection at great heights may be
installed at 1.0 m to 1.06 m
4.2 A 0.30 m long extension of the handrail should be provided
at the start and end of ramps and stairs.
4.3 Handrails attached to walls should have a clearance no less
than 50 mm from the wall. Handrails on ledges should have a
clearance not less than 40 mm.
SEC. 5. Open Spaces
5.1. Handrails attached to walls should have a clearance no less
than 50
mm from the wall. Handrails on ledges should have a clearance
not less than 40 mm.
SEC. 6. Signage
6.1 Should a sign protrude into a walkway or route, a minimum
headroom of 2.0 meters should be provided;
6.2 Signs on walls and doors should be located at a maximum
height of 1.60 M. and a minimum height of 1.40 meters.

SEC. 7. Crossings
7.1 In order to reduce the exposure time to vehicular traffic, all
at grade crossing should
7.1.1 Be as near perpendicular to the carriageway as
possible.
7.1.2 Be located at the narrowest, most convenient part
of the carriageway.
(PARKING)
SEC. 1. Parking Areas
1.1 Parking spaces for the disabled should allow enough space
for a person to transfer to a wheelchair from a vehicle;
1.2 Accessible parking spaces should be located as close as
possible to building entrances or to accessible entrances;
1.3 Accessible parking slots should have a minimum width of
3.70 m
(INSIDE)
SEC. 1. Entrances
1.1 Entrances with vestibules shall be provided a level area with
at least a 1.80 m. depth and a 1.50 m. width

SEC. 2. Ramps
2.1 The maximum gradient shall be 1:12;
2.2 A level area not less than 1.80 m. should be provided at the
top and bottom of any ramp;
2.3 Handrails will be provided on both sides of the ramp at 0.70
m. and 0.90 m. from the ramp level.
SEC. 3. Doors
3.1 Doorknobs and other hardware should be located between
0.82 m. and 1.06 m. above the floor; 0.90 is preferred.
SEC. 5. Switches
5.1 Manual switches shall be positioned within 1.20 m to 1.30 m
above the floor.
SEC. 7. Corridors
7.1 Corridors shall have minimum clear width of 1.20 m.;
waiting areas and other facilities or spaces shall not obstruct the
minimum clearance requirement;

7.2 As in walkways, corridors should be maintained level and
provided with a slip resistant surface.
SEC. 8. Washrooms & Toilets
8.1 Accessible water closet stalls shall have a minimum area of
1.70 x 1.80 meters. One movable grab bar and one fixed to the
adjacent wall shall be installed at the accessible water closet stall
for lateral mounting; fixed grab bars on both sides of the wall
shall be installed for stalls for frontal mounting; 8.2 A turning
space of 2.25 sq.m. with a minimum dimension of 1.50 m. for
wheelchair shall be provided for water closet stalls for lateral
mounting
8.3 The maximum height of water closets should be 0.45 m.;
flush control should have a maximum height of 1.20 mts.
8.4 Maximum height of lavatories should be 0.80 m. with a knee
recess of 0.60 - 0.70 M. vertical clearance and a 0.50 m. depth.
8.5 Urinals should have an elongated lip or through type; the
maximum height of the lip should be 0.48 m.
SEC. 9. Stairs
9.1 Tread surfaces should be a slip-resistant material; nosings
may be provided with slip-resistant strips to further minimize
slipping:
9.2 Slanted nosings are preferred to projecting nosings so as not
to pose difficulty for people using crutches or braces whose feet
have a tendency to get caught in the recessed space or projecting
nosings. For the same reason, open stringers should be avoided.
SEC. 10. Elevators
10.1 Accessible elevators should be located not more than 30.00
m. from the entrance and should be easy to locate with the aid of
signs;
10.2 Accessible elevators shall have a minimum dimension of
1.10 m. x 1.40 m.
6.2.1.4 ORDINANCE NO. 8119
This is the City Ordinance adopting the Manila Comprehensive Land
Use Plan and Zoning Regulations of 2006 and providing for the administration,
enforcement and amendment thereto.
6.2.1.4.1 ARTICLE IV: ZONE CLASSIFICATION
SEC. 7. Division into Zones or Districts.
To effectively carry out the provisions of this Ordinance, the
City of Manila is hereby divided into the following zones or districts as
shown in the Official Zoning Maps. The site of TAGPUAN Community
Center is classified under the following type of zoning:

C. Institutional Zone: General Institutional Zone (INS-G)
E. Public Open Space Zones:
General Public Open Space Zone (POS-GEN)
Parks and Plazas (POS-PP)
Playground and Sports Field/Recreation Zone (POS-PSR)
6.2.1.4.2 ARTICLE V: ZONE REGULATIONS
SEC. 11. General Provision
Specific uses/activities of lesser density within a particular zone
(C2/MXD) may be allowed within the zone of higher density (C-
3/MXD) but not vice versa, nor in another zone and its subdivisions (e.g.
I-1,I-2), except for uses expressly allowed in said zones, such that the
cumulative effect of zoning shall be intra-zonal and not inter-zonal.
SEC. 16. Use Regulations in General Institutional Zone (INS-G).
An INS-G Zone is primarily used for government, religious,
cultural, educational, medical, civic, residential and supporting
commercial and service uses. Enumerated below are the allowable uses:
1. Parks, gardens, playgrounds, sports-related/recreational
center/establishments
2. Government center to house national, regional or local offices in the
area
3. Pre-school/elementary school, high school, vocational and technical
schools and other institutions of higher learning
4. Medical centers, multi-purpose clinics
5. Cultural and academic centers
6. Convention centers and related facilities
7. Library, exhibit area, art gallery
8. Accessory Uses:
a. office/school support service
b. multi-purpose hall/room
c. sports/recreation facility
d. day care center/health facility (center/clinic)
The following is the Land Use Intensity Control ratings that shall be
observed in the INSG Zone:
LAND USE Maximum PLO Maximum FAR
General Institutional 0.6 4
PLO – Percentage of Land Occupancy
FAR – Floor Area Ratio
SEC. 18. Use Regulations in General Public Open Space Zone (POS-
GEN).
A POS-GEN Zone shall be used for

a. Parks and Plazas – where the use is primarily for
diversion/amusements and for the maintenance of ecological
balance of the community. No vertical structures are allowed in this
zone except for structures that are integral to park and plaza.
Enumerated below are the allowable uses:
1. Parks/gardens, parklets and pocket parks, parkways and
promenades
2. Clubhouse/Multi-purpose hall/room
3. Accessory uses:
 Security station
 Health facilities/clinic/day care centers
 Branch library, exhibit area, art gallery
b. Playground and Sports Field/Recreation Zone (POS-PSR).– where
the use is primarily for outdoor active and passive recreation.
Enumerated below are the allowable uses:
1. Resort areas e.g. swimming pool, including accessory uses
2. Open air or outdoor sports activities
3. Playground and playlots
4. General recreational parks
5. Accessory Uses:
 security station
 multi-purpose hall/room
 health facilities/clinic/day care center

 branch library, exhibit area, art gallery
The following is the Land Use Intensity Control ratings that shall
be observed in the POS-GEN Zone:
LAND USE Maximum PLO Maximum BHL
GENERAL PUBLIC OPEN SPACE
Parks & Plazas (POS-
PP)
Playgrounds & Sports 0.25 10 Mts
Field/Recreation
(POS-PSR)
PLO – Percentage Land Occupancy
BGL – Building Height Limit
6.2.1.4.3 ARTICLE VI: GENERAL LAND USE INTENSITY CONTROL
SEC. 26. Development Density
The permitted density shall be based on the zones’ capacity to
support development.
B. All Other Zones
There is no fixed maximum density but should be based in the
planned absolute level of density that is intended for each concerned
zone based on the comprehensive land use plan.

SEC. 27. Height Regulations
Building height must conform to the height restrictions
and requirements of the Air Transportation Office (ATO), as
well as the requirements of the National Building Code, the
Structural Code, as well as all laws, ordinances, design
standards, rules and regulations related to land development and
building construction and the various safety codes.
A. Public Open Space Zone
In Public Open Space Zone, no building or structure shall
be higher than ten (10) meters above the highest natural grade
line and provided it conforms with the zone’s prescribed LUIC.
6.3 OUTPUT OF INTERVIEWS
In order for the researcher to gain a deeper understanding and supplementary
knowledge needed for understanding the living conditions, values and needs of
communities from the marginalized sector, the researcher organized interviews with
professionals who have first-hand experience of working with or meeting members of
these communities.
6.3.1 INTERVIEW WITH GAWAD KALINGA, INC.
Gawad Kalinga is a non-profit organization focused on helping the poor by
providing housing and opportunities to build stronger communities and sustainable
futures. The scope and nature of the jobs of those working in Gawad Kalinga are hands-
on when immersing and working with poor communities, making their experience and
familiarity important data to be used for the research and design of the community
center.
6.3.1.1 DREY BANDEJO – HEAD OF COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Gawad Kalinga Inc. is a non-profit, volunteer-based organization and
focuses on two aspects: Building Communities and Movement Building.
Building Communities is GK’s way of restoring the human dignity of the poor.
This is done mainly by building communities by providing housing and other
facilities for the poor. Movement Building, on the other hand, is about teaching
the community and its partners about caring and sharing, and to create an impact
in society.
The figure above shows how GK works in building the movement.
Through their mission partners, dubbed as “Bayani Builders,” GK allows

avenues for humanitarian projects by partnering with their organization. Like
gears, the involvement of each, are active through the participation of one, or
through one and acts as one.
In Gawad Kalinga, they believe that poverty is a behavioral problem
with economic consequences, resulting in less job opportunities for people,
especially from poor communities. Examples of the behavioral problems
include how people see the poor act as lazy and dependent while the poor see
themselves as hopeless individuals. This belief system or mindset can be dubbed
as “Slum Mentality” and in effect, less effort and hardwork is given to help
improve their current state of living, keeping the poor sector stuck in that state
of living for generations. GK aims to shift these belief systems in order to
achieve a better life for the poor.

Gawad Kalinga acts as the intervention to help the poor become nation-
builders. (shown in table above) One of the most important programs of the
Gawad Kalinga Inc. is the Values Formation Seminar. Before communities are
built, the benefactors of the GK Projects (poor families) have to undergo this
specific seminar. This is GK’s way of guiding communities to the proper path
and keeping their values in check as a way of helping change their mindset and
to personally build a strong sense of community themselves, achieving a
peaceful and orderly community. GK occasionally gives various Values
Formation Seminars for their communities even after their projects are built and
successful to maintain and guide the communities.
Some of the obstacles that the poor sector experience besides the slum
mentality are the lack of basic needs like food and water, lack of opportunities
to uplift their economic conditions, and the disastrous effects of typhoons.
These obstacles keep the poor from having a better life. GK’s strategies in
tackling these obstacles are by enabling access to land, food, education and the
likes through their Mission Partners.
As GK wants to build a self-reliant and sustainable community, the
benefactors do not receive these benefits for free. Through a thorough screening
of families of applicants and through seminars, GK determines and gives
priority first to the poorest of the poor; those most in need.
After all the processes, the most daunting task is to help build the
community they will become a part of. In Gawad Kalinga, they call this the
Sweat Equity. Sweat Equity is the number of hours a benefactor must meet in
helping build the community. The type of work varies but mostly focuses on
actually building the homes, instilling a sense of community or bayanihan in
the people. The number of hours they have to put may vary, some are at 200
hours, some at 500 and can reach up to 2000. Benefactors need to complete
these hours before they are granted with their newly-built homes.
In GK, they believe that one important way of instilling values is by
encouraging the fathers of the families to be the one to work. They believe that
the father figure of being the provider of the family must be taken care of in
order for his children to look up to him, therefore creating a stronger bond in
the family and inspiring the children to work hard as their father did.
Through other various programs, GK aims to end poverty for 5 million
families by 2024. One of these programs include the livelihood programs
operated by someone outside GK, GK itself, and through social entrepreneurs.
GK also has the Enchanted FARM, SEED University and a feeding program.
One of their current interests is building central kitchens throughout the city to
prepare the food donations, as an economic advantage.
In terms of Barangay BASECO, GK has existed in the community for
more than 10 years. The biggest problem they face is the chaotic neighborhood
which taint the values of those from their community. BASECO has become
one of the least tapped communities of GK at present and they aim to reconnect
with the members and provide Values Formation Seminars and livelihood
programs for the community.

6.3.1.2 JANICE REINOSO – PARTNERSHIPS HEAD
For Partners in projects, Gawad Kalinga sends out invitations for
partnerships for certain projects to their common partners and invitations for
new partners. In their invitations, they list down their projects and their costs
which partners can choose to donate for.
Gawad Kalinga has two (2) types of partners; Local and Global. Local
partners are social entrepreneurs and business owners while Global Partners are
mainly done through donors and fund-raising through various offices located in
international settings. Most of Gawad Kalinga’s partners are from corporations,
grants, donors and even the government.
Gawad Kalinga allots a specific amount of funding for their standard
projects such as Php 155,000.00 per unit of housing and Php 650,000.00 – Php
800,000.00 for every multi-purpose hall or community center. The funding for
their projects are not limited to their allotment. When partners state their intent,
funding for projects may be bigger or lower based on the request and donation
of the partners for a specific project. In such cases, designs of such structures
are not necessarily limited to the standard designs provided by GK.
6.3.1.3 ENGR. DANIEL MORITCHO – GK ENGINEER
Gawad Kalinga Inc. projects have standardized designs, although
implementation isn’t so strict. One example of this is the colorful paint used for
the exterior of their housing projects. Painting of the said projects vary
according to the need. Not all GK Houses look exactly the same in terms of
color.
Land used for projects are donated by the government. Gawad Kalinga
only provides funding for materials. For labor, they focus on the sweat equity.
There are certain cases when corporate partners require projects to be finished
as soon as possible, so they seek for help in terms of labor and construction. The
benefactors’ sweat equity hours are then used as volunteers in the community,
doing various work before the house is granted to them. Such work can be
helping the barangay hall, cleaning up, or any available positions available for
them. A training center in Paras made by GK helps train volunteers and
community members for GK Community Building.
Certain cases like disaster response, where the rebuilding of
communities must be done at the soonest time possible. Some of these cases
include the disaster response for Typhoon Sendong and Typhoon Yolanda
victims.
The present standardized design for community centers of GK are at 60
square meters. It has an open plan to allow various types of activities to be held
in the community center, especially with livelihood training where spaces can
be transformed to accommodate the equipment and activities needed. GK aims

to redesign these community centers to become more flexible, extendable, and
sustainable. Since GK updates their standards from time to time, GK is flexible
with having changes to their designs as long as they fit the present needs and
trends. These community centers are important landmarks in communities as
they are built together by the members and it is a place where they are assembled
for various seminars, workshops and occasions. Some of the other corporate
partners of GK are Manila Penn and Citibank.
6.3.2 INTERVIEW WITH BASECO COMPOUND BARANGAY ADMIN
BASECO Compound is a community better than its roots. After a great
fire, through the efforts of GK and HABITAT for Humanities, BASECO was
rebuilt. The LGU is proud to have institutional facilities like public schools with
successful students and combined efforts with GK, HABITAT, PNP and DSWD
in maintaining the order of the community.
The Barangay Hall that acts as a community center, as well as its civic
center, isn’t easily accessible as it lies at the border of the community. The Local
Government Unit is willing to move their offices and center to a more accessible
location. They are willing to work to improve their facilities and services for the
community.
One of the main focuses of the LGU is to provide job opportunities for
their people. One way of doing so is by providing venues and programs that
allow livelihood training that can prepare the community become more
competent nation-builders and earn better. This is one solution they find to solve
poverty since although they have public schools, opportunities are still thin even
for highschool graduates. They want to improve the local economy and living
situations by giving the people a boost to help them get jobs or earnings. The
site was given by the LGU as an effective location to serve the purpose of the
community center.
Although the local government has provided basic facilities like usable
community halls, day care centers, basketball courts, a market and a health
center, the current facilities cannot accommodate the large density of population
they govern. The Barangay Admin acknowledges the changes in the demand of
the people according to the trends of society, in terms of facilities. There are
times when the demand is for livelihood programs and there are times when the
demand is for jobs, food, etc. The local government tries to address these
problem by providing spaces with changing uses, in order to meet with the needs
and demands of the community.
6.3.3 INTERVIEW WITH P02 DANIEL MIRAM
According to the police officer assigned to BASECO Police Community
Precinct, all police matters they handle is mainly to quickly respond to the
matters of the community. BASECO Compound is a very violent and dangerous
barangay, filled with various problems like gambling, fights, theft and family
problems. There are also cases of extreme violence such as stabbing and rare
cases of gunshots.
The police have checkpoints and patrol the area frequently. Since
BASECO doesn’t have proper roads, they only have 1 vehicle and a motorcycle
or bicycle that patrols the area. All cases that need to be dealt with police matters
are blottered in the police station and the person held as a suspect in crime is
brought to the main police station in Ermita (Station 5).
Presently, the local police station have very basic facilities, simply an
office and restrooms. In extreme cases that suspects are held in the station for
more than 2 hours, there in no proper detaining facility. There are only a few
small checkpoints within BASECO Compound and currently none in the
proposed site of the project. Given that it becomes the center of the community,
the police station may or may not move to the new site but can include another
satellite police station that can be more accessible for quicker responses to
problems within and around the site.
6.4 OUTPUT OF DATA COLLECTION
6.4.1 COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLAN OF MANILA
The CLUPZO of the Manila Government is used as a basis for macro
site studies. The data and information provided by the CLUPZO are mostly used
in the study of the macro and micro setting of the project site. Physical, Social
and other aspects like studies on transportation and activities of human and
traffic are vital information presented in Chapter IV of this research. It also
shows data on the population especially of the marginalized sector and its
demographics.
Another important use of the CLUPZO is by carefully studying the
Zoning and Ordinances that the project needs to comply to as following the
development plans of the city. These data are used in studies in Chapter V of
this research.
6.4.2 LAWS & DESIGN STANDARDS
The laws and design standards are data needed in the design
development of the proposed project. Strict compliance to these laws, along
with the zoning ordinances of Manila City must be carefully studied and
followed.
6.4.3 DOCUMENTARY: THE SLUMS
Al Jazeera, along with Paul Roy, created a series of documentary films
tackling the problems and living conditions of the slum areas in Manila, more
specifically those in Tondo and in BASECO Compound. The main subject of
the films was to show the conditions in the slum areas by focusing on the lives
of certain members in the communities. These individuals include a fisherman,
a lady who runs a diner and volunteers in family-planning programs of the
community, a midwife, a tactician, mechanic, a student, a garbage man, operator
of a charcoal-making pit, and many more, The documentary gave a deep insight
on how these people from the marginalized sector cope with their problems and
lives in general.
The documentary was able to show different living conditions; those
who live on houses with stilts who get affected by storm surges, those who live
underneath bridges but above the dirty waters of esteros or rivers, and those who
are fortunate enough to be benefactors of housing programs of the government

or organizations. Insight on their jobs and views are given, as well as how the
economy badly effects their lives.
Several problems are also stated in the series of documentaries shown.
Some are as follows;
1. Lack of food source or income to buy food
2. No livelihood opportunities
3. Rapid growth in population
4. Violence
5. Health: food, pollution, lack of clinics, poor sanitation
6. No permanent jobs
7. Hazardous to natural disasters and fires
8. Problems with clearing and relocation
9. Lack of trust in the government
The documentary served as a source of better understanding the living
conditions of the poor and to be able to list down problems that can be solved
by the proposed community center.
6.5 OUTPUT OF OBSERVATION
6.5.1 SMOKEY MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY

The Smokey Mountain in Tondo, Manila is no longer the slum area it
used to be. The mountain of garbage has been covered entirely by various plants
and the foul stench one may expect to smell upon visiting the site is surprisingly
absent. The area was filled with activity, so much people were walking on the
streets, children playing, elders doing their business, and so much other
activities that make the community seem so lively. A clueless visitor would
probably never have known the area was once a dumpsite filled with informal
settlers and garbage. The mid-rise housing projects stood out. The Barangay
Hall which greets visitors at the entry of the community was ideally a great
location. DSWD and DENR had their own satellite offices, showing how well
the government took care of the place and rehabilitated it. Through various
efforts and involvement from the government and organizations it is possible to
build a community that uplifted its living conditions and economic conditions.
Some of the facilities available in the Smokey Mountain community are
basketball courts, multi-purpose halls and a public market.

6.5.2 BASECO COMPOUND COMMUNITY

On certain parts of the compound, housing projects have changed the
face of the community. Unfortunately, BASECO remains to be a highly-
congested area still filled with informal settlers. There are markets, a court,
places of worship. The most important character of BASECO is the area filled
with houses on stilts. This shows how much people still live in poverty, as
BASECO has been a squatters’ area for decades. The area is not easily
accessible as it is of reclaimed land over the sea and no main modes of
transportation are directed towards or outwards from it. There are only a few
formal roads in Baseco, the rest are unfinished or are informal roads.
The community of Baseco is lively. Activities happen throughout the
area, unlike in privatized communities. Children are seen playing, the elderly
relaxing outside of their homes and many adults are observed to be on the go,
busy with work or errands. BASECO is a busy area despite its polluted and dirty
areas. The image below is the existing open space that will be developed as a
part of the site of the proposed community center:

6.5.3 CASE STUDIES
6.5.3.1 GAWAD KALINGA ENCHANTED FARM
Besides being an agricultural piece of land, housing and
university, GK Enchanted Farm stands out as a community. The image
above shows their famous community center, the Hyundai Hall, where
big community events are held. GK Enchanted Farm is a community but
also has scholars who all work and train for social entrepreneurship,
agriculture and other livelihood training. The community is very
welcoming as they always have guests visiting from field trips to
scholars to exchange students from other countries like France.

The entire community have specific tasks and shared areas like
community farms and have various activities daily, most importantly the
assembly every Mondays. This case study is a great example of the
concept of bayanihan and nation-builders.
Some livelihood and local economies present are the Bayani
Brew and the stuffed toys which are products made in the farm by the
community and are shipped in stores across the country.

6.5.3.2 BARANGAY HALL – BASECO COMPOUND
The Barangay Office of Baseco stands out in color and size in the community.
Despite its size, it lacks sufficient office space inside. The office entry is uninviting and
dark and once reached the 2nd Floor where the actual office is, the spaces for circulation
are narrow and are filled with clutter. Being on the second story, the office is not
accessible for the disabled as it lacks PWD Facilities. The Barangay Hall considers this
to be there community center even if first and foremost, it is not easily accessible in
terms of proximity to a great area of BASECO, and it is also uninviting because it is
dark and has poor circulation spaces for the general public to use. Getting to the
community center is difficult as it is not strategically placed at the boundary of the area,
along the shores of BASECO, facing the shipment yards.

CHAPTER VII: SPACE PROGRAMMING AND ANALYSIS
7.1 LIST OF SPATIAL REQUIREMENTS
7.1.1 EDUCATIONAL
Educational facilities are focused on teaching the youth. In the case that
classrooms are needed or that there are alternative or special classes prepared
for the community, the center provides spaces available to use for such purpose.
Teachers from the Department of Education as well as volunteers make use of
these spaces, except for the Satellite Library, which is accessible to all members
of the community.
 Day-care (Nursury and Day-Care)
 Satellite Library
 Toilets
7.1.2 HEALTH
Health facilities are basically satellite clinics for the community due to
the lack of clinics and proximity to hospitals. The center features three types of
clinics; a general clinic for check-ups, a maternity clinic for maternity cases,
and a 24/7 emergency response clinic that will be the first response to
emergency cases within the community.
 Outpatient Consultation Rooms
 Emergency Response Operating Room
 Emergency Ward
 Nurse Station
 Waiting area
The local government provides spaces to be rented by members of the
community to be used for community gatherings, workshops and other events..
Gawad Kalinga’s Community Development programs vary under their Values
Formation Seminars and other seminars and activities they prepare for the
community.
 GK Community Branch Office
 Waiting Area
 Reception
 Community Gathering Halls
 Community Gallery
7.1.4 LIVELIHOOD DEPARTMENT
Gawad Kalinga, along with TESDA, prepare several livelihood
programs and training for communities. The main focus for the
TAGPUAN Community Center for livelihood is for Urban Agriculture
through community farms. Spaces for training or classrooms are readily
made available and are flexible for the varying needs of different types
of classes or livelihood work needed and prepared for and by the
community itself.
 Modular Livelihood Classroom Units
 Community Farming Units (Aquaponic Farms)

 Storage Rooms
7.1.5 LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNIT
The government, more specifically the LGU play an important role in
community building as leaders. Their involvement in the community center
allows a venue for the public and the government to meet in a shared space.
7.1.5.1 BARANGAY OFFICE
The local barangay office will transfer to the new community center
and will spearhead in the management of it and its activities, as well as
maintaining peace and order.
 Barangay Admin Office

 Barangay Main Office Spaces
 Reception
 Waiting Area
 Conference Room
 Multipurpose Rooms
 Files and Documentary Storage Room
 Toilets
 Maintenance Room
7.1.5.2 POLICE STATION
A satellite police station will be located along with the LGU Office
as added security to the site and also to make the Police Office more
accessible and proximate to all areas around the community in the case
that emergency responses are required.

 Chief Police Office
 Police Office Spaces
 Toilets
 Storage
 Temporary Detaining Units
7.1.6 COMMUNITY MARKET
Cheap, rentable spaces are provided to help the local economy to grow.
- Market Stalls
7.1.7 TRICYCLE TERMINAL
A terminal for the common mode of transportation in the community
includes the following spaces:
- Driver’s Lounge
- Karinderia
7.1.8 OTHER SPACES
Recreational Facilities and Spaces are made available for the general use
of the members of the community, mainly for physical activities or for leisurely
purposes.
 Playground
 Jogging Path
 Multipurpose Court
 Assembly Halls
7.2 Space Program

7.3 SPACE ADJACENCY MATRIX

7.3.1 EDUCATIONAL
Nursery Day- Kindergarten Day Library Teacher’s Office Parent-Teacher Children’s Toilet
Care Care Lounge
Nursery Day Care
Kindergarten Day
Care
Library
Teacher’s Office
Parent-Teacher
Lounge
Children’s Toilet
7.3.2 HEALTH
Outpatient Clinic Emergency Emergency Ward Waiting Area Nurse Storage

Operating Room Station
Outpatient Clinic
Emergency
Operating Room
Emergency Ward
Waiting Area
Nurse Station
Storage

GK Office Gathering Hall Reception Community Gallery
GK Office
Gathering Hall
Reception
Community Gallery
7.3.4 LIVELIHOOD DEPARTMENT

Classrooms Community Farm Storage
Classrooms
Community Farm
Storage
7.3.5 GOVERNMENT

Admin Main Reception Waiting Conference Multi- Storage Toilets Maintenance
Office Area Room purpose
Rooms
Admin
Main
Office
Reception
Waiting
Area
Conference
Room
Multi-
purpose
Rooms
Storage
Toilets
Maintenance
7.3.5.2 POLICE STATION

Chief Office Office Space Toilets Storage Detaining Units
Chief Office
Office Space
Toilets
Storage
Detaining Units
7.3.6 MARKET
Stall A Stall B
Stall A
Stall B
7.3.7 TRICYCLE TERMINAL

Driver’s Lounge Karinderia
Driver’s Lounge
Karinderia
Legend:
Desirable
Neutral
Undesirable
7.4 BUBBLE DIAGRAM

7.4.1 SOCIAL
7.4.1.1 EDUCATIONAL
7.4.1.2 HEALTH
7.4.1.3 RECREATIONAL
7.4.2 GAWAD KALINGA

7.4.2.1 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
7.4.2.2 LIVELIHOOD DEPARTMENT
7.4.3 GOVERNMENT
7.4.3.2 POLICE OFFICE

CHAPTER VIII: CONCEPTUAL DEVELOPMENT
8.1 PROJECT BRIEF
Civic places used to be a focal point in communities or cities. Communities used
to grow around these focal points because they are so inhabited and self-sustaining with
life and economy. Eventually, Filipinos veered away from public spaces due to different
factors like, heat, safety and health. Nowadays, people often gather in commercial
establishments, most especially shopping malls, rather than in public parks, plazas and
civic buildings like museums and libraries. This invites consumerism. Local economies
and growth opportunities for small businesses are interrupted. People have veered away
from their own public places in their community because of the strong mall culture of
Filipinos.
8.2 PROJECT CONCEPT
“where points meet/meeting point”
At what point do Filipinos exactly meet?
Historically, a famous meeting spot in a Filipino Hispanic community would be
the plaza. It was a place full of activity and life, brining together the members of a
community and visitors for various reasons or events like fiestas or simply a place to
visit during the pastime to spend time with friends or families. The plaza was
strategically placed in the heart of every town, surrounded by civic buildings, religious
institutions and commercial establishments that allowed the area to be a one-stop
destination for people.

In the present day, because of modernization, activities and meeting places
shifted from plazas and parks to commercial establishments, mainly shopping malls.
Plazas remain but are not as visited as they used to be. Malls have become the new
plaza of our country.
The idea is to create and establish a place made for the people; a place where
people can spend their time in without spending money; a place where people can come
to commune and strengthen the bayanihan spirit within a community; a place where
exchange of forum and of learning can help in the development of a community; a place
where people from different parts of a community and from different walks of life can
meet at one point.
8.3 DESIGN PHILOSOPHY
“architecture as an experience”
Architecture becomes truly iconic not just because of the way it looks but also
by the way it works; the way it establishes a connection between the architecture and
the user. When it creates a relationship from the various experiences of the users, that
is when a person through various senses and personal experiences, actually remember
a place, making it iconic, more visited and alive.
8.4 PROJECT OBJECTIVES
- To develop and plan public spaces that will initiate social interaction amongst
the members of the BASECO compound community
- To promote the local economies and markets in BASECO compound that will
make the community a focal point in Tondo, Manila

- To promote and engage civic pride and stewardship through the design of
spaces and places that are made for the people of the community
8.5 DESIGN OBJECTIVES
- plan spaces inside and outside structures that will generate social interaction
among people of the community
- provide spaces and facilities that will can open the community to opportunities
for local economies to be promoted
- to provide a cooperative development of character through an active use of a
community center that is designed for the members of the community
8.6 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
8.6.1 Interconnectivity
Spaces are to be interconnected to help engage the users into social
interaction. The social interaction may either be active through conversation or
passive through familiarity towards neighbors.
8.6.2 Active
The users of the community center are meant to be kept moving in order
to push them towards interacting with one another and keeping the site as lively
and active as a public space.
8.6.3 Accessible
As a public space, there must be no boundaries keeping people from
visiting and using the site, may it be physical or social. The project is to be open
to people from all sides of the site and all areas of the community,
8.6.4 Cross-Ventilation
The cost of energy comes at a high price for big facilities. The project
aims to use as minimal energy as possible by maximizing the natural wind and
sun to provide ventilation and lighting for the project.
8.6.5 Sustainability
The project tackles sustainability in a different manner; by making sure
that through its facilities and cooperation with the community, the building is
kept active at all times. Through an experiential relationship between the
building and its users, the project can become sustainable as it maintains life as
life maintains it.
8.6.6 Zoning
By properly zoning the facilities of the center within the site, businesses
and other structures surrounding the site can easily benefit from the project.
8.6.7 Modular
The demands for facilities can easily increase as a community develops
over time, and the community center must address this growing demand as time
changes. Spaces must be provided to allow for future addition or expansion of
facilities to support a growing community.

8.7 DESIGN STRATEGIES
8.7.1 Interconnecting Spaces
- spaces are interconnecting and as much as possible different facilities
are easily accessible from one space to another
8.7.2 Industrial Style
- The aesthetic of the interiors and exteriors make use of the industrial
style, inspired by the slums’ sticks and stones style of construction; building
houses from whatever material is available, mostly scraps of wood, steel and
bare concrete. By designing something that is familiar with the context of the
site, its users will not feel out of place, encouraging them to actively visit the
center.
8.7.3 Vegetation
- Vegetation is a rare sight in the slums, and pollution is present. Greens
are provided around the site and even on the structure to help give the
community a fresher breathe of air.
8.7.4 Cooperative Management
- In the slums, jobs are temporary and are the only source of income for
the people. The center as it is designed for the use of the community, is to be
run, managed and maintained by the community themselves, giving some
members a source of income as well as strengthening their relationship with the
center, promoting civic pride and stewardship over the place.

8.7.5 Community Farm
- the community center, as it generates life into it must also help sustain
the life that uses it, in a symbiotic relationship with one another. Aquaponic
farm units are provided for the livelihood of the members of the community,
giving them either a source of income, food, or both.
8.7.6 Shipping Containers
- Towers of stacked containers are a common sight in the Port Area of
Manila, especially in BASECO Compound. These modular units are cheap and
can easily be modified for various uses as singular or grouped units. Repurposed
containers will act as modular systems that will address the growing demands
of the community over time for expansion.
8.8 EVOLUTION OF FORM
In form-finding of the building, the design inspiration came from the stick-and-
stone construction from the slums, making use of available materials and incorporating
them into the form of the building.
1. A base is provided
2. Units are elevated for service and utilities
3. Ramps are added for added circulation and accessibility
4. A steel framing is provided for the modular units and to allow sun and wind to easily
penetrate through while still providing shade

5. Modular units are put into the framing

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TAGPUAN Community Center |1

1.1 BACKGROUND AND NATURE OF THE STUDY

individual and social well-being, the places of a community’s collective life,

foundation of their identity.” (United Nations Programme on Human Settlements)

a sense of place and of community.

together by the experience these public places have to offer.

In the Philippines, a strong sense of community is present. Normally, one would

sense of community is nowadays commonly seen and practiced in small, rural

communities in remote areas or provinces of the country. In municipalities and some

important sense of community in the country is shown in fiestas where members of a

community gather in celebration of different occasions. These events are known to be

celebrations are held.

Public places play a key role in the development of a community. Access to

public spaces and basic services is considered to be an essential human right.

community through the life, experience and interaction in such places.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

community in the Philippines for many years, is gradually diminishing, especially in

danger to inhibit and to lurk around those areas.

Ironically, with all the innovations in technology and communications, people

of people-oriented public places and the innovation of technology and communications

with nature and with people.

Civic places used to be a focal point in communities or cities. Government

health. Nowadays, people often gather in commercial establishments, most especially

government offices, groceries, shopping, even to churches, indoor playgrounds, event

their community because of the strong mall culture of Filipinos.

stewardship and a better sense of community.

1.3 PROJECT GOAL AND OBJECTIVES

The primary goal of the proposed Baseco Community Center is to create a

the members of the Baseco Compound community

make the community a focal point in Tondo, Manila

1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROJECT

facing today’s cities—whether it’s poverty, environmental degradation, social

segregation, transportation, or inequality—exists in isolation of the others. A focus on

change and resilience at every scale. (Kent, 2015)

6. Designing public places that provide healthy environments to communities is a

planners, architects, stakeholders, government, and others. There are several

with the community they already live with.

live and strengthens their attachment to it is their perception of aesthetic, social

development is empowered by the social interaction that occurs in public places

1.5 SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

to instill civic pride and stewardship to its users.

The project will focus on becoming more accessible to pedestrians while

studies and numbers.

1.6 DEFINITION OF TERMS

terms and their corresponding definitions will be used.

1.6.1 ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

DPWH Department of Public Works and Highways

DSWD Department of Social Welfare and Development

GDP Gross Domestic Product

LGU Local Government Unit

PUJ Public Utility Jeep

PUV Public Utility Vehicle

UN-HABITAT United Nations Human Settlements Programme

1.6.2 OPERATIONAL DEFINITIONS

Philippine cities. (UP Dictionary)

Of or relating to a city; municipal; of or relating to citizenship; of citizens

community. (Project for Public Spaces)

communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and

motivation to make that difference. It means promoting the quality of life in a

community, through both political and non-political processes. (Ehrlich, 2000)

religious, occupational, or other group sharing common characteristics or interests and

which it exists (Dictionary.com)

Community centers are intended to be identifiable focal points and activity