Project Type
Research and Publication
Year
Winter 2025
Client /Professor
Arch. Seriosa
Role
Individual Project | Researcher | Architectural Designer
ABSTRACT
The Philippine Archipelago is a country that comprises of about 7,641 islands and islets and is repeatedly dubbed in the world as “Best Islands in the World”, as the country offers serene beauty towards its natural environment and highly rich diversified Filipino cultures and heritages sites scattered all over the country. However, in terms of disaster risks, Philippines has been ranked third among all the countries with highest risks reportedly in World Risk Report 2018 as the country is exposed to multiple hazards due to its location, geographical context and natural calamities such as typhoons, storm surges, earthquakes, as the country itself is situated in the “Ring of Fire”.
According to the Disaster Risk Reduction in the Philippines, Status Report for July 2019, the Philippines have entitled several disasters which have been life changing to the Filipinos and under state of calamity the different provinces of the country. One of the most devastated disasters was the Batanes Earthquake in July 27, 2019. A series of earthquakes struct the islands which resulted for casualties and damages all over the province. Several heritage housings called “Sinadumparan” or stone houses of Ivatans are reportedly damaged which has been the cause of death and injuries of the Ivatans. After the devasted tragedy, the conservation to the heritage and protection of the Ivatans towards calamities has raised concern to the locality.
This study proposes a probable solution to continue the legacy of the Ivatan heritage architecture which can secure the safety of the Ivatans towards calamities with restoration, reinforcement, and revitalization efforts of the Ivatan heritage architecture through an approach to community planning and design for the historic environment, a case dedicated for Songsong, Kayvaluganan, Batanes.
PROJECT BRIEF
This project is an architectural study that focuses on the community restoration and climate-resilient development of Songsong, Kayvaluganan, Batanes. It seeks to integrate Ivatan heritage architecture with modern innovations in earthquake resistance and climate adaptation, ensuring that restoration efforts honor cultural identity while meeting contemporary safety standards. The objectives are: (1) to restore the Ruins of Songsong using traditional Ivatan construction methods with structural reinforcements; (2) to develop climate-smart, earthquake- and typhoon-resilient housing and public spaces aligned with the National Building Code; (3) to promote and preserve Ivatan culture and traditions through architecture and community planning; (4) to establish a community market that enhances local livelihoods in farming, fishing, and small trade; and (5) to safeguard the unique landscapes and seascapes of Batanes through sustainable and site-sensitive design.
SITE CONTEXT
Geographic Location
Songsong is located in Kayvaluganan, Batanes — the northernmost province of the Philippines and the smallest in terms of land area and population. The province is composed of 11 islands, though only Batan, Sabtang, and Itbayat are inhabited. Songsong lies along the rugged coastline of Batanes, which is globally recognized for its protected landscape and seascape under UNESCO’s tentative list. Its location between Luzon and Taiwan exposes it to both Pacific and South China Sea weather systems, making it prone to frequent typhoons and seismic activity.
Topography and Natural Features
The site is characterized by rolling hills, steep cliffs, and coastal plains, with scenic views of the ocean and surrounding landscapes. The terrain is volcanic in origin for most islands (Batan, Sabtang) and tectonic uplift for Itbayat, resulting in fertile soils but also seismic vulnerability. Songsong itself is historically known for its settlement ruins — remnants of Ivatan stone houses abandoned after past calamities. Its coastal setting makes it prone to storm surges and high winds, but its natural contours also create opportunities for site-sensitive, landscape-integrated architecture.
Climate and Hazards
Batanes has a subtropical climate, unique in the Philippines, with four distinct seasons: winter, spring, summer, and fall. The area experiences frequent heavy rainfall and annual typhoons, often serving as the reference point for storms entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility. It is also within an earthquake-prone zone, with the 2019 Itbayat earthquake highlighting the structural vulnerability of heritage stone houses when not reinforced. These hazards underscore the need for climate-smart, disaster-resilient planning in Songsong.
Cultural and Social Context
The site is inhabited by the Ivatan ethnolinguistic group, recognized under the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA Law, 1997). The Ivatans have a strong cultural identity rooted in Austronesian traditions, later influenced by Spanish colonization. They speak two primary dialects: Ivatan (in Batan and Sabtang) and Itbayaten (in Itbayat). Ivatan society is family-oriented, respectful of elders, and deeply religious, with traditions such as kapaymano (a gesture of respect to elders). Their values of community cooperation (bayanihan) are evident in building practices, farming, and fishing.
Architectural Heritage
Songsong is most notable for the ruins of traditional Ivatan houses called Sinadumparan. These houses, built with meter-thick walls of stone and coral bound with limestone mortar, and cogon grass roofing that lasts decades, are considered masterpieces of climate-adaptive vernacular architecture. They are designed to withstand strong winds and typhoons, though earthquakes pose a significant challenge. After the 2019 earthquake, many houses were destroyed or replaced with concrete and galvanized iron — a shift that threatens the conservation of Ivatan architectural identity.
Accessibility and Infrastructure
Songsong is connected by coastal and inland roads to Basco, the provincial capital, and nearby municipalities. However, its relative isolation makes it less developed compared to other parts of Batanes. Access to utilities and infrastructure is limited, but its coastal location presents opportunities for fishing, tourism, and small-scale commerce. Careful planning must address site accessibility, terrain conditions, and service provision while ensuring that infrastructure does not compromise the natural and cultural heritage of the area.
DESIGN CONCEPT
PAMANA The Legacy of Ivatan Heritage Architecture
Batanes has been known for its iconic vernacular houses called "Sinadumparan" or stone houses which is characterized and made from natural materials of limestones, stones, and coral stones, and has a thatch cogon roof which is designed and influenced to resist anticipated calamities of the province.
DESIGN SOLUTION
The proposed design solution for Songsong, Kayvaluganan addresses the urgent need to preserve Ivatan heritage architecture while ensuring resilience against earthquakes and typhoons that frequently threaten Batanes. Rooted in the traditional Ivatan approach, the design integrates stone masonry construction with modern seismic resistance innovations to achieve both cultural authenticity and structural stability.
Heritage-Inspired Architecture
Restoration of the Sinadumparan stone houses using traditional Ivatan materials such as coral stones, limestone mortar, and cogon grass roofing.
Adaptation of the construction process to reinforce walls and foundations with hidden structural supports (e.g., steel bracing, seismic reinforcement layers) to minimize vulnerability during earthquakes.
Establishment of design guidelines to ensure that all new development remains consistent with the architectural character and scale of Batanes’ heritage environment.
Climate-Smart and Disaster-Resilient Housing
Development of prototypes for climate-adaptive stone houses designed to withstand extreme winds, heavy rainfall, and seismic activity.
Integration of modern engineering techniques (e.g., base isolation, reinforced joints, lightweight structural cores) while maintaining the visible heritage character of stone masonry.
Fire protection systems for cogon thatch roofs and alternative roofing options tested against fire risks but visually aligned with the traditional profile.
Community and Livelihood Development
Introduction of a community market and open spaces designed as multipurpose plazas for trading, gatherings, and cultural activities, strengthening local livelihood for farmers and fishermen.
Creation of tourism-supportive facilities—interpretive centers, guided heritage routes, and community homestays—that reinforce Ivatan identity and provide sustainable economic opportunities.
Environmental Stewardship
Site planning that respects the protected landscape and seascape of Batanes by aligning with contours, minimizing cut-and-fill, and maintaining biodiversity corridors.
Preventive maintenance and conservation strategies integrated into the master plan to extend the lifespan of heritage houses and reduce long-term repair costs.
Use of local and alternative sustainable materials to reduce environmental impacts and reliance on restricted resources.
Master Plan for Songsong
The community master plan envisions Songsong as a heritage-driven, climate-smart settlement, with zoning that balances residential, livelihood, tourism, and conservation spaces.
The Ruins of Songsong serve as the cultural anchor of the site, with new development clustered around it in a way that highlights, rather than dominates, the historic environment.
In summary, the design solution ensures that Songsong evolves into a model for heritage conservation and climate resilience—honoring the Ivatan legacy while preparing the community for the challenges of the future.
Impact
The project creates a meaningful impact by preserving Ivatan heritage architecture while enhancing community resilience. Restoring the Sinadumparan stone houses ensures that Ivatan culture and identity are safeguarded for future generations, while seismic-resistant innovations protect residents from the recurring threat of earthquakes and typhoons. Beyond cultural preservation, the project strengthens social ties through shared spaces and fosters pride among Ivatans in their traditions. Economically, it opens opportunities for livelihood through agriculture, fishing, and heritage-based tourism, while environmentally, it safeguards the protected landscapes and seascapes of Batanes by promoting sustainable, site-sensitive development. Overall, the project transforms Songsong into a living model of how culture, safety, and sustainability can coexist.
Evaluation
As a proposal, this architectural study serves primarily as a framework and reference for the Municipality of Uyugan and the Ivatan community. While the long-term resilience and cultural outcomes cannot be guaranteed until implementation, the study provides clear strategies for restoring Songsong in a way that balances heritage preservation with climate and seismic adaptation. It outlines design principles, building techniques, and community-oriented interventions that can guide decision-making, resource allocation, and future project development. By presenting options rooted in Ivatan traditions yet aligned with modern building codes, the proposal equips local government and the indigenous Ivatan tribe with a practical tool for evaluating feasibility, cultural sensitivity, and sustainability before undertaking full-scale restoration and redevelopment.
This study reaffirmed to me the importance of Filipino architecture as both a cultural anchor and a framework for resilience. In exploring the restoration of Songsong, I came to see heritage not only as a memory of the past but as a living resource that can shape sustainable futures. Ivatan stone houses, with their deep wisdom of place, prove that indigenous architecture holds answers to contemporary challenges like climate change and disaster risk. As a graduate of Architecture, this project strengthened my sense of purpose in preserving and elevating our cultural identity through design. It is both a professional responsibility and a personal calling to ensure that Filipino architecture continues to inspire pride, belonging, and resilience for generations to come. In carrying forward these lessons, I hold pride not only in what I create as a designer, but also in my roots, heritage, and the shared stories they represent.
Design concept, 3D visualization, graphics and presentation by: Orcel Manalang
Academic Advisor: Architect Marie Grace Patadlas
Advisors: Architect Joeffrey Cardenal and Architect Jerald Seriosa
Course: DESIGN 10: Architectural Thesis
Institution: Far Eastern University, Manila
Primary Resources by: Municipality of Uyugan, Batanes
NCIP Batanes Ancestral Group Ivatan
