CHAPTER 1: PROJECT BACKGOUND

The Project

Oriental Mindoro, posing as the strategic gateway for trade and investment in the
eastern side of the country, has never weakened its thrust to generate opportunities
for its municipalities may it be agricultural, economical, or educational matter. The
province eventually emerged as an eco-tourism destination which earned itself the
power to provide employment opportunities for the huge labor force that will come in
demand.

Pinamalayan, a soon-to-be city that offers a perfect combination of the hustle and
bustle of a thriving community and the rustic splendor and inimitable charm of the
countryside. This puts Pinamalayan at the forefront of progress and tourism in the
province of Oriental Mindoro. With agriculture and tourism as major industries that
support the pillars of the local economy, it opens many areas for potential
opportunities for development.

On the contrary, modernization and advancements in tools and equipment have

brought landholders the ability to expedite the workforce in farms in shorter time,
and of course, with fewer farmers. This caused the farmers to either stay in the job
with relatively lower wage, find other off-farm work, or wait for government action
for this problem. This farm scene have greatly affected the laborforce of the
municipality, especially the marginal farmers who were once the root of successful
laborforce for agricultural progress.

In addition, the proliferation of informal settlers is off-shoot of poverty, neglect

of landowners and in demand for habitations near to the source of work, occupations
and livelihood. The rural informal settlers were farmers and fishermen who
constructed light material homes on a tract of private lands on farms and near the
seashore, the prime source of their livelihood. Urban informal settlers were poor
dwellers who cannot afford to buy a lot for habitations because they have little to
none of the resources to make money from.

Behind all these issues, the municipality still supports the province’s aim to be
the preferred agri-eco-tourism destination in MIMAROPA by 2025. Half a million
local and international tourists visited in 2018. They aim for an increase to 2 million
by 2025. In an effort to boost tourism in the province’s 14 municipalities,
the government calls for an effective and innovative ways to firmly continue its
course to achieve being the agri-eco-tourism capital of the region.
In line with these, a construction of an agricultural park with apartment building,
supermarket and agriculture center is hereby proposed to solve the existing gap. The
agricultural park will exhibit the traditional soil-based farm and aquaponic vertical
farm wherein the tenants (i.e. farmers) can have a source of income while learning
new developments in agriculture. The produce of these farms will undergo necessary
processes of preparation before selling it in the farm-based market which would also
generate employment for the tenants. The agriculture center will house the
conferences, seminars, researches, and administration offices that are substantial in
managing and maintaining the agriculture community. This project would not only
give marginal farmers and informal settlers an access to secure land and make profit
from it while living right where their livelihood is, but also keeping up with the
agricultural advancements and architectural trend devising it as a tool to promote and
boost the agri-eco-tourism campaign of the province.

Project Objectives

 The capstone proposal aims to empower local workers, especially the marginal
farmers who have been deprived of access to secure land to make a living, by
giving them opportunity to grow and harvest crops for profit or subsistence.

 The project also aims to provide home for the informal settlers with little to no
profitable resources.

 Introducing and teaching new agricultural techniques and advancements through

establishing an agriculture center is also a goal that wants to be achieved by this
project. This is to increase the awareness of local farmers to keep up with the
advancements in farming industry.

 The proposal aims to boost the agri-eco-tourism and increase the marketability of
the project to pull tourists and agriculture enthusiasts to the province.

 To rethink the common models of built communities and pose a new concept to
integrate agriculture, tourism, and housing to create an environment that
addresses local issues .

The Client

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is an international

financial institution and a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to
eradicating poverty and hunger in rural areas of developing countries. IFAD has been
working in the Philippines to improve the incomes and food security of rural
populations. IFAD primarily focuses on marginal farmers, fishermen, and indigenous
people. Recent projects and programs are intended to improve the environment with
natural resource management and sustainable access to land.
IFAD, together with the assistance of local government unit of Pinamalayan and
Department of Agriculture will work to ensure proper development of the project.

Project Scope and Limitation

The target beneficiaries of the proposal are families of marginal farmers,

fishermen and others with little to no profitable resources. These families are
generally under low-income class to poor, whose per-capita income is twice, between,
or less than the official poverty threshold.

The proposal will focus on the development of the agricultural park that would
exhibit traditional soil-based farm and aquaponic vertical farm. The farm will be
planted with bulb, corm, fruit, podded, root, stem, tuber vegetables only which are
crops that generally grow in Pinamalayan, with the availability of soil type and
climate condition being considered.

The specific crops that will be planted in the soil-based farm are Mustard,
Gumbo (Okra), Eggplant, Bitter gourd (Ampalaya), Bottle gourd (Upo), Hot pepper,
Bell pepper, Melon, Watermelon, Mung beans (Mungo), Sponge gourd
(Patola, )Radish (Labanos), Camote, Cassava, Taro (Gabi), Peanut, Ginger and Water
spinach (Kangkong).

The specific crops that will be planted in the aquaponic vertical farm are
Cabbage, Lettuce, Cucumbers, Tomatoes and String beans.

Wide range of freshwater fishes can be raised by the fishermen and farmers in
the aquaponic aquarium. They can choose whatever type of freshwater fish they want
as long as it is adaptable to aquaponics. The types of fishes that can be raised in
aquaponics include but is not limited to : tilapia, catfish, and carp fish.

Aside from the gardens that would make up the agricultural park, it will also
consist of non-productive leisure areas like pedestrian pathways, picnic areas,
educational farming areas, and landscapes that embraces local materials and
vegetation. On-site cafe or food concession would feature ingridients grown and
processed on-site. Ideally, the Café would contract with the farmers to grow selected
foods that would be featured in seasonal menus.

The supermaket will only sell produce from the agricultural park. The crops and
fishes will be cleaned and packed by the tenants who are employed in the
supermarket.

The agriculture center will be the host for continuing farmer training and
technical support, educational outreach, tours, workshops for local schools, and
agricultural office apprenticeship and internships. This will also house the
administration that will manage and maintain the agricultural park.
The apartment building arranged around the farming areas will allow residents
to observe the ongoing activities within the agricultural park. The types of housing
unit include studio type, 2- bedroom unit, and 3-bedroom unit.

Project Development

The proposal was developed to improve agri-eco-tourism while addressing the

problems left behind the progress of the locality; the families of marginal farmers,
fishermen, and others with little to no profitable resources, their lack of access to
secure land and livelihood, and their stay in makeshift housing as informal settlers. In
this study, problems pertaining to the project were identified to be able to create
technical solutions while meeting the environmental demands of community. This
includes the goals, objectives, scope and limitations and an in-depth research in local
and foreign literature and studies which will act as a support in the feasibility of the
project.

Data, facts and substantial information will be collected, from books, online
publications up to local government agencies and departments associated with the
project, to substantiate in the viability of the capstone proposal. The accumulated
data will also be analyzed in accordance to the specific needs of the project.

Subsequent to the evaluation of the project problem and the gathered information;
the essential architectural design solutions, principles and elements will be
formulated and applied to the proposal. Through this method, the study will be able
to meet the desired and appropriate environment for the community.

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

Proper zoning and land Request for a copy of the The proposal will be able
use latest CLUP and Zoning to follow the proper land
Map of Pinamalayan to use prepared by the
identify and analyze the municipality to meet the
proper site for the desired place for the
proposal. function and goals of the
project.

Space Requirements Conduct researches about Complete and proper

related literature and space requirements will be
Main facilities studies from built or used in the project analysis
proposed project in and planning.
Supporting facilities connection with the same
project objectives.

Target users Study the the problem and The project will have its
how it came into a only focus on the people
responsibility to be affected by the problem
addressed, starting with which will then be the
the affected persons or primary basis of the needs
community. to be provided.

Types of farming Analyze the types of Farmers will learn hybrid

farming being practiced in types of farming that
the locality to know where would diversify their way
and how to improve it into of growing crops.
the latest advancements in
agriculture

Housing typologies Identify the suitable types The needs for suitable
of housing units for the housing unit type will be
target users. properly classified which
will be based on the types
of family that will be
residing in the unit.

Park programs Learn how to integrate Park functions will be

agricultural and park effective to create an
functions into one working inviting and exciting vibe
community. Identify for the tourists and
activities and amenities visitors.
that are familiar and new
to park visitors.

Concepts of Aquaponics Examining the concepts Aquaponic vertical

and processes of farming and the apartment
aquaponics and how can it building establishing
be integrated to the harmony in executing their
apartment building. respective functions.

Marketing farm products Formulate creative Profitability will not pose

strategies for direct and as a threat for the
diversified marketing of livelihood of the users.
the products by
researching local and
international projects
working in same manner.
Passive recreation Thoroughly study and Passive and interpretive
carefully identify recreation will co-exist to
Interpretive recreation architectural and function as an effective
landscape elements that agricultural park,
would be very helpful in
providing different
recreational activities for
the visitors and tourists.

Trainings and technical Look into programs and The project will be able to
support modules about all facets of provide the users a
production, resource continuing farmer training
management, marketing, and support for the
and business planning that maintenance which is vital
can be utilized to establish to agriculture industry.
this department.

Management Study how the A hub for farm and tenant

management tree functions management will be
in agriculture and housing provided for the project to
to be able to provide be able to maintain order
facilities for them. and lead into progress.

Services and resources The basic and special The definite capacity and
necessities of the project potential of the project
must be identified to know will outline the limit of
the scope and limit of the services and resources.
services and resources.

CHAPTER 2: SITE JUSTIFICATION

Site Selection Criteria

Location

The site is located on the western portion of Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro. It is

on the southern part of the urban core and is situated along the Strong Republic
Nautical Highway at Zone III, Poblacion neighboring agricultural lands, residential
houses, and socialized housing.

Zoning

The site is located in a Moderate Density Commercial Area.

Accessibility
The site is widely accessible to nearby municipalities both through public and
private transportation. The site can be directly accessed because it is along the
nautical highway.

Security

The site being situated along a nautical highway gives certainty that multiple
police stations and checkpoints are dispersed to provide maximum protection and
ensure the safety of the citizens on the area.

Transportation

Located on the nautical highway, all kinds of transportation (e.g. jeepneys, bus,
tricycles) that links each town are accessible in the area.

Utilities

The site is covered by water supply, power supply, telephone network, and
television network which are considered as basic necessities for the project.

Geohazard

The site is safe from flood, landslide, and fault line which would determine
additional planning considerations for the project.

Disaster Resiliency

The site should have the potential to be sustained after/during disasters.

Lot Size

The lot has an area of 92, 552.11 sq.m or 9.2 ha. The size should be classified as
small farm with an area not exceeding 49 acres.

Macro-Meso Site Analysis: Region/Province/Town

Figure 1. Map of Oriental Mindoro
Figure 2. Map of Pinamalayan
Geographical Location

Pinamalayan, officially the Municipality of Pinamalayan, is a 1st

class municipality in the province of Oriental Mindoro, Philippines. The Municipality
of Pinamalayan, which has a total land area of 27,800 has., lies almost at the center of
the Province of Oriental Mindoro. It is about 118 kilometers from the Municipality of
Puerto Galera and 120 kilometers from the town of Bulalacao, the last town of the
province going to the south. Situated along the coastline tip, it resembles a hand
pointing towards the island of Marinduque. It is bounded in the north by the
Municipalities of Socorro and Pola; in the west by the Province of Occidental
Mindoro; in the east by Tablas Strait and in the south by Quinabigan River and the
Municipality of Gloria.

Existing Land Use

From the Urban Core Fringe and Urban Land Use Map with 9 classified zones,
the site is located on Moderate Density Commercial Area with a lot area of 92,
552.11 sq.m or 9.2 ha.
Figure 3. Existing General Land Use Map

Figure 4. Urban Core and Urban Core Fringe Plan

Topography

Plains dominate the coastal areas of Pinamalayan, particularly along Tablas

Strait. Westward from Barangay Sabang to the provincial boundary, the topography
is somewhat hilly or rolling plains. The mountains in the municipality are Mount
Dumali, Mount Beyer and Mount Wercester.
Slope

Barangays located in the central part of Pinamalayan have slopes ranging from 0
to 3 percent while the steeper slopes can be found in the southwestern and
northeastern portions of the municipality. Table 2.1 summarizes the slope
characteristics of Pinamalayan.

Table 1. Slope Map/Area Distribution by Slope

Figure 5. Slope Map

Soils
Soil types of Pinamalayan are suitable to a wide variety of crops. Four soil series
comprise the municipality which include, San Manuel, Quingua, Luisiana and
Maranlig soil series, each of which is briefly discussed in Table 2.

Table 2. Soil Characteristics

Figure 6. Soils/Sub-soils Map

Meteorology
Meteorologic data were obtained from PAGASA's Synoptic Station in Calapan.

Climate
Pinamalayan falls under Climatic Type III which is described as having no very
pronounced maximum rain period with a short dry season lasting from one to three
months. Areas of this type are partly shielded from the northeast monsoon and are
also benefited by rainfall caused by tropical cyclones.

Rainfall

The rainfall pattern indicates that heavy downpours of rain occur in June, July,
September, October and November while minimal rainfall occurs in May, December,
February, March and April. June and July, however are the wettest months while
March to April are the driest. The average rainfall is 175.2 mm. In agricultural
production, rainfall is often the limiting factor affecting plant growth. Problems on
irrigation, excessive movement of soils and retention of the needed moisture of soil
are affected by rainfall.

Temperature

Temperature ranges from 30.8 degrees centigrade (oC) average maximum to

24.8oC average minimum. The coldest months are December and February with
temperature going as low as 23 and 23.3oC, respectively. The month of May has the
highest temperature of 33.5oC.

Relative Humidity

Average relative humidity refers to the measure of the moisture content of the
atmosphere. The month of October has the highest relative humidity of 89 percent
while the months of March and April are the lowest with 78 percent of relative
humidity.

Wind Direction

Wind direction shifts about four times a year. The northeast monsoon prevails
from August to December of the year and continues from January to March of the
following year. In April, wind direction is east to northeast. In May and June it blows
from the southeast. Finally, it becomes easterly in October.
Flood Hazard

Pinamalayan, like its neighboring municipalities, is frequently visited by

typhoons particularly during rainy seasons. During heavy rains, practically all rivers
and tributaries overflow to the lower areas. Barangays Cacawan, Sta. Isabel, Lumang
Bayan, Macanlig and Poblacion are mainly affected by floods, being in floodpalin
areas. Floods usually occur due to the following reasons: run-off accumulation
coming from surrounding elevated areas; their low physiographic positions; poor
infiltration; permeability characteristics; and drainability of outlets. Flood-prone
areas are perceived as poor for urban uses. Flood limitation could be minimized by
proper and adequate planning for draining unnecessary water.

Air Quality

Minimal air pollution due to dust generation is generated by the limited types of
industrial activities in the municipality. These include gravel and sand quarrying,
hollow block making and ricemills, among others.

Drainage Condition

This physical feature identifies the flood prone areas in the municipality.
Flood Prone Areas – This covers floodplain areas subjected to flooding and cover
Barangays Cacawan and Lumangbayan.
Dry Land - This category basically covers the areas located in the hilly and
mountainous areas of the municipality.
Figure 7. Drainage Condition Map

Water Catchment Area

This addresses the accessibility to water and the potential for groundwater. Three
categories were identified which include the shallow and deep well areas, the
potential areas for high-yielding wells and difficult areas. Difficult Areas – This
category refers to areas where it is difficult to exploit groundwater; mostly located on
the northern portion of the Municipality. Shallow and Deep Well Areas - This
category has very minimal constraints to development because recharge areas are
localized due to low aquifer permeability. Potential Areas of High-Yielding Wells -
the barangays of Cacawan, Poblacion, and Sta. Rita comprise this category.
Figure 8. Drainage Condition Map 1

Strategic Agriculture and Fisheries Development Zones

This delineates the declared SAFDZ areas per SB Resolution 69-99. In

accordance with the provisions of the AFMA, these areas are considered part of the
Protection Areas. Identified SAFDZ areas cover approximately 7,585.87 has. These
are located in Barangays Maliancog, Pambisan-Munti, Bangbang, Sto. Niño,
Bacungan, Anoling, Buli, Sta. Isabel, Cacawan, Sta. Rita, Maningcol and
Marfrancisco.
Figure 9. SAFDZ Map 1

Health Facilities

Pinamalayan has a total of 28 registered private medical establishments such as

medical clinics, dental, optical and pharmacies. These establishments are
concentrated within the Poblacion and Barangay Marfancisco.
Figure 10. Health Facilities Distribution

Educational Facilities

There are 47 schools in Pinamalayan providing elementary, secondary, tertiary

and vocational education. Twenty of these schools are privately run and the rest are
public. Pre-elementary in public schools are being offered by 13 public elementary
schools in Pinamalayan East and two from West District through their organized
Early Education-Community Based Pre-School (ECE-CBPS) classes. This is an
early education program sponsored by DECS wherein salaries of qualified but
non-eligible teachers with hands-on training are all shouldered by the organized
Parent-Teacher Association (PTA).

College education in Pinamalayan is being provided by two private schools.

These include Abada College and Eastern Mindoro Institute of Technology and
Science (EMITS).

Vocational education and training on trade and skills are provided by

Non-Formal Education Classes through the Technical Education and Skills
Development Authority (TESDA) coordinators and private vocational schools.
Figure 11. Educational Facilities Distribution

Road and Transport Network

The municipality is traversed by the national road that weaves through the
province. The national highway which cuts across Pinamalayan stretches all the way
from Calapan City in the north to the southern coastal municipality of Bulalacao.
The total road network in Pinamalayan is estimated at 166.13 kilometers. This
results to an over-all road density of 0.0060 km./ha. The road network consists of
national, provincial, municipal and barangay roads. Of this figure, nearly one-tenth
(7.8%) is covered by the national road, almost half (42.7%) are provincial roads,
two-fifths (37.2%) municipal and one-fifth (12.3%) barangay roads.
Figure 12. Existing Road Network

Other Utilities covering Pinamalayan

Figure 13. Telephone System

Figure 14. Rainbow Cable Vision Network Coverage
Figure 15. Channel Plus Cable Network Coverage

Micro Site Analysis: The Site and Its Immediate Environs

Location: Zone III, Poblacion, Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro

Lot Area: 92, 552.11 sq.m or 9.2 ha.
Land Zoning: Moderate Density Commercial Zone
Figure 16. Vicinity Map

Landmarks within 1 km radius shown in Fig. 17

 Pinamalayan Park
 St. Agustine Parish
 Gospel Light Independent Baptist Church
 Pinamalayan Seventh Day Adventist Church
 Pinamalayan Doctor’s Hospital
 Taytay sa Kauswagan Incorporated
 Antartica Inland Resort
 The Guest House at Paraiso
 Flying V Gasoline Station
Figure 17. Landmarks within 1 KM Radius

Sun Path/ Wind Path/ Noise Analysis

The site will be able to maximize sunlight due to absence of high-rise buildings
which also means lack of shaded area on the site. Wind obstruction does not pose as a
problem because wind can freely flow through the area. The noise generally comes
from the vehicles that pass through along the nautical highway. Minimal noise also
comes from nearby household having backyard production or businesses.
Figure 18. Sun Path/ Wind Path/ Noise Analysis

Traffic Flow

The traffic flow on the roads surrounding the site goes light to no traffic. Light
traffic flow can be experienced on the nautical highway on daytime usually at 8 AM
to 2 PM and 6 PM to 7 PM. This is due to transport vehicles, mostly delivery vehicles
and PUVs, that pass coming from other minicipalities.
Figure 19. Vehicular Traffic Flow

Flood Susceptibility

The site is safe from areas that are likely to experience flood, although nearby
places has low susceptibility to experience flooding and is likely to experience less
than 0.5 meter and/or flood duration of 1 day. These areas include low hills and
gentle slopes.
Figure 20. Flood Susceptibility Map

Landslide Susceptibility

The site has low landslide susceptibility because it is gently sloping with no
identified landslides from the past years.

Figure 21. Landslide Susceptibility Map

Nearest Active Fault Line

The nearest active fault line is traced 136.7 km Northeast of the site. The Valley
Fault System, also known as Marikina Valley Fault System, runs through Metro
Manila to the cities of Marikina, Quezon City, Pasig, Makati, Taguig and Muntinlupa
and moves in a dominantly dextral strike-slip motion. The West Valley Fault segment
traverses from Doña Remedios Trinidad to Calamba with a length of 129.47
kilometres (80.45 mi).

Figure 22. Nearest Active Fault Line

Criteria Wt. Poor Satisfactory Excellent Score

Location 15 The site is not The site has The site is 15
suitable for potential for suitable for
agri-eco-touris farming but is agri-eco-touris
m
development not in a m because of its
due of lack of marketable potential for
potential for location farming and
farming. good location.
Zoning 15 The site is not in The site is not in The site is 15
an an located in an
agricultural/comm agricultural/com agricultural/co
ercial zone mercial zone but mmercial zone
can be
converted into
one

15 Site is not The site is near The site is 15

accessible by a major road located along
Accessibi
vehicles and that makes it major road that
lity
pedestrian accessible by makes it
pedestrian and immediately
vehicles accessible by
the pedestrian
and vehicles

Transport 10 Has no transport Sufficient Major public 10

ation access public and and private
private transport is
transport
available
access
Security 10 No security Police Security 5
stations within the Stations personnel’
vicinity located within s are
the vicinity within 1
KM radius
Utilities 10 The site is not The site is The site is 10
covered by water covered by covered by
supply, power some of the water supply,
supply, telephone utilities like power supply,
network, and water supply, telephone
television network power supply, network, and
telephone television
network, and network
television
network

Geohazar 10 The site always The site is The site is safe 10

d experiences sometimes from flooding,
flooding, landslide, affected by landslide, and
and earthquake. flooding, earthquake.
landslide, and
earthquake.

Disaster 10 The site cannot be The site takes a The site is not 10
Resilienc sustained long time to affected by
e during/after recover from disasters
disasters disasters
Lot Size 5 Lot size is 180 Lot size is 50 to Lot size is 49 5
acres or more 179 acres acres or less
Total 95
Initial Schematic Diagram