Project Type
Research and Publication
Year
Winter 2025
Client /Professor
FEU IARFA, Municipal of Uyugan
Role
Architectural Designer, Master Planner, Researcher
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
“Kavahayan” is a community planning and design project for Songsong, Uyugan in Batanes. The goal is to make the area a sustainable agri-tourism destination while protecting the culture and heritage of the Ivatan people. The project balances tourism and livelihood opportunities with the preservation of traditional Sinadumparan houses, agricultural and fishery infrastructure, and the fragile natural environment. It proposes a framework that integrates housing, cultural spaces, and support facilities while respecting the landscape, local traditions, and climate challenges.
DESIGN QUESTION
How can the under-utilized heritage site of the Songsong Ruins be transformed into a vibrant, resilient community that preserves Ivatan heritage while creating sustainable and economically supportive opportunities for local residents?
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 “Sinaduparan” or stone houses which is characterized and made from natural materials of limestones, stones and coral stones, and has a thatched cogon roof which is designed and influenced to resist the anticipated calamities of the province.
SITE & CONTEXT STRATEGY
Location: Songsong, Uyugan, a coastal community with rich culture and a fragile environment
Studied local topography, climate, and accessibility to guide site planning
Worked with the Ivatan community and municipal government to ensure designs reflect local values and needs
Planned development to integrate traditional architecture with modern tourism and livelihood requirements
DESIGN STRATEGY
Housing Plan: Clustered Sinadumparan houses providing resilient, vernacular-style housing and potential accommodations for visitors
Tribal Heritage Center: Located in the Song Song ruins to showcase Ivatan culture through exhibitions, workshops, and performances
Agri-Fishery Facility: Storage and distribution buildings to support farmers and fishers and improve access to markets
Sustainable Design: Used local materials and traditional construction techniques, with eco-friendly interventions to make buildings resilient to climate and earthquakes.
PROJECT OUTCOME
The project aims to preserve and revitalize the Sinadumparan house as a vital representation of Ivatan identity, safeguarding its architectural and cultural heritage for future generations. It seeks to develop sustainable architectural facilities that address the community’s needs while incorporating climate-resilient and eco-friendly principles. Additionally, the project focuses on creating agricultural support infrastructure to optimize resource utilization, enhance productivity, and support the livelihood of local farmers and fishers. It emphasizes the promotion and maintenance of Ivatan culture and traditions, fostering a deep sense of pride and identity among the community and visitors. Equally important is the protection and conservation of Batanes’ natural environment, prioritizing the preservation of its native flora and fauna to maintain ecological balance.
The Kavahayan proposal was presented to the IARFA (Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts) jury, receiving constructive feedback regarding areas for design refinement and heritage preservation. The jury noted the project’s innovative approach, highlighting that its complexity and conceptual depth align with a master’s-level submission and requires on-going study and collaborations with other professions. They also appreciated the thoughtful integration of Ivatan cultural and architectural heritage while recognizing the careful attention to local traditions and ecological sensitivity. Following the presentation, the project was shared with the Municipal Government of Uyugan as a reference to support potential future planning initiatives and heritage-informed development strategies.
CREDITS
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
