National Thesis Competition: Entry No. 2019-12

“Kultura Ad Ifugao: Ethnic-Tourism Village Development”


Municipality of Banaue is a renowned tourist destination recognized worldwide. It became renowned for its international achievement being one of the “Eight Wonders of the World”. The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Banaue with the help of a resident owner, Andres Dunuan, Sr., provided an opportunity to develop a village which contains a lots of recreational opportunities and the adaptation of the history of Ifugao. This will be the first-ever ethnic-tourism village being developed by adapting different aspects such as agriculture, ethnic village, eco-recreational, and educational purposes.



The project entitled “Kultura Ad Ifugao: Ethnic-Tourism Village Development” is situated in Barangay Viewpoint, Banaue, Ifugao having an area of approximately 11.68 hectares. This project will serve as one of the tourist destinations of Banaue. The study will be focused on the aesthetic and the functional flexibility of the site integrating all major breakthroughs in agriculture, culture, recreational and vernacular architecture. Since tourism creates a great impact in economic well-being of place which should be a priority on how to be improved and create more plans in terms of tourism situations and its capabilities to increase. 

The researcher looked for several projects which mainly focus in the Province of Ifugao. Ifugao is rich with unique culture and traditions which helps promotes the tourism industry in the said province. The municipality of Banaue is on the first list for the best location for it is the center of tourism in the entire province. 



On the other hand, the Ethnic Village and Pine forest Resort located at Barangay Viewpoint in the municipality of Banaue is the first list because of its originality, viability, rarity, significance and the only village in the entire province which contains the history of Ifugao, preserved Ifugao houses and historical materials, and recreational activities which reflects the culture of Ifugaos. 

The said project is located in a sustainable and eco-friendly as part of the natural features of the environment. Site inspection and observation was taken into great consideration to be familiarized with the site’s condition which takes into consideration its existing site vegetation, orientation, climatic conditions, geographical and geological location, microclimate, and other physical factors. As this proposed project focused on the physical planning of tourism development and cultural aspects, these factors are very viable and must be interpreted well in terms of innovative solutions and analysis to be able to achieve a functional and successful design.

Review of related literature and case studies were focus on the use and function of the project in terms of adaptation and inspired by culture and practices. The case studies discussed the different related functions and operations such as structures, activities, amenities and circulation as well as the architectural solutions applicable for each type of infrastructures and activities such as recreational and educational aspect. Aside from the architectural studies, a thorough investigation and analysis of behavioral and emotional connection of culture in the proposal project.



A good and well-planned design development reflects a sensibly studied, and well-interpreted data gathered to come up with an architectural solution. The nature of the development in view of its function and practical use from past, present and to the next generation users and tourists were considered in attaining a total development and handled with due consideration for a coherent approach on the design of the proposal. Furthermore, ambient feeling and relaxation, good circulation and access, harmony and aesthetically eco-friendly development were also included in terms of consideration to the total attainment of the proposed development.

The whole project was guided with two different philosophies which is ‘Architecture follows Nature’ and ‘Architecture follows Culture’. Architecture follows Nature is an architectural philosophy which reflects the use of nature in terms of systematic and groundwork in architectural design, development and planning. Architecture follows Culture is an architectural philosophy that comes from the idea inspired by culture and tradition of a specific area/community. It is a philosophy that can contribute and aid as basis in architectural design and planning of a certain project. It will also focus mostly in vernacular architecture, as a new trend nowadays, which is characterized by its reliance in needs, availability of construction materials and reflecting local traditions specific to its particular locality. Since the project development is a center of Ifugao’s culture which was accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT), it would be practically wise to accommodate and adapt such design concepts and principles in the design and planning for the project. The proposed development project was adapted from the indigenous house of the Ifugao’s which is the Ifugao native house. The indigenous opportunities and different construction and innovative techniques which were used in constructing the structure will be fully adapted in the design and planning of the project. The form concepts are inspired by the structure, strength, flexibility, and the cultural integrity of the Ifugao native house.



The project was able to come up with an operational and viable Ethnic-Tourism Village. The conclusions in this section are drawn from the results and discussions stated in this study. The development project, ethnic-tourism village, come up with a solution that provided users the ambient feeling of value and beauty of cultural and traditional way of life of Ifugao community. It will also showcase innovative and traditional ideas which has been incorporated in the project which is also includes educational and the preservation of the cultural heritage. The design of the development project will focus mostly in all major breakthroughs in history, norms and traditions of the Ifugao community most especially the original Ifugao Native House. The development project was designed properly in a way that it shall feature different kinds of activities such as recreational, hotel and resort, ethnic village, agricultural, leisure and relaxation for tourists and locals. It will also incorporate an eco-friendly facilities and services; providing an interaction of users to environment and community. Based on the financial and market study, the project can definitely help in the municipal economy by providing additional jobs, business and livelihood opportunities. For the future researchers, additional and continues in-depth and thorough study in the different action and development plan such as the site project, cultural and environmental plans, and the tourism activities and services today and the future plans found in the municipality.

SIGNIFICANCE TO ARCHITECTURE

The research is first-ever ethnic tourism village development which encompasses different criteria and considerations such culture and tradition as the inspiration for the project, educational purposes such as the school of living and tradition, different recreational activities, center for Ifugao type living through the experience of Ifugao native house inspired ethnic villa and lodging. The development will also serve as a model for future development not just for leisure and relaxation but also opens for a new innovative idea in the world of architectural design. This will also be the first ever large-scale project in the Philippines in which it uses pure traditional concept by adapting the unique culture and tradition of Ifugao community.



SIGNIFICANCE TO THE USERS

The research will architecturally respond to the needs, comfort and relaxation to the visitors or tourists who will visit the development site. They will experience a lot such as the ambient feeling of Ifugao type of living, the culture and tradition, different recreational activities such as the natural pools, zipline, trekking and view deck in which you can see the view of Banaue Rice Terraces. The success of this study will greatly affect the users in terms of experiencing new and inspiring activities and relaxation which they can remember for the rest of their lives.



SIGNIFICANCE TO THE SOCIETY

This study shall serve as a starting point on which the province should follow in terms development and improvements; this will help preserve and promote customs and traditions of the province. This shall serve as a great start for future development of Banaue in terms of architectural styles, services while preserving and promoting its unique culture and history; contribute extra revenue and significant return of investment opportunities that may generate additional income. This would also develop eco-tourism villages that will help simulate other villages and establishments in the municipality; provides additional business opportunities and jobs for the community.

SIGNIFICANCE TO ARCHITECTURE STUDENTS AND FUTURE RESEARCHERS

This study was intended to come up for solutions and recommendations to the specified problem raised and can meet the demands of the owner, users, community and tourist. It will also discuss the different types of strategies and solutions on how the development proposal is studied in terms of environmental factors, culture, educational purposes, and recreational strategies. This study will serve as a basis for future related studies and future researchers which is related to the project, the users and the approach used. 

KULTURA AD IFUGAO: ETHNIC-TOURISM VILLAGE DEVELOPMENT 
by: 
KEIMART JAY M. BINLAYAN 
SAINT MARY’S UNIVERSITY
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