Navigating Towards Resilience: A Proposed Fishing Hub for Small-Scale Fishing Community in San Vicente, Palawan
Thesis Proponents: Janin Kathyrine B. Verame & Mon Patrique T. Manaog
Thesis Adviser: Ar. Ludyvilla A. Vista
School: Lyceum of the Philippines University – Cavite
College of Engineering, Computer Studies and Architecture
Year of Defense: 2024 (8th Placer, Best Thesis)
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Introduction
The fishing industry remains one of the primary livelihood sources in many coastal communities in the Philippines. In San Vicente, Palawan, small-scale fishermen depend heavily on marine resources for income and daily living. However, climate change, flooding, rising sea levels, overfishing, and limited economic opportunities continue to threaten the sustainability of fishing livelihoods and local community identity.
As tourism rapidly develops within the municipality, many residents have shifted toward tourism-related jobs, gradually reducing dependence on fishing activities. Although tourism strengthens the local economy, it also creates concerns regarding the preservation of traditional fishing culture and the long-term resilience of fishing communities. Existing fishing facilities and support infrastructures remain insufficient to fully address the operational and environmental needs of local fishermen.
In response, the study proposes a sustainable and climate-responsive Fishing Hub that integrates fishing livelihood activities, tourism-support spaces, and resilient architectural strategies. Through the application of Amphibious Architecture and climate-adaptive planning, the project aims to create a multifunctional coastal infrastructure that promotes disaster resilience, economic sustainability, and cultural preservation.
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Background of the Study
Fishing communities in the Philippines contribute significantly to local food production and economic activity. In San Vicente, Palawan, fishing remains an important cultural and economic practice. However, environmental hazards, climate change, and inadequate infrastructure continue to affect the productivity and sustainability of the fishing sector.
Existing facilities such as fish landing centers, cold storage areas, and ice plants remain limited in capacity and organization. The lack of centralized processing areas, market spaces, and livelihood support facilities reduces productivity and economic opportunities for fishermen.
To address these issues, the study explores the use of Amphibious Architecture as a strategy for coastal resiliency. The project integrates sustainable architectural principles such as elevated structures, passive cooling, natural ventilation, and climate-responsive planning. The proposal also emphasizes cultural preservation and tourism integration to strengthen community identity and economic sustainability.
Statement of the Problem
This research focuses on addressing the socio-economic and environmental challenges experienced by small-scale fishing communities in San Vicente, Palawan. Specifically, the study seeks to answer the following questions:
1. How can architecture contribute to improving the resilience and sustainability of small-scale fishing communities in San Vicente, Palawan?
2. What existing environmental, economic, and infrastructural challenges affect the livelihood and productivity of local fishermen?
3. How can Amphibious Architecture and climate-responsive design strategies be integrated into a Fishing Hub development?
4. What architectural spaces and facilities are necessary to support fishing activities, tourism opportunities, livelihood diversification, and community interaction?
5. How can the proposed Fishing Hub contribute to cultural preservation, disaster resilience, and sustainable coastal development?
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Methods
The study utilized qualitative and descriptive research methods to analyze the conditions of the fishing community in San Vicente, Palawan. Data gathering included interviews, observations, literature review, case studies, and consultations with local stakeholders.
Interviews were conducted with fishermen, community members, and representatives from the local government unit to identify livelihood activities, operational challenges, and environmental concerns. Local and international case studies related to resilient architecture and coastal infrastructure were also reviewed.
Macro and micro site analyses were performed to assess accessibility, flood vulnerability, environmental conditions, and site suitability. Architectural programming and spatial planning were developed based on user needs, circulation, and functional relationships between spaces. The study also incorporated Amphibious Architecture and climate-responsive design strategies to create a resilient coastal infrastructure.
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Result
The study identified several livelihood activities practiced within the fishing community, including fish processing, fish selling, net mending, boat maintenance, aquaculture, handicraft production, and tourism-related services. These findings highlighted the need for dedicated spaces that support both livelihood development and community interaction.
Based on the gathered data, the proponents developed a proposed Fishing Hub that integrates fishing facilities, tourism-oriented spaces, and resilient architectural strategies. The proposal includes fish landing and processing areas, market spaces, storage facilities, livelihood training centers, tourism-support spaces, and community gathering areas.
Amphibious Architecture became a primary design consideration, allowing the proposed infrastructure to adapt to flooding and changing water levels while maintaining safety and functionality. Sustainable and culturally responsive planning strategies were also integrated into the design proposal.
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Conclusion
The study concludes that resilient and sustainable architectural design can play a vital role in addressing the socio-economic and environmental challenges experienced by small-scale fishing communities in San Vicente, Palawan. The proposed Fishing Hub demonstrates how architecture can support livelihood development, tourism integration, climate adaptation, disaster resilience, and cultural preservation within vulnerable coastal communities.
By integrating Amphibious Architecture and sustainable design principles, the project provides a multifunctional coastal infrastructure capable of adapting to environmental changes while supporting fishing-related activities and community development. The proposal highlights the importance of balancing economic growth, environmental responsibility, and cultural identity in the planning of future coastal developments.
The research further emphasizes that resilient coastal infrastructure can contribute to long-term community empowerment, improved quality of life, environmental awareness, and sustainable tourism development in the Philippines.
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Recommendation
The study recommends the continued development and implementation of resilient and sustainable coastal infrastructures that prioritize the welfare of small-scale fishing communities. Future projects should strengthen the integration of climate-adaptive architectural strategies, environmental conservation practices, and community-based planning approaches.
It is also recommended that local government units, planners, architects, and environmental organizations collaborate in supporting fishing communities through improved infrastructure, livelihood opportunities, disaster preparedness programs, and sustainable tourism initiatives.
Future researchers may further explore innovative coastal design solutions, renewable energy integration, and community-centered development approaches applicable to vulnerable coastal communities in the Philippines.
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