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Batangas Commercial Complex: The Redevelopment of the Batangas Provincial Livelihood Center into an Environment-responsive Income-generating Complex through Ecocentrism Camacho, Cheskertt I. | Laigo, Billy T. | Maniquiz, John Carlo M.

CHAPTER 4: SITE ANALYSIS AND JUSTIFICATION

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INTRODUCTION The feasibility of a structure depends on how it responds with its surrounding â€“ the ecological and social environment. The Batangas Provincial Livelihood Center (BPLC), which was proposed to cater the needs of the affected communities in the development of Batangas Port Development Plan (BPDP), and provide socio-economic sustainability to the Province of Batangas, has failed to deliver its purpose.

The implementation of Batangas Port Development Plan that affected a large number of residents of Sta. Clara has led to the development of Batangas Provincial Livelihood Center, situated in a cramped location surrounded by different establishments such as coastal slum communities and residential areas, the existing Batangas Port Terminal 2 and 3 and government institutions, has been limited to accommodate different developments for the needs of the users in its immediate environment.

Assessment of the comprehensive environment of the BPLC is essential for it to be possible. Extensive analysis of its physical and permissible properties, climate, and potential hazards that may affect the effectivity and feasibility of the facility has been observed in order to fully maximize the potentials for socio-economic development and ecological sustainability in its redevelopment. Examining strengths and weaknesses of the BPLC is essential in strengthening the strategies in maximizing the opportunities and avoiding threats imposed by the existing problems on the facility.

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A. Background The Batangas Provincial Livelihood Center (BPLC) is established as a compensation to the affected residents of Sta. Clara, Batangas in their loss of properties and businesses. The construction also provided programs to sustain the communityâ€™s needs and to provide economic development to the province of Batangas as well. The BPLC project was initiated by Governor Hermilando Mandanas, last 2006 is part of the Batangas International Port (BIP) is situated on a 2-hectare parcel land in Phase I development at Sta. Clara, Batangas.

B. Site Justification The land area used for the implementation of the Batangas Port Development Project (BPDP) was acquired by the Provincial Government of Batangas through the Power of Eminent Domain, affecting the residents of Sta. Clara and be relocated on different parts of the municipality.

The BPLC, being surrounded by different kinds of developments â€“ the Batangas Port Terminal 2 and 3 easily accessible, gaining a huge amount of embarking and dis-embarking passengers annually; the active locals of the Sta. Clara, Batangas that contributes to the economic stability of the province, and their high expenditures on their needs, different establishments and institutions in the vicinity giving job opportunities to people, has a huge break to be successful in providing socio-economic development and ecological sustainability. The ecological setting of BPLC, being in a coastal area is a strategic way to sustain its productive operations to contribute to the economy of Batangas.

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C. Site Analysis Assessing further the needs of the Batangas Provincial Livelihood Center (BPLC) in relationship with its environment in response to its setting is essential in order to develop an ecologically sustainable redevelopment. In context to this, establishing the needs of the immediate environment â€“ the existing slum and residential communities, Batangas Port Terminal 2 and 3, and institutional facilities such as the Barangay Hall is necessary in order to provide to the socio-economic development of the BPLC, and the community of Batangas as well.

a. Site Reconnaissance

Figure 4.1: Site Reconnaissance Map Source: Google Earth

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Travelling within the 500-meter radius of the BPLC established the key spaces within the immediate environment of the Batangas Provincial Livelihood Center that may affect and contribute to the socioeconomic development of the province. The physical and visual character of the area and open spaces, availability of utilities and adjacent structures are considered in the study in order to create a holistic and sustainable redevelopment for the BPLC, acquiring the immediate needs and demands of the community as well.

i. Character Area

Observation

Dullness of the area can be observed as the surrounding area of the BPLC is under-developed, with no permanent location for people selling their products â€“ leaving them to use the sidewalks their commercial space.

Rurality of the Area

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The sidewalk area within the boundaries of the Batangas International Port are wide enough to provide social spaces for people but has posed negative impression as â€œstandbysâ€? are littering on the area. Negative social activities such as loud talking and gossiping are observed as well.

Tedious social atmosphere

Limited services and products available within the vicinity giving lesser reasons for people to go to the area.

Monotonous Products and Services

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Table 4.2: Site Character

ii. Streets Street

Description

The left wing of Rizal Avenue consists of mostly residential areas and home-based businesses such as fish ball stand, bakery, and sari-sari stores. This area is where pure socialization of people occurs such as residents going outside to buy and communicate with other people.

Rizal Avenue (Left Side) The right wing of Rizal Avenue consists of mostly residential

houses;

small-scale

commercial

business such as fish stalls, pharmacy and food stalls; the Sta. Clara elementary School is also present in this area.

Table 4.3: Street Analysis CHAPTER IV | 256

Rizal Avenue (Right Side)

iii. Open Spaces Open Space

Description

Large and open islands are unoccupied and unutilized

within

the

area

creates

dead

atmosphere â€“ making the people tend to disregard the area for socialization

Open Island

Table 4.4: Site Open Spaces CHAPTER IV | 257

The large and open rear area is also unoccupied, unutilized by the community â€“ making the space to be used for activities not related to the facility and its aim to promote the culture of Batangas, such as raising of roosters.

Open Rear Area

iv. Utility Facilities Utility Facility

Description

Materials recovery facility within the vicinity of the BPLC provides more opportunity to reduce waste production by segregating waste materials that can

be recycled and organic wastes that can be put into compost pits.

Materials Recovery Facility

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Drainage within the vicinity of the BPLC provides an efficient way to prevent flooding on the area by bringing rainwater to the community sewer line. On the other hand, given with high consumption of water, redirection of rainwater to be utilized by the building is more effective in reducing water consumption. Man-made drainage System

Provided within the immediate open space near the BPLC, easy access to utility and electrical room provides efficiency of maintenance; on the other hand, locating ustility spaces within the front of the building decreases the aesthetic value of the building

Utility and Electrical Room The presence of high-density water reservoir within its immediate vicinity provides a secure source of water during fluctuations of the water distributor, on the other hand, exposure of such utility to a prospect

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active social area poses negative impression of the space.

2-5000-gallon Water Tank

Natural Drainage within the vicinity of the BPLC is essential to the maintenance to the development as

Calapan River

when the artificial drainage would not be enough to handle water capacity, water can be redirected to the Batangas Bay and Calapan River.

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Batangas Bay

Table 4.5: Existing Site and Barangay Utility Facilities

v. Adjacent Structures Structure

Observations

Proximity of the Sta. Clara Barangay Hall in the BPLC provides a sense of safety and security within the area throughout the day. On the other hand, security within the area is not observed especially during the night.

Sta. Clara Barangay Hall

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The proximity of Sta. Clara Talipapa within the area provides variety of products offered within the area other than pasalubong.

Sta. Clara Talipapa

Proximity of the Sta. Clara Elementary School provides more opportunities for the BPLC to be a destination for the local residents to go to.

Sta. Clara Elementary School

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Proximity of the Batangas Port Terminal 2 and 3 provides more opportunities for the BPLC to promote businesses and the building itself.

Batangas Port Terminal 3

Proximity of a largely dense residential area provides opportunities for the BPLC to be a place for providing the immediate needs of the community.

Residential Areas

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Proximity of Gasoline Station provides opportunities for passengers, residents, PUJs and PUVs to utilize the parking areas within the BPLC â€“ creating a sustainable economic growth between the BPLC and the Gasoline Station

Gasoline Station

Table 4.6: Adjacent Structures Analysis

b. Macro Analysis i. Political Boundaries

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Batangas belongs to Region IV-A or commonly known as CALABARZON, and was formed under the Executive Order 103 together with Region IV-B. Region IV-A is situated in south-western part of Luzon. on the south and east of Metro Manila, on the east by the Philippine Sea and Bicol Region, on the south by Verde Island Passage, and on the west by Luzon Sea. It can access through any means of land transportation within Luzon. There are five provinces which comprises the whole region, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Provinces

Rizal,

Quezon.

within

the

CALABARZON

Region

are

known

cultural

and

for

historical

its

features

each

province visited by foreign and local tourists â€“ providing definite visitors throughout its operational life. Figure 4.2: Political Map of Batangas Province Source: Google Images

The province of Batangas has a total of 31 municipalities, 3 cities, 1,078 barangays, and 6 congressional districts. Batangas City as the capital of Batangas belongs to District V and is situated CHAPTER IV | 265

along the southeastern portion of the coastal area of Batangas Province. It is bounded by the municipality of San Pascual on the northwest, by the municipality of San Jose on the north, by the municipalities of Ibaan, Taysan and Lobo on the east, and by the Batangas Bay on the south.

ii. Access The City of Batangas can be easily accessed through different modes of transportation, either by land or by water. Buses and private vehicles are the only transportation that can access the Batangas City from Metro Manila. From the Grand Terminal of Batangas, jeepneys are the primary public transportation used to enter the town proper of Batangas City. Being located adjacent in the coast, Batangas City can be accessed primarily by ferries and some private boats from Batangas International Port.

1. Access from North Travelling to Batangas City from various part of Metro Manila can be done using private vehicle and public buses. The bus transit companies that are servicing and accessing the Batangas City with their location and routes are listed.

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Figure 4.3: Access to BPLC from North Source: Google Earth

•

JAM Transit - The terminal is located in EDSA, Quezon City, Taft Avenue, Pasay and in Cubao.

•

ALPS Bus Line - Terminal can be found in Araneta Center in Cubao.

•

CROW Bus - Terminal are located in España, Sampaloc, Manila, EDSA and Pasay.

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â€˘

Tritran Transit - Their bus terminal in Metro Manila can be spotted along EDSA, Quezon City and Taft Avenue, Pasay City.

â€˘

RRCG Bus - The bus main office is located at km. 23 West Service Rd., Alabang, Muntinlupa and has a bus terminal in Pasay City.

The Batangas City, being accessed by different buses with large number of passengers can utilize the BPLC as a drop-off point to travel on different tourist destinations and places in Batangas, providing a more sustainable contribution to the economy of the province.

2. Access from South

Figure 4.4: Access to BPLC from South Source: Google Earth CHAPTER IV | 268

Batangas City being near the coastal area, access can be possible through the use of either private boats and ferries from Mindoro and Puerto Galera that are going to Batangas International Port. With the Batangas Port being used by a large number of passengers throughout the year, the BPLC has equal opportunities to be utilized and engaged to a huge number of passengers and customers to ensure economic stability of the facility.

c. Climate The Batangas Provincial Livelihood Center and its immediate facilities are experiencing material deterioration due to its tropical and coastal setting â€“ climate conditions must be addressed in order for the redevelopment to fully respond to its ecological setting. Natural phenomenon caused by the climate and topography of Batangas are observed in order to strengthen the strategies to be proposed on the study.

The average and extremes of temperature, rainy days, amount of sunshine, relative humidity, and wind speed can be of great effect to the redevelopment and operational phase of BPLC due to its coastal setting which may affect the activities of passengers and users of the Batangas Port and the physical characteristics of the facilities within the area.

i. Average minimum and maximum temperature The extremes of temperature within the Province of Batangas is at peak during summer (April to June) and at its lowest during the last months of the year (November to December). Considerations for designing spaces responsive to the immediate environment, especially during peak seasons where CHAPTER IV | 269

extremes in hot weather condition occurs, is vital to the comfortability of users for the redevelopment of BPLC.

Maximum, Minimum and Average Temperature in the Province of Batangas 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0

Maximum Temperature

Minimum Temperature

Average Temperature

Figure 4.5: Maximum, Minimum, and Average Temperature in the Province of Batangas Source: World Weather Online

ii. UV Index

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Ultraviolet Index (UV Index) determines the sun-producing radiation of a particular place and time; A UV Index reading of 6 to 7 is considerably unsafe, in the recorded index for the Province of Batangas, the highest projected index is at 8, which occurs during May of the year, and falls to 6 all throughout the year. This imposes risks on high exposure to radiation being the BPLC situated in a coastal area, and site paved with almost cement and asphalt surfaces.

UV Index in Batangas 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 Sep-17 Oct-17 Nov-17 Dec-17 Jan-18 Feb-18 Mar-18 Apr-18 May-18 Jun-18 Jul-18 Aug-18 Sep-18 UV Index

Figure 4.6: UV Index in the Province of Batangas Source: World Weather Online

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iii. Average rainy days The Batangas City, being susceptible to flooding and its vicinity to coastal area must address the conditions of the area during rainy season. The peak where rain falls the hardest is during September, and July of the year. This opens opportunities to maximize the use of greywater to be integrated in the facility. This season opens a huge possibility of cancellation of trips in the Batangas Port Terminals 2 and 3, where passengers may get stranded for days within the terminal â€“ giving possibilities for utilization of the Batangas Provincial Livelihood Center.

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Average Rainfall Amount and Rainy Days 700 613.8

600 500

496.4

400 300

255 193.9

200 100

122.9 53.2

Average Rainfall

Figure 4.7: Average Rainfall Amount and Rainy Days in Batangas Source: World Weather Online

iv. Average wind speed

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The wind speed on Batangas reaches its peak during the months of November, January and July ranging from 24 to 25 kilometers per hour. On the other hand, average wind speed ranges from 9 to 16 kilometers per hour as stated in Figure 4.14. The condition of wind speed opens opportunities to harvest energy through alternative and sustainable techniques. Average and Max Wind Speed and Gust in Batangas (kmph) 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 Sep-17 Oct-17 Nov-17 Dec-17 Jan-18 Feb-18 Mar-18 Apr-18 May-18 Jun-18 Jul-18 Aug-18 Sep-18 Maximum Wind

Average Wind

Gust

Figure 4.8: Average and Maximum Wind Speed and Gust in Batangas Source: World Weather Online

d. Adjoining Land Uses CHAPTER IV | 274

The Batangas Provincial Livelihood Center (BPLC), located in a Commercial-use development containing several independent commercial stalls, offices, engaged in sales and services, specified by the Zoning Ordinance of Batangas. Figure 4.15 or the land use map of Batangas City, shows the different kinds of developments which surround the BPLC such as residential areas, institutional facilities, and other commercial establishments. Different types of users from these various developments will have access to the area where BPLC is situated. This strategic location can be an opportunity for the redevelopment of BPLC to address this

Figure 4.9: Land Use Map of Batangas City Source: PPDO of Batangas City

kind of situation â€“ taking advantage of the interaction of users from the different kind of developments to promote and further utilize the facility as a commercial center.

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e. Topography

Batangas being the second largest province in CALABARZON, comprises about 20 percent of the total land area of the region. The provinceâ€™s topography consists mostly of moderately sloping to rolling and very steep hills with scattered mountainous areas. Batangas city is composed of a rolling terrain which ranges from 0 to 30 percent in slope. The city's highest point is Mount Banoy, located in Barangay Talumpok Silangan which is 968 meters above sea level and about 13.50 kilometers east of the Poblacion. The cityâ€™s coastal barangays which starts from Brgy. Sta. Rita Aplaya from the north, down to Brgy. Tabangao Ambulong on the south, are leveled about 0 to 3 percent. While located at the east beyond the barangays of Mabacong, Simlong and Pinamucan Ibaba, has slope which rises from 8 to 30 percent. The Matuco Point at the southwest tip of the city along the Batangas Bay has a slope of 30 percent. To the immediate south is Verde Island composed of six barangays which is mountainous and with a slope ranging from 3 to 30 percent.

The BPLC, being situated in a relatively flat land near the coastal area, poses risks of being affected by tidal waves, and flooding due to heavy rains. Thus, assessment of the topographical features of the site is an important part of planning as it will the basis for determining the effective tropical design method for the BPLC that would adapt to the urban coastal area of the site.

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Figure 4.10 Slope Map of Batangas Province Source: Provincial Development & Physical Framework Plan

f. Geology

The geological features of the province of Batangas is greatly affected by tectonic activities and other landform movements due to the presence of the Taal Volcano. These activities can be observed throughout western and northern parts of the province, resulting in folding, contortion, fracture and overturning of CHAPTER IV | 277

geologic formations (rock strata). Anticlines and synclines are two main types of fold system in the province of Batangas, as Laiya Fault in San Juan being the thrust fault and strike-slip faults which can be found in the majority of the province. Earthquakes will occur if there are movements among these structures.

Figure 4.17, the geologic map of Batangas Province, shows the lineament inferred fault which is located along the Batangas City and near the area where the Batangas Provincial Livelihood Center (BPLC) is situated. This recognizes the risks of possible earthquakes that is needed to be addressed by the proposed redevelopment of BPLC that will make it more environment-responsive.

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Figure 4.11: Geologic Map of Batangas Province Source: Provincial Development & Physical Framework Plan

g. Hydrology Feasibility of the redevelopment operations can be possible if essential utilities are present within the immediate area of the BPLC. Thus, securing the availability of utility providers can contribute to the efficient operations of the BPLC. CHAPTER IV | 279

i. Water Supply Batangas City has an extensive network of municipal waters that consists of primary, secondary and tertiary rivers, creeks and streams, as well as marine waters that is forming part of Batangas bay.

Batangas City Water District (BCWD) is the one responsible for the task of supplying water and sewer needs while also ensuring the safe, quality, adequate and affordable water supply for the residents of Batangas City. The natural source of water distributions is coming from the springs located in Batangas city, having sufficient volume of discharge that can supply the needs of nearby residents of barangays Talumpok Kanluran & Silangan, Cumba, Sto. Domingo, Talahib Pandayan, Talahib Payapa, Ilijan, Malibayo, Bilogo, Haligue Kanluran, Haligue Silangan, Maruclap and Conde Itaas.

ii. Natural Drainage The primary, secondary and tertiary municipal water such as Calumpang River and Batangas Bay acts a vital role of naturally draining the excess water from the fields and urban areas of Batangas City. With this condition, the redevelopment can maximize the use of natural drainage to ensure the resiliency of the development against flooding.

iii. Man-made Drainage The province of Batangas has approved procurements on the development of drainage systems of the Sta. Clara, Batangas through the Committee on Disaster Prevention and Mitigation of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. An on-going construction for drainage CHAPTER IV | 280

system was recently at the Rizal Avenue-BSU to Sta. Clara funded by the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Mitigation measures are also conducted by the government such as cleaning, declogging, and rehabilitation of canals in order to sustain proper wastewater system in avoidance to flooding and further damages during calamities.

h. Soil Batangas City is composed of seven different soil types, Taal sandy loam, hydrosoil, Calumpang clay loam, Ibaan clay loam, Ibaan loam, Ibaan loam (gravely phase), and Sibul clay. In Brgy. Sta. Clara, the dominant soil type is the taal sandy loam which belongs to the Taal series. Taal series are volcanic ash soils, also known as Typic Hapludands, and is divided four types: fine sand, volcano sand, sand, and sandy loam.

This soil type occurs from level to mountainous and its surface is generally grayish brown to light gray when it is dry, and dark brown to nearly black when wet. Its substratum is composed of loose sand and gravel in some parts, and tuffaceous sand and gravel in other portions. Taal series also has rapid permeability, low water retention, and is easy to work with. Batangas province is composed of 64,135 hectares of Taal fine san and Taal sandy loam.

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Province/Municipality/City

Clay

Loam

Batangas City

Lipa City

Sandy

Tanauan City Santo Tomas

Lemery

Table 4.7: Soil Type Distribution Source: Department of Agriculture, 20014

These characteristics of Taal sandy loam soil such as permeability and low water retention can be utilized by the proposed redevelopment in order to provide efficient natural drainage for the site because water can easily pass through it.

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Figure 4.12: Soil Map of Batangas Province Source: Provincial Development & Physical Framework Plan

i. Seismicity The ground shaking is one of the main hazards created by the seismic earth movements. The vibration of the ground during an earthquake makes seismic waves that will rapidly travel from the source through earthâ€™s crust. When the waves reached the ground, it produces shaking that may last from seconds to minutes. CHAPTER IV | 283

This hazard may trigger other hazard such as liquefaction and landslides. The damages may vary over an area due to the factors of topography, bedrock type, location and orientation of the fault rupture.

The municipalities in the Batangas Province are all susceptible to ground shaking, based on the five scenarios, 671 barangays are classified with high risk of being stricken by intensity 8 magnitude earthquake. Tanauan City is seen with the greatest number of affected areas specifically 48 barangays, while Nasugbu has the largest area at risk with 120.064 square kilometer and followed by San Juan 101.953 square kilometer. Tanuan City only comes at third when it comes to area size affected, with 53.004 square kilometer. The least exposed to the hazard is the Malvar with only 0.128 square kilometer spread in 4 barangays.

Figure 4.13: Ground Shaking Map of Batangas Province Source: Provincial Development & Physical Framework Plan CHAPTER IV | 284

Being in a High PIES Intensity zone with possible magnitude 8 and above can occur, the redevelopment of BPLC should be designed that will prevent the effects of ground shaking to achieved an efficient and effective project.

j. Flooding Flooding is considered as one of the major hazards in the province of Batangas, when the water level of the body of water such as rivers exceeds its total capacity. The flood prone areas in the provinces are often found close to riverbanks, lakeshore and coastal municipalities. The urban areas are also prone to flooding when the canals canâ€™t hold the overflowing of water during moderate and heavy rainfalls.

According to Batangas Province Local Climate Change Action Plan 2017- 2023, coastal city of Batangas runs third as to area flood exposure magnitude. The Batangas City serves as the catch basin due to the flowing of Calumpang river to the Batangas bay approximately two kilometers south of the Batangas Port. Consequently, over flowing of streams and rivers could also cause severe flooding to the barangays. Rapid urbanization and the increased of settlement area in the city make it more vulnerable to flooding.

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D. Micro Site Analysis a. Boundaries

Figure 4.14: Site Boundaries Source: Google Earth

The Batangas Provincial Livelihood Center, bounded by a 2-hectare developed land is situated within the Batangas International Port Complex. Along the entrance of BPLCâ€™s site is the Barangay Hall and the Sta. Clara Elementary School. BPLC also has immediate access to domestic transportation terminals like Batangas Port Terminal 2 and 3. The site is also bounded by the park and sail area where buses and other public transportation vehicles are situated - along the service road of the development.

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b. Solar and Wind Path Orientation The Batangas Provincial Livelihood Center, furthermore to be redeveloped to achieve holistic development, must consider its ecological setting. Essential to the redevelopment is to assess how the building design adapted to the environment and address the conflicts implicated by the existing condition.

Figure 4.15: Site Analysis for the Batangas Provincial Livelihood Center Image source: Google Earth

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The front faĂ§ade of the BPLC, receives the most sunshine throughout the day as it faces northeast orientation. This finding can be used as basis in developing a better environment-responsive building envelope for the facility. As its orientation can be utilized to achieve natural lighting, excessive heat penetration can be avoided by placing sun shading and barriers strategically. In addition to this, the building, being oriented to northeast, facing the main road, receives the lowest amount of wind penetration, limiting air circulation within the facility â€“ thus, requiring a more open development for the facility.

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c. Vegetation

Figure 4.16: Existing Site Vegetation Map Source: Researchers

The site of Batangas Provincial Livelihood Center (BPLC) has existing trees located at the islands and median dividers of the parking areas. The most common vegetation in the area are the mahogany trees CHAPTER IV | 289

and as shown in figure 4.16, these trees are situated along the front portion of BPLC. These existing vegetations can be utilized during the planning and design phase of the project in order to achieve wellventilated and shaded areas that can cater more user activities.

d. Paved and Open Areas

Figure 4.17: Paved and Open Areas Map Source: Researchers

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Majority of the site is already paved and made up of asphalt as shown in figure 4.17, resulting to severe heat gain; reduced water permeability of the site due to the use of asphalt. The remaining green spaces can be used to provide landscaping and additional vegetation that will significantly reduce the heat island effect in the site; the use of permeable pavement will also be considered for added rainwater drainage.

e. Accessibility

Figure 4.18: Accessibility Map Source: Researchers CHAPTER IV | 291

Figure 4.18 shows the different types of access to the site of Batangas Provincial Livelihood Center (BPLC). Pedestrians can reach the building through the existing sidewalks. Drop-off points for public utility vehicles (PUVs) are located between the main building and the outdoor commercial stalls while private parking areas for admins are located near the entrance of the site. Based on the researchersâ€™ observation, the PUV terminal located at the center portion of the site is not fully utilized since it is quite far from BPLCâ€™s entrance. For the proposed redevelopment of the site, the existing spaces and access points can be rearranged in order to achieve a more efficient pedestrian and vehicular flow

E. Baseline Studies In order to provide a more detailed assessment of the site and its surrounding environment, baseline studies were conducted through the use of site and thematic maps. Knowing the boundaries, such as nearby developments and municipalities are essential steps in proper utilization of the site. Disaster risks should also be studied as well as the possible impacts to the proposed development.

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a. Maps

CHAPTER IV | 293

i. Municipal and Density Map

Batangas City is one of the coastal municipalities of Batangas Province. Due to its strategic location, situated between a large area of land and a body of water such as the Batangas Bay, it can be easily accessed through both land and sea transportation â€“ catering a wider range of visitors from different places and nearby provinces.

Figure 4.19: Municipal Map of Batangas City Source: batangascity.gov.ph CHAPTER IV | 294

ii. Vicinity Map

Figure 4.20: 1km-Diameter Vicinity Map of Batangas Provincial Livelihood Center Source: Provincial Development & Physical Framework Plan

The 1km-diamter vicinity map of Batangas Provincial Livelihood Center (BPLC) shows the different types of developments and land uses surrounding its site such as the residential

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areas, Batangas International Port (BIP) Complex, other industrial facilities, existing green areas, and the poblacion.

b. Thematic Map

i. Flood Hazard According to Batangas Province Local Climate Change Action Plan 2017- 2023, coastal city of Batangas runs third as to area flood exposure magnitude. The Batangas City serves as the catch basin due to the flowing of Calumpang river to the Batangas bay approximately two kilometers south of the Batangas Port. Consequently, over flowing of streams and rivers could also cause severe flooding to the barangays. Rapid urbanization and the increased of settlement area in the city make it more vulnerable to flooding.

Flooding is considered as one of the major hazards in the province of Batangas, when the water level of the body of water such as rivers exceeds its total capacity. The flood prone areas in the provinces are often found close to riverbanks, lakeshore and coastal municipalities. The urban areas

CHAPTER IV | 296

are also prone to flooding when the canals canâ€™t hold the overflowing of water during moderate and heavy rainfalls.

Figure 4.21: Flood Susceptibility Map of Batangas Province Source: Provincial Development & Physical Framework Plan

With this condition of high susceptibility in flood, the BPLC should be redevelopment in accordance to mitigate the possible effect of flooding, the use of man-made drainage should be carefully designed to efficiently catch the excess water from rainfall and municipal water. In addition, CHAPTER IV | 297

maximizing the use of natural drainage such as the Batangas Bay to ensure more effective draining of excess waters.

ii. Storm Surge Hazard Being located in the coastal area, the Batangas City is vulnerable to the storm surges. These surges are an offshore

rise

water

associated with low pressure weather system that pushes the oceanâ€™s surface and cause the water to pile up higher than its original sea level. This hazard is known to affect the coastal structure when it impacts and debris cause by the surge reaches the shoreline. Storm surge can also cause coastal

Figure 4.22: Sea Level Rise Preliminary Vulnerability Map of Batangas Province Source: Provincial Development & Physical Framework Plan

flooding when it gets amplified during high tide. According to the assumption of Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) the 151 coastal CHAPTER IV | 298

communities in the Province of Batangas, including the City of Batangas has to be considered due to its high exposure to the hazard.

Planning of the redevelopment of the BPLC should consider the possibility of sea level rise, use of technology or techniques can be applied to further mitigate the effect of coastal-related disasters.

F. SWOT Analysis The aim for a viable and socio-economic and ecological sustainability for the redevelopment of Batangas Provincial Livelihood Center must cover the comprehensive aspect of how it failed to be utilized. The analysis of the Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities, and Threats that could be encountered throughout the implementation of the project implementation for BPLC is addressed intensively, and divided into three aspects: user-behavior, tackling the projected users within the facility and its surrounding, and how it would affect the BPLC; economic aspect, focusing on the possibilities of ensuring success on business and possible constraints to be encountered and how it would be converted into opportunities for the BPLC and the investors; and ecological aspect, as the facility is situated in a disaster-prone and tropical area that affects the effectivity of utilization and behavior of its users.

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STRENGTHS

OPPORTUNITIES

The site is surrounded by different types of development such as Batangas Port Terminal 2 and 3, residential areas, and institutional facilities, enhancing its opportunities for user engagement.

There will be a wider range of user activities due to the different types of developments present in the site.

WEAKNESS

Strength-Weakness Strategies

Weakness-Opportunity Strategies

Since the of the Batangas Provincial Livelihood Center (BPLC) is connected to Batangas Port Terminal which is privately owned, it may produce restricted movement patterns

Efficient and proper utilization of spaces that will integrate the different types of user activities

Provision for common spaces that can be openly accessible for different kinds of users and activities

THREATS

Strength-Threat Strategies

Opportunity-Threats Strategies

Expected growth of user population and ineffective system of the Batangas Port imposes personal discomfort among the users.

Full integration of the Batangas Port Terminal and the BPLC to redesign existing spaces that would be optimized in order to accommodate more users effectively.

Opportunities for space rationalization to satisfy the demands of the growing populations of users while ensuring the privacy of spaces

USER BEHAVIOR

Table 4.8: User Behavior SWOT Analysis

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STRENGTHS

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

The BPLC is situated in an urban coastal area making it to be easily accessed via land or sea transportation.

WEAKNESS

Strength-Weakness Strategies

The BPLC being in a coastal area, experiences extremes in climatic conditions and material degradation.

Application of open spaces with large windows for easy penetration of wind and natural materials for construction.

OPPORTUNITIES

The coastal setting of the BPLC can provide higher possibilities for the BPLC to be promoted and utilized

Weakness-Opportunity Strategies Integration of passive design strategies to counter existing climatic conditions - improving comfortability of users and application of vernacular materials to improve aesthetic design of BPLC.

THREATS

Strength-Threat Strategies

Opportunities-Threats Strategies

The BPLC is less than 100 meters away from the body of water, making it vulnerable to various coastalrelated disasters like storm surge.

Additional functions such as evacuation centers during calamities.

Application of climate-responsive and disaster-resilient design principles such as vernacular architecture

Table 4.9 Ecological Aspect SWOT Analysis

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STRENGTHS

OPPORTUNITIES

ECONOMIC ASPECT

Open plans of the existing development allowing flexibility in different commercial establishments

Accommodation of different and large commercial establishments that can contribute to the economic development of BPLC

WEAKNESSES

Strength-Weakness Strategies

Weakness-Opportunity Strategies

The existing open plans does not fully consider the uses for each development resulting into constraints in the immediate and intimate demand of each type of commercial establishment. THREATS When the demand for area extension of commercial establishment arises, opportunities for building expansion will be limited because of the existing built structures surrounding the BPLC.

Provide multi-use spaces which can respond to the growing and changing demands of the BPLC and its adjoining environment.

Strength-Threat Strategies

Effective zoning of establishments that ensure the maximization of spaces

Application of modular or standardized construction materials and technologies that will conform to the functional requirements of each space. Opportunities-Threats Strategies

Since horizontal expansion is not possible, provision for vertical development could be a viable option.

Table 4.10: Economic Aspect SWOT Analysis

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G. Factors and Issues Relevant to the Site 1. Existing Standards Existing standards, laws, and ordinances are to be followed and consulted throughout the implementation of the proposed redevelopment of BPLC as it will help in establishing a safe, effective and productive operations throughout its life span. Gathered below are the established laws and regulations to be observed:

Ordinance/Laws/Standards

Description

Effect of Implementation Consideration of the National Building codes provides a more secure redevelopment for the users and possible

Presidential Decree No. 1096

National Building Code of the Philippines

expansion of user population. It will also

and its implementing rules and regulations

give provisions that will be applied for the possible design, alteration, repair, conversion, use, occupancy, maintenance, moving, demolition

A decree instituting a water code, thereby revising and consolidating the laws Presidential Decree No. 1067

governing the ownership, appropriation, utilization, exploitation, development, conservation and protection of water

Implementation of the water code secures the protection of its immediate natural water bodies â€“ the Batangas Bay.

resources

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Consideration to the Sanitation Code Presidential Decree No. 856 and Republic Act 1378

Sanitation Code of the Philippines and

secures natural bodies of water from

National Plumbing Code of the Philippines

improper application of waste water systems The BPLC, being a prospect site for social

Presidential Decree No. 1185

Fire Code of the Philippines

and economic development shall secure safety of its possible growing population. Implementation of the Local Government

Republic Act 7160

Local Government Code of the Philippines

Code provides more opportunities for the BPLC to be for the people through the power of the local government. The BPLC, as it targets to cater all types of users shall conform to the needs and

Batas Pambansa Blg. 344

Accessibility Code of the Philippines

standards set for people with disabilities (PWDs) allowing them to have more efficient access in the BPLC, its facilities and utilities.

Sangguniang Panlungsod Ordinance No. 16 Series of 2010

An Act providing for the Environment Code of Batangas City

Secures ecological balance and harmonious relationship within the community and the BPLC Seeks to improve the efficiency of building

The Philippine Green Building Code

The Philippine Green Building Code as a

performance through a

Referral Code of the National Building

framework of acceptable set of standards

Code of the Philippines

that will enhance sound environmental and resource

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without significant increase in cost

Table 4.11: Existing Standards and Ordinances for Compliance to the Redevelopment

2. Coastal Environment The Batangas Provincial Livelihood Center (BPLC) is situated along the coastal area of the Batangas Bay. Provided that there is an advantage brought about by the presence of this water body, such as the added accessibility of BPLC through sea transportation, this ecological setting still imposes risks to the site and the building itself.

Tsunami Risk The study conducted by the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI) on 2009 about the Batangas International Port (BIP) Complex and the Batangas City proves the risk of tsunami occurrence in the coastal area where these developments are located. Even though NGI claimed that the BIP complex had already mitigated the possible risk through the reinforcement of their harbor barriers, the future redevelopment of BPLC should still consider this ecological issue in order to achieve a more environment-responsive design feature.

Flood Risk

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BPLC is located in Brgy. Sta. Clara which belongs to the flood prone areas of Batangas City. This only means that the site and the facility itself can be affected by the flood risk if it is not addressed properly by the proposed redevelopment

Physical Deterioration and Material Degradation

Added salt content to the air because of the presence of the Batangas Bay can hasten the physical deterioration of the BPLC and other nearby structures. Proper choice of material, construction methods, and design features should be considered throughout the development in order to lessen these harsh I mpacts of the coastal environment.

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H. Bibliography Batangas City Government (2015). Cost of Doing Business. Retrieved from: https://www.batangascity.gov.ph/web/cost-of-doing-business-2 Demography. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.batangas.gov.ph/portal/demography/# (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.batangascity.gov.ph/web/about-the-city/city-profile/physical-geographicalaspects Calabarzon DENR. Regional Profile. Retrieved from http://calabarzon.denr.gov.ph/index.php/about-us/regionalprofile/reg-profile-physical-socio-eco Carating, R. (n.d.). CHARACTERISTICS AND USES OF VOLCANIC ASH SOILS IN LUZON, PHILIPPINES. Retrieved from http://www.academia.edu/14906970/CHARACTERISTICS_AND_USES_OF_VOLCANIC_ASH_SOILS_IN_LUZON_PH ILIPPINES Soil Series. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://dbmp.philrice.gov.ph/soils/series/Negros-Oriental/Taal/property Provincial Government of Batangas. Provincial Development & Physical Framework Plan 2014-2022. Batangas Climate History. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.myweather2.com/CityTown/Philippines/Batangas/climateprofile.aspx?fbclid=IwAR3gTKcyaxinA6KgrdyzA1HVWcbPi5kjQu0mMQEHPQui_9A0_rVjaZv_64k

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