Integrating Sustainability and Agri-tourism: Proposed

Recreational Farm Resort and Development

By:
Allayza R. Almodiente
BS Architecture
2011121434

A Practicum Report Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Course Requirement

for the Architectural Design 9: Architectural Design Thesis Writing
Bachelor of Science in Architecture Program

Mapúa Institute of Technology

March 2016
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION 2

Statement of the Problem 3

Research Goals/Objectives 4

Significance of the Research 4

Limitation of the Study 5

Theoretical Framework 5

Definition of Terms 6

Chapter 2: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES 7

Chapter 3: RESEARCH DESIGN AND PROCEDURE 14

Research Method 14

Research Instrument 14

Research Locale 15

Population Universe and Subject of the Study 16

Sampling Procedure 16

Research Strategy 17

Statistical Management 17

Chapter 4: RESULTS & DISCUSSION SUMMARY OF FINDINGS & ANALYSIS 18

Case Study: Villa Escudero Plantations and Farm Resort 18

Interview Method 27

SWOT Analysis 28

Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis 29

Chapter 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 32

BIBLIOGRAPHY (references) 33
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 Chapter I

INTRODUCTION

Agriculture and tourism plays a major role in the Philippines’s economic and cultural

development. Agri-tourism –or also referred as ‘farm tourism’ is a form of tourism activity

conducted in a rural land area in which may include tending to farm animals, planting, harvesting,

and processing of farm products. It covers attractions, activities, services, and amenities as well as

other resources of the area to promote an appreciation of the local culture, heritage and traditions

through personal contact with the local people.

Agri-tourism also refers to the practice of attracting visitors and travelers to farm areas for

production, educational, and recreational purposes. In concept, agri-tourism is a special form of

rural tourism and it could be differentiated with ecotourism. In agri-tourism, the farmer as an

innovator offers various kinds of services and agri-tourism products whereas ecotourism they are

provided by the tour companies.

As a tropical country, Philippine is known for its tourism sites in all over the archipelago.

One branch of leisure industry in this country is the newly accredited agri-tourism program, where

pertinent sites are categorized as either day farms or farm resorts. This was developed by the

Department of Tourism in June 2004, but has not been actively pursued.

With the hustle of city and urban life, tourists more likely wanted to visit and connect with

natural and cultural heritage and experience authentic leisure. Farm resorts are known to be as

recreational place that offer accommodation, dining services, and leisure purposes to enjoy

interactive farm activities. Also, other attractions are offered to enrich the tourists’ farm life

experience.

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 Many traditional farmers are accustomed to growing and selling their tangible commodities

at wholesale to a distributor. With the introduction of tourism, farm operators haven begun to think

beyond crop development and create an intangible experience to generate income from consumers.

(Lynch, 1998; Gofarity & Renkow, 2002)

Farm resorts through agri-tourism will help in the growth of economic development by

gradually investing in this business. This will not only increase the tourism development but will

help the livelihood of rural farmers and farm developers.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The purpose of this study is to create a recreational farm resort intentionally to cater the

immediate needs of farmers, tourists, and the local people of the area. More specifically, it sought

to answer the following questions:

1. What approaches in terms of architectural design will provide efficient recreational spaces

for tourists?

2. What are the environmental impacts needed to recognize in constructing recreational farm

resort?

3. How will providing a farm resort can improve the livelihood of farmers and benefit the

business of developers?

4. What space planning could be effective to the transition of the tourists from one space to

another?

5. What is the impact of the architectural design considerations to the benefit of farmers,

tourists and local townspeople?

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RESEARCH GOALS/OBJECTIVES

The goal of this research is to design a recreational farm resort that will offer good visual

environment, aesthetic appeal to the tourists, and provide functional use of all facilities with

minimum environmental impact. It also aims to provide effective circulation strategies for both

vehicular and pedestrian plans. It also wanted to establish progressive livelihood to the rural

farmers and gain profit and boost the economic development through the proposed farm resort.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

The following are the objectives of the study:

1. To provide a recreational resort that will meet the expectations of tourists and visitors.

2. To provide facilities and spaces in terms aesthetic and functional approach.

3. To promote the livelihood of rural farmers and increase the production on the use of the

existing site

4. To use materials found in the site as a primarily source for the building construction.

5. To implement efficient designs that can carry out the functional aspects of the proposed

farm resort.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RESEARCH

The significance of this study is to develop and provide strategic designs that will help

achieve the recreational resolutions of a farm resort intently for the benefit of tourists and local

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 people. Also to boost the agri-tourism program by providing progressive livelihood of farmers and

increasing the local production from the site used in the proposed farm resort.

LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

This study is limited only to the architectural aspects particularly designing, planning, and

programming the facilities and spaces of a recreational farm resort that would benefit farmers,

tourists, and local town people in the site.

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

DEFINITION
The OFshows
diagram above TERMSthe essential considerations in planning farm resort and site development

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DEFINITION OF TERMS

Agri-tourism –also referred as ‘farm tourism’ is a form of tourism activity conducted in a rural

farm area which may include tending to farm animals, harvesting and processing of farm products.

It covers attractions, activities, services and amenities as well as other resources of the area to

promote an appreciation of the local culture, heritage and traditions through personal contact with

the local people.

Day farm –farms ideal for day/tours/visits usually located near national highways and main

business areas

Farm –basic unit of agriculture. A section of land devoted to the production and management of

food, either produce or livestock.

Farm products –refers to fresh and processed products of the farm

Farm resort –farms that offer accommodation and dining services, for the purpose of participating

in or enjoying interactive on farm activities and other attractions offered to enrich the tourist’ farm

life experience

Farm site –is a working farm producing and/or showcasing raw and/or processed products

Department of Tourism –government department that is responsible for the concern of agri-

tourism and setting to farm resort matters

Recreational –relating to or denoting activity done for enjoyment when one is not working

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 Chapter II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

The word “agri tourism” is a mash-up of both “agriculture” and “tourism”. Fundamentally,

agri-tourism involves an agriculturally-based operation or activity that draws visitors to a farm,

ranch or any natural site like pineapple plantations, orchid farms, and bee farms (Mother Nature

Network, Josh Lew, 2013) for outdoor recreational activities, education, shopping or even lodging

(Panaynews Philippines, 2013)

Agri-tourism is a commercial enterprise at a working farm conducted for the enjoyment or

education of visitors and generated primary or supplementary income for the operator. Agri-

tourism is a subset of a larger industry –rural tourism—that includes resorts, farmers’ markets,

agricultural tours, and other leisure and hospitality businesses that attracts visitors to the provincial

side. Farm and ranch recreation refers to agri-tourism activities that are conducted on private

agricultural lands and can include fee-hunting and fishing, overnight stays, and educational

activities.

An agri-tourism activity, as explained by US House Bill 1808 introduced in Congress, means “any

activity carried out on a farm or ranch or in a forest that allows members of the general public for

recreational, entertainment, or educational purposes, to view or enjoy rural activities, including

farming, ranching, historical, cultural, harvest-your-own, or nature-based activities and

attractions.” HB 1080 notes that agri-tourism has been providing additional incomes to farmers,

farm owners, and producers in many states in America.

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 In the Philippines, agri-tourism has been present in the Philippines since 1990s, but was

not institutionally defined then. In those early times, most agri-tourism farms were either privately

owned or managed (Farmlands are also for tourists, Inquirer News, 2012).

In 1991, the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the United Nations Development Program

(UNDP) came together and formulated the Philippine Tourism Master Plan (TMP); aimed at

developing tourism on an environmentally sustainable basis. In 2002, the Departments of

Agriculture (DAR) and Department of Tourism issued a joint circular that identified 10 agri-

tourism sites in the country. With this accreditation, all sites would have to adhere to the minimum

standards prescribed by the Department for all operations and maintenance activities; guaranteeing

a satisfactory visit for the tourists.

As a tropical country with an abundance of natural resources, biological diversity and a strong

cultural heritage, the Philippines is a well-positioned for agri-tourism. At present, the Philippines

has a total of 32 agri-tourism sites, including 27 protected areas (Salimbay, 2013) consisting of

strawberry and organic vegetable farms in Benguet, as well as pineapple and coffee plantations in

Bukidnon. The Philippines also hosts various events, including farmers’ field days and agricultural

fairs, which are estimated to be attended by 64,000 tourists each year.

One of the agri-tourism companies known in the Philippines is the AgriNurture.

AgriNurture is considered the country’s biggest mango exporter and fruit and vegetable supplier.

The chair and executive officer of AgriNurture, agribusiness leader Antonio Tiu stated that the

preliminary work involved negotiations with farmers in the provinces. He said that the

development of farmlands into tourism destinations will help uplift the living and work conditions

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of farmers in Bukidnon and the three other provinces namely Batangas, Tarlac, and Tagaytay.

These provinces are already widely recognized due to their potential to become agri-tourism

destinations. Tiu said that throwing in tourism will create more employment and livelihood

opportunities as well as directly increase the income of those already in the industry. Agriculture

should able to make more viable for the Filipino farmers. It is important that the farmers and their

families benefit from these agri-tourism projects. (Inquirer Mindanao, 2013)

A muck farm based in Florida has been developed to an eco-resort by the St. Johns River

Water Management District. Despite the unstable development, the resort is in full swing today

offering visitors a glimpse of a Florida marsh and its wildlife, while returning the profit to the

agency. The road to nature tourism began when the water district bought Ocklawaha Farms

southeast of Ocala, a 2,600-acre tract of land that has been supplying compost for more than

seventy years. Most of the acreage was restored to marshland, but some of the higher ground and

accompanying buildings presented a profit-making opportunity.

The struggling resort was managed by Stanley Selengut, who runs several renowned eco-resorts

in the U.S. Virgin Islands. He have leased 52 acres of the land and added a renovated lodge, some

guest cabins, and swimming pool from the water district. Since then, he has continued to add more

amenities and facilities such as eco-tents which served as informal accommodation to the tourists

and overnight stayers. The transitioned resort let tourists explore the local waters, hike extensive

trail systems and view wildlife that are prominently found in Florida. (Jacksonville Florida Times-

Union, 2000)

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 Farm resorts has been prominent in the Philippines because of the wide land masses found

in almost every rural areas. The land owners venture in this type of tourism to generate income

and make development into their lying lands. Now that it is acknowledged by the government, the

department of Tourism have set rules and regulations to have a uniformed guideline in operating

and maintaining agri-tourism and such resorts.

Farm resorts must have achieve minimum standard of requirements for the purpose of

accreditation. These farms must be situated in a generally safe and peaceful location. Farm resorts

must attain required spaces for the facilities and amenities needed. Also, the service areas must be

available for at least no more than two-hour drive from the farm. The general rules in operating

and maintain farm sites must have at least three (3) months or a year. Farm sites should also be

provided with safety and security. To ensure safety and security, a security personnel should be on

a duty on a twenty four-hour duty. Appropriate safety signage must be displayed conspicuously.

Naturally in a farm site, there are areas limited to the access of people. “Off limit” areas shall be

clearly be demarcated. Farm sites should also provide firefighting facilities, first aid or health

facilities, and farm equipment. Sanitation is also essential in raising a farm resort. The facilities

should provide wash areas, restrooms and garbage management for the whole location. (Departmet

of Tourism, Chapter IV of Rules and Regulations, 2004)

Monteray Farm-Resort
Pinamungajan, Cebu

Monteray farm is located about two (2) kilometers from the town hall in sitio Dakit, barangay

Poblacion in midwest Cebu. The name of Monteray farm was coined from the names of its owners

Ramon and his wife Teresina “Teray” Pono. The retired chemical engineer Ramon decided to put

up stakes in his hometown with his acquired a five-hectare lot with a view of the mountains, and

10
built a two-storey vacation house as a place to visit on weekends and holidays. Owners decided to

develop and open their farm to travelers and pool-users to earn revenue that would help in its

upkeep. The property used to be a coconut plantation before the family developed it into a farm-

resort. Later on, coconut trees were replaced by Agoho or native pine trees for better landscaping.

Today, the place welcomes visitors as a family-friendly farm-resort with an organic garden and

recreational and adventurous activities such as a zip line. With a design of country living ambiance,

guests get to choose whether to relax in bungalows or sleep outdoor in tents. The area has three

restrooms made of bamboo near the woods. Two bungalows built close to the swimming pool

available for overnight stays. A function room can be rented for birthdays, weddings, and other

occasions. A family house near the main entrance and reception area can accommodate 12 persons.

Healthy food offerings are provided from its own organic farm. The owners have started to develop

an organic garden where it started growing vegetables and herbs. The farm grows mint, green tea,

lettuce, basil, yellow corn, lemon grass, spring onions, and tomatoes in at least ten garden beds

and a small nursery.

So far, people get to know about the farm through word of mouth since it started its operation in

summer of year 2014. Most visitors come for the day to use the swimming pool. Most of them are

Pinamungajan residents and neighboring towns of Aloguisan and Toledo City. Monteray is

shaping to be a win-win endeavor for a family in the city that has extended its vacation home in

the province into a farm and resort.

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Belle Mont Farm Resort on St. Kitss
Designed by Arch. Bill Bensley

A guesthouse at Belle Mont Farm, a luxurious resort which opened on the West Indian island of

St. Kitts. The ninety one villa hotel is part of Kittitian Hill, a sustainable community with 400 acres

of organic farmland. Architect Bensley conceive the villas to recall the architecture of the

traditional chattel houses that populate the island. In addition to 7 three and four bedroom

farmhouses, the 84 guesthouses have private pools and verandas. A guesthouse at the resort, which

features farm-to-table dining and a golf course. One of the exquisite features of a guesthouse is an

outdoor bath overviewing the sky and the beach. A spa will soon to be constructed, but in-room

treatments are available until then. With the site is perched on a hill, the property affords expansive

views of the Caribbean Sea below. Guests are encourage to explore the farm, where a wide range

of crops are grown, including passion fruit, pineapples, bananas, and mangoes, as well as

vegetables, coffee and cacao.

Transformation to Eco-Agri Tourism

Case of Casile, Cabuyao city, Laguna, Philippines

The study was conducted to determine the acceptability of the residents of Barangay Casile,

Cabuyao, Laguna, Philippines in transforming their locality into an eco-agri tourism site. Barangay

12
Casile is an agricultural area and is also noted for its natural heritage such as the Matang Tubid

River and Falls and the Marcos Twin Tower. Because of this, the local government of Cabuyao

City plans to develop the area as a nature-based tourism destination specifically as an eco-agri

tourism site. Based on the surveys conducted, it revealed that the respondents agreed on the

proposition of transforming their area into an agri-tourism site. Cultural acceptability ranks the

highest which means that the locals are open on the possible effects on their culture that the

development could bring them. Economic and social acceptability were also highly ranked because

of the income it could generate from the tourists. Environmental acceptability is the least agreeable

because most of the respondents were environmental sensitive and are concerned with the changes

to the natural façade of their area. The agri-tourism development involving local residents provides

control over the development and management of the project.

The Village Farm Resort and Winery

Wilaiporn Lao-Hakosol

The village Farm Resort and Winery is an integrated winemaking vineyard with wine tasting

house, restaurant, spa, and guesthouse located in the north-east of Thailand. It has achieve success

both through the quality of its Chateau des Brumes brand of wines and for the conviviality

available at the country retreat. These marker sectors have become feasible in Thailand because of

large-scale social and economic changes which have completely disrupted the marketing

environment in the country. The sector is rapidly developing based on an expanding market and

the passion and enthusiasm of investors-entrepreneurs. However, there are certain to be challenges

to be faced as the market matures.

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 Chapter III

RESEARCH DESIGN AND PROCEDURE

Research Method:

The type of method used as the medium for gathering data is descriptive. In this type of

method, this will facilitate in describing, explaining, and interpreting the information needed for

the study. This will cover information needed such as the guidelines for the spatial circulation,

effective space planning, and other considerations that will cater the needs of the recreational farm

resort. This will also be used to gather first-hand information such as conducting interviews and

all possible inquiry forms that will be needed. All data collected will be used in applied for the

implementation of the research study.

The study on this recreational farm resort will require a systematic approach of gathering

data as the method of giving a procedural basis in this study. Through the data gathered from this

method will also let to identify the evident problems and issues concerning in the study. The first-

hand information in this method such as optical inspections and government documents will serve

as further guidance for the proposed design of the farm resort. Likewise, with the aid of associated

digital researches have also revealed much facts pertinent to farm resorts. The research method

aims to deliver more precise descriptive analysis to provide straight results in able to achieve the

needs and amenities of the resort more in tune with the target market.

Research Instrument:

The researcher implemented different types of approach in the phase of research design

case study. First approach will be collecting all data that will serve as tools for this study such

14
optical visits in the site, necessary factual information, close study of the site plans and operative

study. Second approach will be interviewing people with direct and close connection in operating

the farm resort. Conveyance of interviews to give more reasonable and relevant information for

the said research. There will also be series of observations to determine the movement of the

respondents. Through observing their behavior and measure, this will agree on the planning needed

for the spaced to be allocated and designed.

The research is to address potential designs that would be suitable and will seek comfort

for tourists and vacation goers. This is to create guidelines in planning for effective space

circulation for facilities that would benefit future design solely for the use of a recreational farm

resort.

The purpose of the study is intended to find a much better approach of designing a

recreational farm resort that will boost the livelihood of farmers and farm operators as well as

tourism that will promote the attractiveness of the country.

Research Locale:

The research case study took place at Villa

Escudero –a working coconut plantation and resort.

The plantation incorporates three municipalities in

two provinces: San Pablo City in Laguna, and the

towns of Tiaong, and Dolores in Quezon province.

The entrance to the resort is located a few feet from

the Laguna and Quezon boundary arch. The

rationale for choosing this location is the definite facilities it provided given that it has been

15
established during the 1980’s. Its location was adjacently connected to the Pan-Philippine highway

making it accessible to motorists and public transportations. The place also became more reachable

through a nearby bus terminal in the part of Tiaong, Quezon.

Population Universe and Subjects of the Study:

The defined population in this research are those represented in the farm, such as farmers,

caretakers, and farm operators. Also, the greater population will be coming from tourists and

vacation goers that mostly benefit in the use of the facilities in the said farm resort. This selected

populace will be the basis of determining more efficient spaces that will provide the needed

facilities of the farm resort. As one factor of providing the population universe is the

acknowledgement of the name of the site or area. Depending if the place is already been visited by

numerous people from time to time. Moreover, the subjective case for this will include the general

public as to be the target market. The research should also be open to the local residents of the area

for coming as just visitors in the site.

Sampling Procedure:

The sampling procedure that will be used in the research is random sampling. The selected

sampling will conduct a distributed survey questions that will be given to those people who travel

as well as vacation goers. These will also be given to those who facilitate farm resorts to give their

observable information in the spaces and facilities in the said research. With these selected

populace, closer and accurate results will be obtained to the given topic. This will also be given to

general public as well to give their probable information regarding a farm resort.

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Research Strategy:

In the descriptive process, the collected background information and analysis of data will

be used to reach the specific conclusion needed in the case study of the research design. Strategical

step-by-step procedure must be followed to attain the research aims and objectives. Interpreting

and explaining the gathered information through a descriptive process will be able to accomplish

the outcome of the research. As one example from descriptive process is the survey strategy

wherein it helps to collect qualitative data and information from the general view of the people

that are related to the topic of space development in farm tourism.

Statistical Management:

The acquired data from the research case study procedure will be treated in a fair numerical

method. The type of statistical analysis that will be used is in descriptive statistics. The collected

data in the research will be summarized accordingly. The use of mean, median and mode will defy

the system of information from the gathered process. The system will provide a conclusion of

descriptive statistical information wherein the use of mean, median, and mode will follow. The

mean statistical information will show the average occurring number while the median statistic

will provide the intermediate number and lastly, the mode will constructively provide the most

occurring number along the numerical information.

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 Chapter IV

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS SUMMARY OF FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS

I. Case Study: Villa Escudero Plantations and Resort

The research phase of this case study was conducted at Villa Escudero Plantation and

Resort, located at Tiaong, Quezon Province boundary of San Pablo, Laguna. Villa Escudero lies

within Hacienda Escudero, a 415-hectare of lush coconut plantation complete with panoramic

views of nature. The site used to be a plantation of sugarcane in 1880s but later converted to a

coconut plantation by the known owner, Don Arsenio Escudero. This widespread site is situated

along Pan-Philippine Highway, a major road passable by both private and public transportations.

The site made more accessible through a nearby bus station that cater buses from Manila to Quezon

province and to further areas in the south of the Luzon.

Fig 1. Site coverage of Hacienda Escudero

Site-Zone Orientation

The site for the farm resort is located inside the further east side of Hacienda Escudero.

Paved roadways were established perpendicularly from the Pan-Philippine Highway directing to

the different locations of the 415-hectare site. One of the three thoroughfares that connects from

18
the highway is used as a main entrance and exit from the Hacienda Escudero. The other two road

accesses serve as a service road exits coming from the farm resort. (See Fig. 2)

Fig. 2 Site Orientation

Site Structure Observation and Interpretations

Upon the main entrance of the Hacienda Escudero is a long paved road leading to the

different destinations of the site. A roundabout is seen that centrals the direction for the different

locations. Visible electrical connections that

supplies electricity to the whole place are

situated on the open areas of the plantations

near the sides of the roads. In addition on the

far right side of the site is an undeveloped

parcel of land that will be developed into a

subdivision lot of the whole site. (See Fig. 3)

Fig 3. Established electrical connections

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 A signage (see Fig. 4) is seen prompting to the direction of the farm resort site which is

located on the far left side of the entire hacienda. Although there where directions given from the

guard house in the main entrance and some signage placed in the side of the roadways, the former

areas of the site lacked road lights nor street lightings for vehicles passing on those roads especially

at night. A tourist police center as one of the facilities in the site is also seen not far from the main

entrance of the farm resort (Fig. 5).

Fig 4. One of signage that leads to the resort Fig. 5 Tourist Police Center

The entrance of the Villa Escudero farm resort particularly leads to the parking area just passing

through the reception or information area. An allotted space from the resort is designated to

vehicular parking depending to the type of transportation (see Fig. 6). On the far end of the parking

area is assigned to bus parking. Motorcycle parking is not included in this parking area but placed

inside of the farm resort.

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 Fig 6. Parking area particularly the allotted parking for buses

Impact of the Architectural Design Application

The Villa Escudero Farm Resort is mainly designed in a traditional Filipino theme concept.

Almost all building structures are visualized in nipa hut design constructed mainly with wood and

wood-designed concrete posts. The roofs are of fabricated in a traditional steep pitched ending in

long eaves. The first thing to see in the farm resort site is the reception building (see fig. 7). This

particular building served two drop-offs in the sides which also served as entrance for walk-in

people. Upon entering, a welcome drink will be served while getting a registration receipt for

either day or overnight tour. The souvenir shop and a small café nook are found inside the

reception. A fixed site map is located in front of the information desk.

Fig. 7 Reception building

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 One of the highlights of the farm resort is the museum of collections (see fig. 8) of the

owner. Vibrantly covered in pink paint, this museum is designed in a faux church-concept that

caters all the collections of the owner way back to late 1800s.

Fig. 8 Façade of the Museum

A covered walk way (see fig. 9) is provided along heading to the museum. Tree trunks

were used as posts in the walk way. A baggage area (see fig 10) is provided that requires to leave

backpacks and medium-sized bags just outside the museum. Photography was not allowed inside

due to delicate artifacts housed inside the museum and certain precautions had to be in place.

Fig 9. Covered walk way Fig 10. Baggage area before the museum

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 Fig 11. Glimpse of the museum. Researcher took shot for educational purposes

Another amenity that Villa Escudero could only offer is its one of a kind waterfalls

restaurant. As seen on figure 12, the man made waterfall was created from the hydroelectric dam

from the Labasin Lake coming from Mt. Banahaw. As part of the day tour, visitors are being

fetched by a carabao cart (water buffalo) dropping off to covered walk ways leading to different

amenities of the site. From this lake, one of the amenities provided by the resort to the visitors is

the bamboo rafting (see fig. 13) as included in the day tour. The accommodations offered by the

resort is especially constructed with native materials and oriented beautifully protruding by the

lake as its view (see fig. 14).

Fig 12. Waterfalls Restaurant

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 Fig 13 -14. Bamboo rafting in the lake and breathtaking view of the lake

The day tour served as an observation and reflection to all the amenities and facilities inside

the resort. The researcher made necessary efforts to focus on the architectural aspects of the site

such as the lodging spaces that were one of the primary bases for the recreational facilities to be

designed in the future study. The location for the lodging spaces were positioned exclusively to

the farther portion of the resort. There are five (5) types of accommodations offered by the resort

with a total of thirty (30) spatial rooms. Long House cottages and River Unit are lodgings that are

openly ventilated while the Executive Suites, Gumamela Suites, and Katakataka rooms are bigger

in space and have air-conditions.

Fig 15-16. Long House Cottages (left) and Gumamela Suites (Right)

24
 As seen in the figure 15, the Long House cottages is plainly designed with only one window

per room present. There are no adequate natural lighting that enters the cottages because of the

shading it gets from the tall plantations. The remaining lodging accommodations were partially

constructed on stilts with the balcony area facing the river as its view.

Fig 17-18. On stilts part of the lodging and balcony view facing the river

On figure 19, the River Cottages have provided a ramp for the disabled and maintained a

passive design on the walls of the balcony. Also in figure 20, the placement bathroom windows

were not aesthetically designed and pleasing. Some of the roofing area as seen on figure 22 were

quite dilapidating wrecked.

Fig 19-20. Ramp leading to balcony area and visible bathroom windows

25
 Fig 21. Broken roof covering

Aside from the lodging amenties, the utilies and other services are also necessary to provide

in a farm resort. These include the farming facilities used in the plantation, the generator building

facility, and the office block of the farm resort. They have also provided an automated teller

machine as the form of income generating service to the employees of the resort.

Fig 22-23. Storage of farm equipment and generator set for the whole resort

26
 Fig 24-25. Other amenities and facilities included in the farm resort

II. Interview Method

The researcher led an interview to the first hand employees to have further knowledge

about the operations and management of farm resort. A reliable employee that has been working

for almost eighteen (18) years stated that most tourists and guests visits during summer months

from March to May. During these periods, maximum of six hundred (600) tourists avail the day

tour of Villa Escudero. With this massive amount of people visiting, the waterfalls restaurant

increases the number of tables being served. Almost all of the services are doubled to accommodate

the number of tourists present in these times. When asked about the volume of people during

ordinary seasons, a minimum of a hundred (100) people visit the farm resort. It was advisable to

visit the farm resort during regular days since weekends and holidays are almost always fully

booked to visitors. There were also problems that rise in the farm resort that are inevitable such as

natural calamities that occur. Heavy rain ours can cause flooding from the dam going to the

waterfalls restaurant.

As for the management of the whole hacienda, the employees have stated that the

Escuderos have maintained proper conservation of their treasured properties as well as maintained

good relationships with their co-employees for almost three decades.

27
 A parcel of land from the entire hacienda was leased to the workers of the farm resort to

build up their own community which was later called the ‘Heritage Village’. Workers were not

asked to pay rentals for the lot as long as they work back for the hacienda. Some employees were

working for at least three decades now with their families living in this built neighborhood. The

third generation Escuderos, who are now handling the plantation are very down-to-earth people

and treat their employees as part of their family.

III. SWOT Analysis

 Strength

Villa Escudero Plantations and Resort has been established long before making it more

known now to the public. It has been visited by many foreign and local visitors to date.

Aesthetically, it conceptualized in a tropical design which provided a passive movement to the

facilities especially the lodging areas. The location of the whole site became more accessible and

ideal through an adjacent major roadway and certain transportation hubs that are near to it. The

resort also established a very systematic way of guiding the tourists for their day tour offer.

 Weakness

Although Villa Escudero Plantations and Resort cater one of a kind experience in its day

tour, it somehow settled quite expensive. While it is adjacent to a major road, the location of the

resort is quite far from the entrance. Through observations, it is much easier traveled through a

private vehicle than those of who commute by public transportations. By regular seasons, not all

facilities are being used, thus, it has to be maintained all the time to prevent from dilapidating.

There are also limited physical activities to be done in the site.

28
  Opportunities

With this widespread site, Villa Escudero needed manpower to help operate the whole site.

It helped provide more job opportunities to residents living near areas of Laguna and Quezon

province and also provided housing settlements to these workers. The resort also offers a different

dining experience from other farm resorts by creating a man-made waterfalls from the Labasin

Dam. With the different amenities they have provided, this increases the profit for the farm resort.

Villa Escudero in whole, promotes and increases the Philippine tourism through becoming a

rewarding destination for anyone who wants to experience a traditional Filipino ambience.

 Threats

Since Hacienda Escudero exposes a wide land coverage, some parts of the facilities were

not fully maintained. Also with the present unexpected climate changes, the river or dam where

the waterfalls restaurant is situated and lodging settled on stilts design can go overflow because of

unexpected occurring of possible heavy rain flow.

IV. Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis

The data collected showed the gathered information which will be needed to the proposal

for the use of the future study.

In 2014, the contribution of Tourism in the Philippines to the economy is 7.8 percent. This

is measured by the share of tourism direct gross value added (TDGVA) to the total gross domestic

product (GDP). Tourism cuts across different sectors of the economy and the TDGVA serves as

the indicator to measure the value added of different industries in relation to tourism activities of

both inbound and domestic visitors in the country.

29
 Table 1. TDGVA Growth rates from 2012 to 2014

(Source: http://www.nscb.gov.ph/stats/ptsa/default.asp)

As seen on figure 26, the data gathered only focused on the number of foreign, overseas,

and domestic travelers in Region IV-A CALABARZON including the Quezon province.

Table 2. (Source: Department of Tourism Resource Center)

30
According to Department of Tourism is a list of major destinations where most tourists visit.

Table 3. Tourist Volume in major destinations

(Source: http://www.tourism.gov.ph/SitePages/demand.aspx)

31
 Chapter V

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

Conclusion:

The research considered analyzing of the data to provide sufficient evidences to the

intended project proposal of a farm resort. Based on the gathered primary and secondary

information, the researcher have discovered the strengths, weaknesses and potential threats that

were analyzed in the study. In proposing a recreational farm resort, there must be rules and

regulations to be abided that is prepared by the Department of Tourism. It is showed that designing

the facilities will have a great impact to the visitors and tourist.

Recommendation:

It is recommended that better statistical techniques be used to interpret the data obtained to

have a richer extend of the study. Furthermore, it is recommended that other ways be explored in

determining possible ways for planning spatial design for facilities and amenities in a recreational

farm resort. It must also be focused on the improvements and provide necessary innovations that

can be influential to the lifestyle aspects of the tourist. The research must also take consideration

to possible problems in both architectural and environmental aspects that will occur especially of

those natural calamities will bound to happen.

32
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

http://accreditationonline.tourism.gov.ph/Downloadables/Standards/AgriTourismFarmSite.pdf

https://agritoursph.wordpress.com/2013/04/18/converting-farms-into-agri-tourism-destinations/

http://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/belle-mont-farm-st-kitts-slideshow

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/392461/work-to-start-on-turning-farms-into-agritour-sites

http://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/54527/vacation-home-gets-new-life-as-a-farm-resort-in-

pinamungajan

http://e-

services.tourism.gov.ph:8080/didcs/Static%20Documents/revised%20summarybyprovince%202

011.pdf

http://www.nscb.gov.ph/stats/ptsa/default.asp

http://theskychick.com/2014/01/06/basking-in-nature-at-villa-escudero/

http://www.tourism.gov.ph/SitePages/demand.aspx

33
 2. RESEARCH FOCUS

This chapter shall briefly discuss the chosen focus and innovations for the project proposal.

Rationale

Venturing to a farm resort activity requires greater exertions in terms for production and

promotion. Each year, growing population of tourists whether local or foreigner has come to the

Philippines to experience its natural and adventurous places depending on what a place has to

offer. As majority of the farm places are bound to be found in provincial areas, it is more likely

that these places has the need to be promoted as to be discovered. Based on the case study

conducted, this also needs to comply certain considerations such as the transportation for whether

a privately or publicly driven and especially the ecological aspects of the site where the proposal

will be built.

Creating a well-planned farm resort design will stimulates and promotes the authentic

leisure and recreational needs especially of tourists and visitors. This comprises of extensive

strategic study of visualizing the location of spaces which will have impact not only for the users

but to the environment as well. In this farm resort, the environmental aspect plays a bigger role for

establishing such project. This includes the need of constructing the recreational structures without

damaging its natural site.

Designing a particular resort that includes the livelihood of rural people will require a

detailed process and sufficient study to identify the needs of the users as well as on how to improve

the recreational spaces that will be needing. Not only will this provide the basic amenities and

spaces intended for the resort users, but will also endeavor on the livelihood aspects of those

farmers and local people in terms of the need in spaces.

34
 As a response to the problem witnessed on the case study done in Villa Escudero Plantation

and Resort, the resort lacks in providing an entrance from public transportation going to site and

also with some facilities are not being used all the time that can eventually dilapidate plus

providing the limited physical activities. Therefore, to provide an idea of answer to the inactive

development, a purposely designed farm resort will cater all the needed facilities for the use of

intended users providing the satisfactorily recreational spaces of both ecological and modern

ambiance to the site’s development.

Architectural Advancement

The architectural innovation will focus on the space and circulatory planning for the users

and the holistic design advancement to achieve a better building typology. The open field will

become a tool for modeling a changeable and productive landscape, making it an attractive

destination for tourists and locals alike. This project will elaborate on the systematic approach and

proposes a new alternative touristic facilities that cater a better space planning and greater benefits

to the users. The will also promote the idea of merging the urban and rural touristic attractions in

a strategic farm site. Consequently, agriculture, tourism, and cultural heritage of the site will create

a new network to unite both of urban and rural sides geographically and socially. These innovations

will help in the physical activities done exclusively for the use of tourists as well as the planning

development of the site for the livelihood of the employed people.

Environmental Considerations

Many of the resorts that are established in natural contexts such as forests and rural sites

promotes sustainable tourism. On the contrary, some other architectural designs have alienated

35
and changed the natural and social conditions and establishing all-in-one concrete structures with

irreparable consequences for local habitats.

As a solution to the environmental problem, the project proposes the use of natural and

available resources around as well as applying it into the proposed project. Although, the use of

concrete materials is essential for the construction, this will be lessen by constructing through a

more eco-friendly building concept. This will establish new paradigms such as locating proper

facilities inside the cultivated land, experimenting to work with the local farmers, and

incorporating the ecological and renewable materials and skills transferability.

Principles and Relevance to the Project

The innovations proposed in this study will be favorable through incorporating the different

principles of tropical architecture and efficient planning and positioning of spaces in the design.

This will also promote ecological awareness especially in the construction phase not only of the

building but also where the site is situated.

The essential principles needed to attain and support the innovations of the project will

serve as guide in achieving and implementing the application of the study. These principles will

stand as basis in attaining the design proposed for the sustainable farm resort and development.

Tropical Architecture

The project will be complying through the principles of tropical design as it is situated in

a tropical rural site. The principle of applying passive design will be advantageous since the project

is aiming for a low-maintaining upkeep design of a resort.

36
Vernacular Building Character

The proposed farm resort will incorporate practical vernacular construction methods in

combining with the low energy principles of tropical design such as provision of cross-ventilation

and day-lighting to produce a comfortable solution.

As mentioned earlier, the project will use natural and available resources found as the

primary source of materials resulting to a neo-vernacular building character. As this project

attempts to transcend a modern design, this will be a combination of an urban idea of modernity

implied to a rural ecological area.

Furthermore, the following lists are some relevant principles that will be essential to the

design of the project:

User’s Needs

1. First class comfort of the users to the recreational facilities provided

2. Accessible spaces for the transition of users from one place to another

3. Safety and security of the location should be maintained for the wellbeing of the users

4. Consider the primary needs of the tourists in a farm resort

5. Develop the local capabilities and empower the local people working with the project

Building Operational Needs

1. The presence of the resort should not put at risk local ways of life, customs, and

resources

2. The building and its operation should generate as little waste as possible and avoid

environmental pollution

3. The resort will be designed to be economically sustainable such as capable of operating

profitably with being expensive to construct

37
 4. The design should take account of longer term future development and should

minimize energy use in the selection of materials, the process of construction and the

operation of the resort

5. The building will be situated in the site that is conducive with the environment

Application to the Project

The application of these principles and innovations will better engage the provisioned

design of the project. Through these innovations, the project can well utilize the space planning

and facilities needed to create an atmosphere that will offer relaxation and improve the well-being

of the users as well as provide positive impact to the environmental aspects of the site location.

38
 3. SITE IDENTIFICATION AND ANALYSIS

Site Selection Process

Criteria for Site Selection

Site Selection Criteria Variables Weight
Factor
Physical Characteristics of Site must be in good orientation provided in 5
the site terms of topography, climate and user
accessibility.
Location of the site The site should be a compelling reason for the 5
existence of the facility, however proximity to
major transport routes and access to utilities
must also be considered.
Inviolability of the place Many tourism facilities lacks sense of place, 4
adventure and sacredness. The site must be
explored for its natural ‘agricultural’
atmosphere that may allow guests to be in one
in nature.
Local Community and Careful analysis of local culture is important, 3
Resources local people could be tapped to help in
understanding the site. Furthermore, these
people could help in the construction and
actual operation
Appropriate Technology and The availability of locally available 4
Availability of Environmental construction materials is important as
Friendly Materials importation of eco-friendly materials maybe
uneconomical
Environmental Importance of Site must have provisions in the environmental 4
the site and ecological aspects in establishing the
resort. There should no harm and danger in the
user and the site plantation.
Impacts of Development Environmental and cultural impacts should be 4
monitored during the construction and
operation phases of development allowing
proactive measures to be taken to protect the
site from degradation.

Safety and Security Site should also possess the necessary rules and 4
regulations such as for the environment in
establishing a farm resort in the selected site.

Table 4. Site Selection Criteria

Weight Factor:
1 – Not important 2 – Somewhat important 3 – Important 4 – Very important 5 – Essential

39
Site Option Description

Based on the information gathered in the partial report of distribution of regional travelers

in the Philippines from the Department of Tourism, Region IV-A possessed the highest growth

rate of 45.72% in year of 2011. Areas under Batangas and Laguna garnered the utmost number of

tourists with 98,951 and 220,768 foreign travelers, 5,625 and 1,398 overseas Filipinos, and

309,501 and 2,650,962 domestic travelers respectively. These high number of travelers can be a

supplementary to the capacity of the areas mentioned as basis of establishing the farm resort.

In terms of the agricultural preference, the information was taken from a macro level by

looking at the agricultural sector of Region IV-A, among the provinces in CALABARZON,

Quezon shared the highest number of farms with 112.2 thousand, covering 341.4 thousand hectares

of agricultural land. Batangas ranked second with 91.3 thousand farms, covering 112.2 thousand

hectares, while Laguna came in third with 38.4 thousand farms, covering 62.6 thousand hectares.

(Source: NSO, 1991 Census of Agriculture and Fisheries and 2002 Census of Agriculture)

Site Selection and Justification

The selection of site must rely in accordance to the most suitable criteria found for the site

selection. It must consider all the appropriate zoning and classification needed to be as the selected

site. In choosing the designated site, the proponent initially searched regions in which most suitable

site is possible for building the farm resort and has most access to users.

The proceeding step is select out three (3) potential locations that will satisfy the criteria

set above. The first process began from a macro scale going down to the micro level in choosing

the selected site. The process was then followed by having a direct inquiry from the provincial

capital of Laguna to help provide potential sites in accordance with the site selection criteria. In

40
this part, several municipalities of Laguna were chosen from the assistant of the Planning and

Development Coordinator from Sta. Cruz, Laguna. Namely these sites are Barangay Calumpang,

Liliw, Barangay San Antonio, Luisiana and Baragay Suba, Majayjay.

Site A. Barangay Calumpang, Liliw, Laguna

Site B. Barangay San Antonio, Luisiana, Laguna

41
 Site C. Barangay Suba, Majayjay, Laguna

Site Selection Criteria Site A Site B Site C

Physical Characteristics of the site 4 5 5

Location of the site 4 5 3

Inviolability of the place 3 5 5

Local Community and Resources 5 4 4

Appropriate Technology and 5 4 4

Availability of Environmental
Friendly Materials

Environmental Importance of the site 4 5 5

Total 25 28 26

Table 5: Comparison of Site Selection

42
Site Evaluation and Analysis

The Macro Setting

The agri-tourism industry emerged in the Philippines as several researches has been

conducted. Considering the economic statistics across regions of the country based on the 2011

Top Agricultural Sectors In

The Philippines

Region III Region IV-A

Central Luzon CALABARZON
Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP), Central Luzon (Region III) and CALABARZON

(Region IV-A) are the top two contributors to the agricultural sector at 13.8% and 9.5%

respectively. The area of CALABARZON region is the convenient and easily accessible

destination for the Manila-based tourists as Manila being the prominent passage of mass travelers

of foreign and domestic tourists. The region also possessed diverse topography and varied natural

attractions making the region more interesting. It is the second most densely populated region with

a population density of 709.2 per square kilometers.

The Micro Setting

Among the provinces under CALABARZON region, the chosen locality of Laguna majority

agreed to the site criteria needed for the proposed project. Its accessible location that is nearest to

Manila and geographical features matched with the said criteria. Laguna has 60,624 hectares of

alienable and disposable agricultural land. From the 24 municipalities and 6 cities under Laguna,

only the upland areas were primarily chosen especially in the municipalities of Liliw, Luisiana,

and Majayjay as selection for the site options.

43
 Region IV-A (CALABARZON)

Cavite Laguna Batangas Rizal Quezon

Based on site
selection
criteria

Barangay Laguan, Barangay Suba, Barangay San

Liliw Majayjay Antonio, Luisiana

selected site

Law and Ordinance Pertaining to the Site

Generally, the Department of Tourism have set rules and regulations to govern the

accreditation of agri-tourism/farm. Pursuant of the provisions of Executive Order no. 292 dated

July 25, 1987, otherwise known as ‘Administrative Code of 1987’ specifically title XIII, book IV

thereof, the following rules and regulations are promulgated to govern accreditation of agri-

tourism/farm site. Moreover, additional guidelines for designing and planning a farm resort will

greater be from the necessary codes and orders such as:

Site:

P.D.1096 –The National Building Code of the Philippines

P.D. 1185 –The Fire Code of the Philippines

B.P. 344 –Accessibility Law

Pollution:

Pollution Control Decree of 1976 –Revised Industrial and Commercial Wastewater

Permitting Rules and Regulations of 1999 amending the Permit Regulations of 1978

R.A. 8749 –Clean Air Act of 1999

44
 R.A. 9003 –Solid Waste Management

Species and Habitat Protection:

R.A. 9147 –The Wildlife Conservation Act

R.A. 7586 –The National Integrated Protected Areas (NIPAS) Act

Land Use Management

P.D. 1586 –The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) System and rules and regulations

P.D. 1067 –The Water Code

P.D. 705 –The Forestry Code

45
 Zoning Certificate issued by the Municipal Planning and Development Office of

Luisiana, Laguna prior to the usage and intent of the seletected site.

46
Site Analysis

Barangay San Antonio, Luisiana, Laguna

Fig 26. Site location in Luisiana, Laguna

The location of the site is located in barangay San Antonio –one of the barangays which

are in the outlying area of Municipality of Luisiana. The site is visibly adjacent to Cavinti-Luisiana

national road. It stretches an area of 56,429 square meters or 5.6 hectares.

1.0 Present Condition

1.1 Environmental Condition

The environmental condition of the site in terms of the kinds of pollution is relatively low as

manifested by the presence of dense vegetation, minimal residential household and being a

temporary pasture land for pastoral animals. Due to being not a typical route and only accessed by

infrequent vehicular transportation, the site in unexploited with regards noise and human

intervention.

47
1.2 Land Condition

Fig 27-28. Soil Map (Left) and Land Use Map (Right) of Luisiana, Laguna

The land is undeveloped and vegetation is prominently constituted in the site with coconut and

crop covers the whole surface area. The land is very arable. Luisiana soils overlay are composed

of either with a clay loam or sandy clay loam surface soil texture. Luisiana soils are derived from

basaltic rock and are thick, up to 200 cm deep. Usually clay loam contains a good deal of plants

and supports most types of plants and crops. The soil is principally grown to coconut and crops.

1.3 Air and Water Condition

Luisiana is located in an upland area which indicates high elevation and thus, produce cool air and

cold climate. The main water source of Luisiana are spring water and dug wells. The Luisiana

Municipal Waterworks System (LMWS) manages the facility and supplies potable drinking water

to the poblacion area and adjacent barangays.

2.0 Natural Factors

Natural forces are considered to be one the intervening factors in architectural designing. These

natural factors are assumed permanent and constant in the span of the building’s lifetime, or with

negligible change in a short period of time.

48
2.1 Climate

Fig 29. Climate data for Luisiana, Laguna

The climate in Luisiana is classified mostly as cold, humid and tropical. The rainfall in Luisiana

is significant, with precipitation even during the driest month. The climate is considered to be Af

according to the Köppen-Geiger Climate Classification. The average yearly temperature is around

26 °C (78.8°F)

Fig 30. Climate graph for Luisiana, Laguna. Precipitation is lowest in February, with an average

of 64mm. In November, the precipitation reaches its peak, with an average of 405mm.

Fig 31. Climate table of Luisiana, Laguna.

49
Between the driest and wettest months, the difference in precipitation is 341 mm. The variation in

annual temperature is around 3.2 °C. (Source: http://en.climate-data.org/location/20304/)

2.2 Temperature

Micro climate can be interpreted though temperature. Based on Köppen Climate Classification

System, Luisiana, in general, has a tropical rainforest climate. At an average temperature of 26 °C,

May is the hottest month of the year. At 23 °C on average, January is the coldest month of the

year. The rainfall here averages 2769 mm.

Fig 32. Temperature Graph for Luisiana, Laguna

50
 Fig 33. Average high and low temperature graph for Luisiana, Laguna

Fig 34 Average Rainfall graph for Luisiana, Laguna.

(Source: World Weather Online)

51
2.3 Prevailing Winds

Observed average monthly wind speed ranges between 1.3 m/s to 2.9 m/s. prevailing directions

are from northeast to southwest from October to Many and the opposite, southwest to northwest,

from June to September.

2.4 Humidity

Due to its significant adjacency with the mountain, humidity in Luisiana is relatively higher than

of urban level in lower Laguna. This is also because of the high vegetation cover –making the

moisture content higher compared to the other areas. Monthly average relatively humidity ranges

between 86% during April and May and 91% in October.

2.5 Sun Paths and Orientation

Sun paths with respect to site orientation are a very essential consideration on designing a farm

resort and development. It will enable the research determine the positioning of resort spaces that

need and do not need sunlight to keep the resort operation.

Fig 35. Sun Path for Laguna

52
2.6 Wildlife and Vegetation Cover

Poultry and livestock non-domesticated species are evident in the area. Most of these live and eat

in the agricultural lands. Based on the Indicative Development Plan, Luisiana has a total area of

8,096.34 hectares. Luisiana heavily rely on agriculture as their source of livelihood. It covers 7,042

hectares or 87% of the town’s total land is sued an agricultural crop land. The major crops that are

planted are coconut, rice, vegetables and pandan. Inland fishery is also a source of livelihood but

mainly for local consumption only. (Source: Comprehensive Land Use Plan Luisiana, Laguna

2000-2010/2030)

Fig 36-37. Vegetation. Coconut and rice paddles occupying the site.

2.7 Slope and Topography

The site is located along at the of Cavinti-Luisiana national road that occupies on a plateau 1,400

feet atop the Sierra Madre mountains. With such high elevation and cooler climate, it is considered

as upland. The slope in the location ranges from 5% to 8% with a relatively flat to moderatily

sloping to rolling topography.

53
 Fig 38-39. Slope Map of Luisiana, Laguna

The topography of Luisina is generally undulatin to rolling and with small pathces of level areas

typical of dissected plateus. The site is situated at Barangay San Antonio which illustrates a slope

raging from 5% to 8%. It has an average elevation of 426 meters above mean sea level and the

Poblacion area is about 380 meters above sea level.

2.8 Access and Circulation

Fig 40. Road Map of Laguna to Luisiana

54
The site can be accessed via the Cavinti-Luisiana (Luisiana-Lucban) National Road. This road

stretches from the town proper of Sta. Cruz and passes though municipalities of Pagsanjan and

Cavinti. The site is adjacent to the said road which indicates better accessibility for vehicular

transporation. The site can also be access by provicial and municipal roads. There are three (3)

access route to the site –jeepneys plying the Majayjay-Luisiana route and Sta. Cruz-Luisiana route;

mini buses from Lucena passes through the town proper and going to the site.

3.0 Immediate Surroundings

3.1 Views, Vistas, and Neighboring Infrastructure

There are no significant views from the site except the Mt. Sierra Madre which acts as the backdrop

of the site. Grass vegetation and rice paddies surrounds the area except for fiew structures built

just across the road.

Fig 41. Panoramic view of the site with the adjacent surroundings

4.0 Utilities and General Services

4.1 Potable Water

The municipality has a self-sustained source of potable water. The level of water service in the site

can be classifies as a combination of Level II or communal faucet system and Level III or

55
waterorks system. The water supply from the Luisiana Municipal Waterworks System (LMWS) is

being supplemented by other sources like dugwells and springs.

4.2 Electricity

In larger scale, power in Luisiana is supplied by Manila Electric Company (Meralco) which obtains

power from the National Power Corporation’s Botocan Hydroelectric Power Plant and serving

almost all of the residents. More than 90% of the total number of households of Luisiana has

electricity.

4.3 Communication

Communication facilities are available in the municipality. The Continental Telecommunication

System Inc., a franchise of PLDT provides telephone service to the town proper and the nearby

barangays.

4.4 Waste Disposal and Sanitary Sewer System

The municipality has a solid wste management system which collects garbage in the poblacion

and and takes them to the municipal dumpsite. Burying, open-pit dumping, composing and burning

are practiced and started to operate a composting plant in Barangay San Pedro. Majority of the

households in the municipality has wayer sealed type of toilet facilties. Other wastewater drainage

are open canals, which also serve as rain channels. Open pit wase water is practiced for the

drainage system mostly in the rural areas.

56
5.0 Cultural Factors

5.1 Traffic and Transit

There is always a light traffic in the site. Since the surrounding places are almost underdeveloped

and are mostly vacant agricultural lands. There are almost none to a very few vehicles passing the

road that is also adjacent to the site. The municipal hall and residential areas is just a kilometer or

two away from the site which may contribute to the traffic of the Cavinti-Luisiana National road.

Light and to minimal heavy vehicles passes the road near the site such as private cars, buses, trucks,

jeepneys, and tricylces.

6.0 Land Use, Ownership, and Control

The site is owned by a private individual and is thoroughly assessed by the Municipal office of

Luisiana to indicate correct bearings and distances.

7.1 Present Zoning of the Site

On a macro level, the site falls under the Agricultural Zone (Comprehensive Land Use Plan of

Luisiana 2010) making it more feasible to the intended project. The site is also classified under the

Agriculture sector by the Municipal Planning and Development Office of Luisiana, Laguna.

8.0 Ecocomic Value

8.1 Accepted Territories

The selected site is composed one large agricultural and forest land mass totaling to 56,429 square

meters or 5.6 hectares. The site is bordered by a creek in the south, the adjacent national road from

57
the south going to west and north, and has closing boundaries of adjacent vacant forests from the

north and east.

Proposed Site Development Plan

The proposed development plans are schemed to public, semi-public, and private use

accordingly.

Scheme 1

Scheme 2

58
 4. ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN TRANSLATION

Design Program

Problem Diagnosis

Due to the rising number of tourists visiting the Philippines, it is now in need of new

destinations to experience wholesome leisure and relaxation. The design project mainly focuses

on the concept of Agri-tourism in a form of a farm resort and development. The Region IV-A

CALABARZON especially the province of Laguna exhbits the most potential location regarding

the design project. Since the project is concentrating on the agri-tourism sector, the design should

compromise on the practical use of the site and provide precise functional space requirements.

Design Objectives

1. To provide a recreational resort that will meet the expectations of tourists and visitors.

2. To provide facilities and spaces in terms aesthetic and functional approach.

3. To promote the livelihood of rural farmers and increase the production on the use of the

existing site

4. To use materials found in the site as a primarily source for the building construction.

5. To implement efficient designs that can carry out the functional aspects of the proposed

farm resort.

Design Criteria

The design must adopt an ecosystem-based approach in tourism development planning. It

should manage impacts on biodiversity from resort development and attempt to achieve an overall

positive contribution. The proposed farm resort project must be one with nature and adopt nature-

59
based solutions. It should also take consideration in respecting, involving and supporting local

communities prior to the site location. It should also build collaboration among stakeholders.

Design Concept

The design concept incorporates the curiosity about the farming industry and rural lifestyle.

The design of this project will disillusion with overcrowded resorts and cities and gain users to

have interrest in natural environment and rural recreation. The design would also inbuilt peace and

traquilityin the project as it is away from urban areas and close to nature and lastly, embrace

educational value of Agri-tourism.

Design Considerations (laws and standards)

The guildines in the planning and designing of a farm resort should conform to the

applicable codes and rules as part of the professional practice. This include:

P.D. 1096 – The National Building Code of the Philippines and its Implementing Rules

and Regulation

P.D. 1185 – The Fire Code of the Philippines

B.P. 344 – Accessibility Law

Specialized rules and site certifications should also comply.

60
Space Programming and Allocation

61
62
Behavioral Analysis

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OFFICIALS SERVICE WORKERS GUIDE

Carpark
carpark time in time in time in time in
(optional)

inquiry/ locker locker locker room

time in locker room
check-in room room

recreational conduct to assigned to assigned tour to

activities inspection workplace workplace visitors front desk

go to eat at eat at eat at

Eat lunch break
workstation canteen canteen canteen

recreational eat at to assigned to assigned tour to front desk

activities canteen workplace workplace visitors

lodging workstation break break break time out

recreational entertain finish finish tour

activities guest/break jobwork jobwork visitors

finish
check-out jobwork time out time out time out

time out

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Users Analysis

The users analysis is based on the hourly routine of the users in a daily basis

Organizational Structure

ADMINISTRATION
MANAGER -OWNER

HUMAN RESOURCE
MANAGER -CO OWNER

FOOD AND
FRONT OFFICE HOUSEKEEPING KITCHEN ENGINEERING AGRICULTURE
BEVERAGE SECURITY
DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT
DEPARTMENT

LAUNDRY ROOM WAITER/ MAINTENANCE/ FACILITATORS/

RECEPTIONIST STAFF COOK GUARD
ATTENDANT ATTENDANT WAITRESS UTILITY TRAINEES

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Functional Zoning

PRIVATE SEMI-PUBLIC PUBLIC SERVICE

•administration bldg •restaurant •Reception area •utility rooms
•executive offices •dining •lobby •locker rooms
•workstation •cafe •public restrooms •housekeeping
•meeting room •bar •chapel room
•staff room •alfresco •farm facilties •storage room
•pantry •sports & •grocery shop •mechanical room
•restaurant recreational •general services •electrical room
•kitchen •function rooms •gift and souvenir •pump house
•agriculture facility •entertainment shop •material recovery
•offices room •business center facility
•training rooms •courts •open spaces •lost and found area
•meeting room •rest rooms •pavillion
•lodging •first aid room •garden
•cottages •wellnes service •gazebo
•suites •spa and massage •parking area
•staff rooms •physical fitness
room

Programming Matrix/Diagrams

Adjacency

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Inter-relationship Diagram

Circulatory Diagram

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