Chapter one Introduction Philippines‘ resort varies from place to place and what it may offer. But nowadays, resorts also vary from what people needs. People from overcrowded urban areas are attracted by the relaxing and intact landscape of resorts. With this given, many entrepreneurs in the Philippines invest for hotel and resort projects resulting to increase in numbers of resorts in the Philippines. But thinking about how resorts can evolve into something that will give new experience cannot be ignored. Sipalay city in Negors Occidental is in need of new accommodations as its tourism is increasing rapidly. Local and foreign tourists‘ arrival demands urgent hotel accommodations though the people in charge of the place still want to conserve their natural resources and cultural heritage.
With this problem in
hand, one of the beach owners wants to develop a portion of their land for the construction of a hotel, convention center and some space for additional amenities and improvements. Located in the Nauhang barangay of Sipalay city, Negros Occidental, the researchder decided to improve the site by building a beach front resort. Thus, the researcher came up with a proposed project that will take resorts into a higher level of designing, a combination of resort building, hotel and convention
center,
landscape,
water
amenities,
and
lastly
biomimicry,
contributing to the tourism of Sipalay city and also the socio-economic condition of the city. Because of technological progress and the advancement of construction in biomimicry building and resort designing, a thorough research is needed. Biomimicry is somewhat unusual in the Philippines in terms of buildings. Filipinos doesn‘t notice that biomimimicry is part of their daily life for example is the airplanes, the bell crow, the flippers used in scuba diving, etc. It is time now to let people; especially the commoners know that these little things can be
applied on a building that results to a more environmentally friendly movement. The propose thesis project will be a resort that mimics nature and also functions as one. Therefore, the purpose of the research paper is to study the doctrine and standard for the preparation of a biomimicry resort. To contribute to the development of not just the social but economic status of the Sipalay city through evolution of resorts. Also this paper gives recommendation to encourage investors, businessmen, capitals to invest on such projects.
1.1 Background and Nature of the Project The research was conducted for the fulfillment of the course syllabus as well as to satisfy the researcher‘s proposal for biomimicry hotel and resort that will cater tourist and middleclass to upper-class Filipinos. Consequently, the researcher will limit the proposal on the city of Sipalay, Negros Occidental located in the Philippines. Resorts have come a long way from the olden days when resort was a small and modest in size and luxury. But the modern resorts are highly luxurious and offer the latest amenities for enjoyment. Historically, the oldest resorts can be traced back to the Roman empire of nearly two thousand years ago. The ancient Romans created a public leisure facility known as baths that could be used by both men and women separately. Gradually the baths evolved from their modest structure to include more extravagant facilities such as a gym, a library, restaurant, stores, lounge, tavern and even a museum and a theater, these baths were utilized for health, recreation and social enjoyment. The nineteenth century saw the development of exclusive resort facilities offering more privacy to the visitors. The wealthy people wished for private resort facilities and Switzerland‘s resort industry realized the lucrative business prospects of this idea. In North American countries the earliest resorts were
developed at the starting of the nineteenth century. The first resorts were created in Virginia and New York. Soon afterwards, the concept of beach resorts became immensely popular. The sea became a great place of recreation and beautiful beach resorts mushroomed all over North America and the Caribbean. Jungle resorts also became popular as the governments tired to conserve the wildlife and organized tourism on such a way that is promoted adventure tours to the wild, without harming the flora and fauna of the region. Evidence of hotels and hospitality industry have been recorded as far back as biblical times when Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem during the census. The word ―hospitality‖ comes from the Latin root meaning ―host‖ or ―hospice.‖ The first hotels were nothing more than private homes opened to the public. Most, unfortunately, had poor reputations. Under the influence of the Roman Empire, inns and hotels began catering to the pleasure traveler in an encourage visitors.¹ Biomimicry originally started on ancient times. People observed animals and mimicked their shelter, survival behaviors and hunting. One of the first examples of biomimicry is the study of Leonardo DaVinci about birds and created drawings about flying machines. Biomimicry became a field of study in the late 20th century. Though biomimicry has inspired human innovations for decades—one of the most often-cited examples is Velcro, which the Swiss engineer Georges de Mestral patented in 1955 after studying how burs stuck to his clothes—better technology and more nuanced research have enabled increasingly complex adaptations.² To start this proposal, the researcher proposed project will be located in the city of Sipalay at Negros Occidental. The city has experienced major economic growth, evidenced by the presence of major commercial banks, fast food chain outlets, real estates, and wide coverage of landline and cellular phone services. It is also distinguished for having long beaches and white sand.
[1]
SAGO
Ltd.
“the
history
of
hotels;
from
economic
to
extravagant”
http://www.searchandgo.com/travel/hotels-history.php. 8:36am, January 31, 2013 [2]
Smithsonian
Institution.
“How
Biomimicry
Inspiring
Human
Innovation”
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/How-Biomimicry-is-Inspiring-Human-Innovation165592706.html.12:49 pm, April 17, 2013
It becomes a unique place for a resort as not only beaches but also lagoons, caves and the Sipalay River that is located near the site are can be found. The site is located along a shoreline of four kilometer stretch of fine and white sand. The property is gifted with natural beauty, the river, mountain, islet and long white and fine sand. Because of this reasons, Johaida Roa Buenafe, owner of the given site wanted to build additional beach amenities within their Agri-ecotourism beach park (Costa Blanca de Sipalay) catering the Filipino and foreign tourists coming in.
1.2 Statement of the Problem This research aims to study the principles and standard for the preparation of planning a Biomimicry Resort. Specifically, it aims to answer the following problems: 1. The increase in demand of hotel accommodations due to the influx of local and foreign tourists to Sipalay city. As the city‘s tourism improved on this last years and won the award ― Top Undiscovered Domestic Tourists Destination‖ a pressure on lack of accommodations in the long beaches of the city is rising. 2. Neglected possibilities of biomimicry as a green building on the Philippines. Perceptions of common Filipinos when they hear green building is that they are buildings that grow plants in them or they look somewhat similar in nature. Not knowing that they should function as one that contributes to the environment.
3. Unemployment in Sipalay city of Negros Occidental is high. It is concluded that unemployment is high at 65% of the labor force. Underemployment on the city is extensive because of the seasonal nature of major economic activities in the area.
1.3 Project Goal and Objectives This research aims to study the principles and standard for the preparation of planning a Biomimicry Resort. The main goal is to achieve an innovative resort design by the use of biomimicry and the knowledge acquired by the researcher throughout the study. The design result should solve all the design problems and stands out from the other resorts near the site. The researcher believes that such project will create a real estate out of fairly small piece of land, maximizing the development of the site
Specifically, it aims to achieve the following: 1. To establish an expression of progress and showcase the city as a biodiversified destination, highlighting natural attractions. 2. To create a project that can alleviate socio-economic crisis in Sipalay city, Negros Occidental. 3. To develop an ecotourism project in bgry. Nauhang, Sipalay that will catapult resort designing to the next level.
1.4 Significance of the Project Because of the rapid growth of population in urban areas, people seek ways to find breaks and refreshments from their day to day life. With the proposed thesis project, a new style of relaxation can be invented. A proposed thesis project that will contribute to the progress of the economic, touristic, socio stat of the Sipalay city, Negros Occidental through innovation of resort designing is a one way to see the proposal. By not only focusing on the tourism and economic growth, the project will improve how biomimicry resorts
can greatly contribute to the environment. The proposed thesis project will help to eradicate pollution to the surrounding environment through new technologies. Common perceptions of people why build a resort is because of the tourism, but with the study, the researcher can prove that the project does not only care for the tourism but also care for the environment through extensive research and indentifying new technologies to solve the problems about pollutions affecting nature. The proposed project will provide a framework and bearing for the conservation of the Sipalay‘s natural attractions, development of community based tourism projects and positions the city as the major tourist destination on the southern Negros. The resort will greatly help the investors, owners, and the surrounding people to change their way of life. With the proposed thesis project, people could realize that there is still more ways to get closer in nature while still relaxing and enjoying the resort. Also with the project in hand, there‘s always a possibility that it can give jobs to those people around the site that needs it, emphasizing that unemployment in Sipalay city is high. This research paper will help give insights and tips to those people who aspire in proposing buildings that mimic nature (biomimicry). In addition, it will also be a great help in the enhancement of planning a resort in the Philippines evolving resorts to the next level of designing.
1.5 Scope and Delimitations This research study covers the preparation of designing a Biomimicry resort, how to build one, to manage one, and to maintain one. This will include the building of a hotel, convention center, and swimming pools. Also the research has the scope of knowing the people on site, condition of the site, construction of biomimicry buildings on site, and resort amenities. The researcher will also focus on studying the impacts of the project on the site, economically and environmentally. If it will affect the place and the
people, is it harmful, will it cross any law against it. The project will cater from middleclass Filipinos to high class and foreign tourist of the country. The researcher will also cover the determining of the population density of the project as this will affect the design of the proposed thesis project. The research study does not intend to discouraged resorts near site and replace major resort tourist spot on the Philippines but on the other hand adds up to the beautiful features of the country. The research study is limited only on studying how to build building that mimics nature and will not set new guidelines on how to construct one.
Chapter two Review of Related Literature and Related Studies Review of related literature 2.1 foreign literature 2.1.1 hotel and Resort: planning, design and refurbishments Fred Lawson, 2000 Hotels in resort destinations show wide diversity, responding to the tourist attractions of the locality as well as marketing requirements. Hotels in rural surroundings, isolated from business and local users used to create their own individual amenities. -Fred Lawson, 2000 This book talks about hotels and how they began on certain places. It explains that destinations pass through a predictable sequence of six stages. These stages are: exploration, involvement, development, consolidation, stagnation and decline or rejuvenation according to Butler‘s hypothetical model of resort evolution. This suggests that resorts become unattractive with the passage of time, as visitor numbers increase and their carrying capacities are exceeded, and are unable to compete with other newer resorts.
In the exploration stage the resort is isolated with a ‗sleepy‘ appearance and with little or no development. In the involvement stage visitors from the overcrowded urban centers are attracted by the relaxing and unspoiled landscape of the resort. Local entrepreneurs realize the economic significance of tourism and begin to provide facilities and services to tourists. Resort expands and reaches the stage of development. The number of tourists increases and at peak periods far outweighs the size of the local population. Many locals appear to tolerate tourism unwanted effects because of its substantial economic effects (Bramwell, 2003). In the consolidation stage a drastic reduction of beach width occurs because of the construction of more accommodation establishments and
businesses. The indigenous population is being pushed further away from the beachfront. When the resort reaches the stagnation stage, the tourism landscape becomes dominant and little room is available for further expansion. As a result, accommodation establishments are constructed in inland areas. The end of the cycle is marked by the post-stagnation phase, which may result in decline, if the tourist market continues to wane and the resort is not able to compete with newer resorts, or rejuvenation, through the development of an artificial attraction, e.g. the introduction of casinos or indoor water parks. 2.1.2 Hotel Investments; issues and perspectives 4th edition Lori Raleigh, Rachel Roginsky, 2006 This book covers a lot of topics about resorts. Special amenities like spas, Water Park were explained. Some feature described is the indoor water parks. An Indoor water park resort as a building establishment containing an aquatic facility with a minimum of 10,000 square feet of indoor water park space and inclusive of such amenities as slides, tubes, and a variety of indoor water-play features. Customers are willing to pay higher room rates for water park amenities. 2.1.3 Resorts: Management and Operation 3rd edition Robert Christie Mill, 2012 The definition of resorts, and the spaces required to build one was given detailed on this book. It has become a basis of construction, the do‘s and don‘ts of resorts planning and to manage resort projects. The book explains that resorts are not fully successful with just one attraction but should have mixed used amenities.According to Robert Mill, resort communities work best when they are not one hundred percent resort but have a mix full-and-part time residents. They can be use as permanent or second house.Knowing these facts make the researcher informed of how resorts evolve and avoid any problems in the future for the proposal.
2.1.4 Principles of Hotel Design The Architect’s Journal This book basically talks about basic planning of hotels. Requirements needed, etc. to achieve success, any scheme for a hotel must be deeply researched and planned well in advanced. Most of the major research and studies will be carried out by the hotel operator, but some also by the architect. The architect must be fully aware of both the character of the sector of the public for whose benefit the hotel is to be erected and the personality of the operator.
2.1.5 Managing Hotels Effectively EddystoneNebel III, 1991 The book is all about the technology how to manage hospitality business. Managing hotels like this could be hard; firms with such projects should have strategic visions. According to Eddystone (1991) firms with a strategic service vision have: (1) a targeted market, (2) a well defined service concept, (3) a focused operating strategy, and (4) a well designed service delivery system. In planning hotels, designers should know how to manage hotels and how they were run.
2.1.6 Technology Strategies for the Hospitality Industry Peter D. Nyheim, 2012
Adding to the previous book review, technology should be serving, supporting and enabling the business (Peter Nyheim, 2012). Hotels and resorts, especially large ones, are extremely complex business. To run such complex business requires a strong reliance on the tools used to manage it including IT
applications, materials used on the project, installation of water systems, etc. the number of systems and their heterogeneity increase the complexity of a hotel or resort business. The way we provide heating and cooling systems and even the means we choose to decorate the interior of a structure, we influence not only the aesthetics of the building, but also their effectiveness to providing shelter and comfort.
2.1.7 Biophilic Design: the theory, science & practice of bringing buildings to life Stephen R. Kellert, Judith H. Heerwagen, Martin C. Mador, 2008 We humans, who instinctively took design cues from the natural world, are returning to the practice in a discipline called biomimicry. The author of the book believe that it is part of our nature to be drawn to life‘s mastery and to try with equal parts of awe & envy, to do what birds and fish and insect can do. “Building need not look exactly like a tree but should work like one” -Frank Lloyd Wright Biomimicry is not a style of building, nor is it an identifiable design product. it is, rather, a design process- a way of seeking solutions- in which the designer defines a challenge functionally, seeks out a local organism or ecosystem that is the champion of that function. But the final design that comes from biomimicry process may or may not look organic or visually resemble the organism from which the lesson came.
2.1.8 The Source Book of Contemporary Green Architecture Sergi Costa Duran, Julio Fajardo Herrero, 2010 The book discussed several design strategies for contemporary green architecture while explaining their function on the building where they were used. One of these design strategies is the one called ―Petals from heaven‖ that will provide cooling and shade, depending on the time of the day. They are designed to open during daylight hours to provide shade while also capturing
energy. They close at night and release the stored heat. They also adjust their angles to give shade depending on the position of the sun.
2.1.9 Hotel Revolution Howard Watson, 2005 Modern day eco-resorts started to appear back in the 1970‘s- not long after the first eco-warriors and the green parties started to find a political voicebut were very much an unusual, alternative destination. The book gave different projects about eco-resorts picking only the ones that their designs still manage to be at one with their environment. An ethos of zero or minimal impact is used to enhance the relationships between guest and nature as the boundaries of an abode and its surroundings are cleverly blurred.
2.2
Local literature:
2.2.3 Banyan Hotels and Resort Project, Palawan Keith, 2008 The researcher was inspired by this statements ―We want to build a globally recognized brand which by inspiring exceptional experiences among our guests, instilling pride and integrity in our associates and enhancing both the physical and human environment in which we operate, will deliver attractive returns to our shareholder.” -Keith, 2008 The journal stated qualities of their resort that leads them to success. It is related in way that the hotel and resort is a mountain resort situated in Palawan similar to the researcher proposed thesis project. 2.2.2 Development of tourist Resorts and other Facilities DOT Hotels, resorts and other types of accommodation facilities especially in the regions will have to be built to address the lodging requirements of both foreign and domestic travelers. The need for improved accessibility will likewise
open investment opportunities in air, water and land transport operations. In response to worldwide demand for integrated tourism development, the Department of Tourism likewise encourages investments in tourism estates and eco-zones, historic – cultural heritage projects as well as ecotourism, agrictourism, and health and wellness projects. 2.2.3 Asian Emerging Markets Anthony, 2003 According to Anthon, author of Asian Emerging Markets, the Philippines benefits from a long philanthropic tradition of personal and corporate giving; there are now very well developed mechanisms, foundations and organizations for managing corporate philanthropy. There is also a very active civil society sector in the Philippines. However, concepts such as corporate social responsibility (CSR) and socially responsible investment (SRI) are relatively new concepts that are only recently starting to appear in the corporate and finance sector. The tradition of corporate philanthropy and patronage can also be linked to the fact that many corporations in the Philippines are family owned and controlled. However, this highlights the importance of improving corporate governance and transparency, which is presently quite weak in the Philippines relative to other Asian markets. With this said, this became one of the major factors of construction of high rise buildings in the Philippines. Given the uneven distribution of local wealth and the low levels of retail domestic investment in funds, it might take a long period of time before the Philippines possesses a domestic financial environment that can support significant domestic investment similar to the western SRI fund investment model. 2.2.4 Journal: Discover Asia Filipino hotels are world standard. Naturally, you get what you pay for, but, we would not sell a hotel or resort unless we felt it offered value for money and acceptable standards for Western clients. Most tourists find their entertainment in hotel & resort bars. If you travel much, you‘ll have noticed that nearly every hotel has a Filipino band! Thus, you can be sure of a very high standard of
entertainment everywhere in the Philippines – in hotel bars, roaming serenaders in restaurants. 2.2.4 Barbara P, 2003 With a high resort project, water features are important. In since Philippines is a tropical country, water supply is not a problem. But with today‘s weather and climate, Philippines supply for water is becoming a problem. Despite the abundant water resources in the Philippines, distribution of these resources varies widely in time and place as a result of the different geographic and climate conditions prevailing in different parts of the country.
2.2.5 Greenpeace Organization, 2007 Water resources are unevenly distributed throughout the country, often resulting in water shortages in highly populated areas, especially during the dry season. Several river basins (Pampanga, Agno, Pasig-Laguna, and on the island of Cebu) are also experiencing generalized water scarcity (PEM, 2004). This is according to Greenpeace organization. The organization‘s published book discussed a lot of problems to Philippines water supply, but at the end of the book, the organization was able to come up with solutions that could solve Philippines water crisis and also the researcher‘s arising problem from the source of water.
Review of related studies 2.1 foreign studies 2.1.1 Burke Brise Soleil
Unprecedented in American architecture, the Burke Brise Soleil is a moveable, wing-like sunscreen that rests on top of the Museum‘s vaulted, glassenclosed Wind hover Hall. The ―wings‖ open at 10 a.m. in accordance with regular days of operation, close/reopen at noon, and close at 5 p.m. (8 p.m. on Thursdays).
While the Burke Brise Soleil has a wingspan comparable to that of a Boeing 747-400, its two ultrasonic wind sensors automatically close the wings if the wind speed reaches 23 mph or greater. Unlike the airplane, the Museum prefers to remain on the ground.
2.1.2 East gate center in Zimbabwe
The Eastgate Centre in Harare, Zimbabwe, typifies the best of green architecture and ecologically sensitive adaptation. The country‘s largest office and shopping complex is an architectural marvel in its use of biomimicry principles.
The
mid-rise
building,
designed
by architect Mick
Pearce in
conjunction with engineers at Arup Associates, has no conventional airconditioning or heating, yet stays regulated year round with dramatically less
energy consumption using design methods inspired by indigenous Zimbabwean masonry and the self-cooling mounds of African termites. 2.1.3. Bora Bora Pearl Beach resort
Set on a pristine strip of soft white sand that extends for hundreds of yards into the pale blue lagoon, Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa's beachfront is like a shallow, salt-water pool, perfect for floating and snorkeling with ease. There's also a small fresh-water infinity pool overlooking the beach, the resort's cluster of overwater bungalows and towering Mt. Otemanu in the distance. With just 80 bungalows, the resort feels less spread out than some of its competitors - and yet there is ample room to roam amid the garden paths that wind between well-spaced bungalows back toward the exceptional Manea Spa. Tucked amid the landscaping, you'll find a mini-golf course, bacci ball court, tennis court, volleyball court and game room with billiards and ping-pong tables. There's also a Coral Nursery that attracts tropical fish, where you can snorkel, as well as an onsite dive center. 2.2. Local studies
2.2.1 Antulang Beach Resort
Nestled 40 kilometers south of Dumaguete City, Philippines,Antulang Beach Resort is the first Philippine resort to offer private pool villas to guests. Each of the flagship accommodations comes with its own swimming pool, heated Jacuzzi and luxurious, spacious rooms all decked out in Canadian pinewood. Suspended on ten sprawling hectares of sheer cliffs peppered with a kaleidoscope of bougainvillea blooms, swimming pools and premium rooms are positioned right at the cliffs‘ edge, ensuring guests a commanding view of an endless sea, while winding staircases lead directly to a kilometer‘s stretch of isolated white sand beach strewn with large, natural rock formations. 2.2.2 Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa
The perfect location of this wonderful Santorini inspired resort and spa allows guests to experience not only the beauty of the immaculate nature of the island, but also all the fun and excitement that the city provides. The easy access of the resort to the heart of the city allows the guests to explore the different tourist attractions that the rich city of Marinduque holds. Apart from the wonderful location and the bountiful nature surrounding the island, guests are also entitled to enjoy all kinds of luxury and comfort through the world class facilities and service that the hotel provides. The hotel features a business center, meeting facilities, safety deposit boxes and other amenities that are needed to ensure their guests comfortable stay. All of the 69 stylish rooms that the hotel features are equipped with all kinds of amenities needed for a convenient and relaxing stay. Each room contains a Jacuzzi, a satellite/cable TV, a DVD/CD player, as well as a hasslefree internet access. 2.2.3 Earthbag School
The Earthbag Technology System is a method for housing that uses onsite earth as its main building component, with very minimal use of wood, steel and skilled labor. It costs 40 percent less than conventional classrooms and may be put up in a short time. For this project, five classrooms and one room to be used as a resource center with alternative construction were built to make for a better learning experience, encourage community participation and empower local residents to be self-sufficient. The six-classroom school building, which includes a resource center, was constructed through Japan‘s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP). Aside from the school building, Japan provided 175 armchairs to DNHS' to further improve its educational environment. The beautiful weather was a perfect background to the amazing completion of the first earthbag school in the world. The alliance of NGOs, the Local Government, and the Community groups of Day-Asan coming together to solve a global problem: lack of schools in rural areas and the environmantal protection of the planet.
Chapter three Research Methodology 3.1 Introduction This chapter discusses the methodology that was used in gathering research data from various resources. It is therefore explains why a particular research methodology was chosen as well as the benefits of that method. It also covers in detail, the main sources of primary data how descriptive data was collected, investigates the quality of relationships, activities, situations, or materials. The researcher gather the primary data through published books and journals about topics including hotels, convention centers, resorts, managing hotels, etc. Interviews will be conducted to different types of people, the ones who expertise in managing hotels, building structures on beaches and knows a lot about the site of the proposed project.
3.2 Research Design This study is a qualitative research that attempts to accumulate existing information and understandings of building hotel resorts on Sipalay City, Negos Occidental. The researcher will make use of descriptive information to conclude how the proposed project will be successful. The research study will use historical and descriptive method of research. With the historical method, it can give the researcher ideas how previous works lacks and possibly make better ways avoiding problems of the past. Historical method will be use to gather information about the past history of the site,
significant happenings, maps of the site, etc. Descriptive research is a method used to obtain information relating to the current status of an issue or phenomenon to describe "what exists" within the variables or conditions of the situation. A case study and survey type of descriptive method will be use. It will also be use to gather information on the existing conditions of the site, the current plans and maps, interviews, and case studies & surveys. 3.3 Description of Stakeholders as Respondents The primary sources of data will be collected through face-to -face interviews and surveys of certain people. To further indentify them, the stakeholders of the study were the citizen of Sipalay City, Negos Occidental, workers on a hotel particularly Ms. Antonette E. Mitschiener of Hotel H2O manila and Thea F. Victorino of Thunderbird Resort, architects, mayor of Sipalay City, Negos Occidental. 3.4 Research Instrument The research study will use social survey questionnaires for the chosen citizen of Sipalay City, Negros Occidental. A multiple choice survey questionnaire will be used allowing the respondent to choose the answer the respondent is comfortable with. The survey will evaluate how the people will react on such projects on the respondent‘s community and what respondents think of the projects like hotel and convention center. In depth interviews to highly reliable people that expertise on hotel management will be conducted. Before actual interviews, the researcher will first test the questionnaires and interview questions which are also called pre-testing of questionnaires. Interview answers will be analyze and interpret to suffice the research problem. 3.5 Statistical Treatment of Data Information collected from the research methods will be arranged and interpreted according to their use. The sampling technique will be use to identify
the sample of population and the tourists that come and go on Sipalay City, Negos Occidental. As the researcher used the descriptive type of method, sample techniques is needed. A simple random sampling will be use to determine the respondents. Every member of the population of Sipalay City, Negos Occidental will have a chance to be chosen.
Chapter four Site Description, Site Selection Criteria
4.1 Criteria for site selection The selection of location is considered as one of the most important elements affecting the success of high rise resort projects. First is the possibility of building such projects on the site. Is it possible to build a hotel that will cater a lot people there? Is there a certain law that construction of hotel and convention center on the site? Is the site area big enough for construction of beach resorts? Questions like this should be considered first. The site‘s general determinant is one of the factors in selecting a site. The researcher should determine if the site‘s topography, geology, type of soil would affect the project. The site should have a stable soil as the project is for public use and should be erected on a land that will not erode in any circumstances. The topography of site will affect the success of the project if it is not well maintained. The water source of the site should be plenty. As a hotel and convention center with a lot of water features, water resources should not be abundant and can be easily gained. The site where the proposed project is to be constructed should have remarkable tourist destinations, as one of the aims of the proposed biomimicry
resort is to develop not only the Sipalay city tourism but at the same time the environment. A project like this will not be successful if people will not come to the site because of the reasons that the site and its surrounding have nothing to offer. Also the site should have easy access to major cities and other locations with different attractions. This is one of the major factors that a site should possess in any type of tourist attraction projects. The relationship between the site and the surrounding important buildings is very vital to the site. No same project should be near the site, less resorts results to a success of the project according to the stages of resorts. Heritage buildings like churches, etc should be preserved and not be affected by the proposed project rather should contribute to the preservation of heritage at the same the time the culture of the site. The beach area should be separated from residential and commercial area by city road 4.2 Site Description (Macro Scale) History Sipalay got its name from the old native phrase si palay meaning 'there is rice'. Chinese traders, who were not able to pronounce the 'R' in the local word Paray are believed to have helped disseminate the name Sipalay as rice abundantly grows in the area and is freely traded. The original natives of Sipalay were the "tumandoks ", perhaps with Malay or Bornean roots. Immigrants from Panay Island joined them later. These were families who ventured out to the sea to escape the oppressive Spanish feudal system and found a new home in the paradise that is today Sipalay. With unflinching political will, its local officials spearheaded by the Municipal Mayor then, led Sipalay to recovery and caused it to raise high above the economic setbacks and bloody turmoil of a low intensity civil war. Not only were revenue surpluses generated starting 1989, but also for the next eight consecutive years, the surpluses continued to rise. The peace and order
situation, as it were, was somehow cajoled to a level allowing people's lives and business to go back to "normal". Amazingly, some investments, particularly in tourism development, flowed in.
Geographic Location The City of Sipalay is the second to the southernmost town in the province of Negros Occidental. It is bounded by the municipalities of Cauayan in the north, Hinobaan in the south, and Candoni in the east. To its west is the Sulu Sea. The city lies approximately 178 kilometers from the provincial capital of Bacolod City and can be reached via the national road from Bacolod to Hinobaan within 3 to 4 hours. The City's total land area is 42,770 hectares or 427.7 square kilometers, with a coastline stretching some 45 kilometers long along its western side. Sipalay is politically subdivided into 17 barangays.
Climate The City falls within the Type 1 climate, with two pronounced seasons: dry from December to April and wet from May to November. The main atmospheric systems affecting rainfall are the southwest monsoon from June to September, the northeast monsoon from October to February and the easterly waves from March to April. However, the central mountains of Negros prevent the northeast monsoon and the easterly waves from (saturating the weather condition in Sipalay) October to April.
Population and Growth Trends From the first recorded population of 20,235 in 1960, Sipalay's population has increased dramatically by more than 5 percent annually up to 1975. Growth has gradually tapered off from 1980-1995 and in year 2000 a negative population growth was posted. The historical growth of population and human settlements in Sipalay may be traced to significant development activities that created the pull factor for inmigration in various parts of the City. The first wave of settlements and movements of population from the post-war era to the 1960s came with the logging operations particularly in the barangay of Manlucahoc and in the mid-60s in barangay Nabulao. From 1960 to 1970, population grew by an annual average of about seven percent. The second wave of migration came about with the opening of the Maricalum Mining Company (MMC) in barangay San Jose that resulted in another rapid increase in population by about six percent annually from 1970-1975. Population Trend (1960-2003)
Average Annual Growth Rate Year
Population
(%)
1960
20,325
1970
34,771
5.5
1975
45,773
5.7
1980
51,264
2.3
1990
61,982
1.9
1995
63,960
0.6
2000
62,063
-0.6
2003
63,522
0.8
2007
67,211
Industries Farming is the main source of livelihood in the province. The average household income was estimated at Php 57,320 per annum in 2003 which accounts for only about half of the average household income in the Western Visayas in 200 and 78% of the average for Negros Occidental for the same period. Health Facilities and Services The health care delivery services of Sipalay City are relatively available to all 17 barangays. They comprise a network of 14 Barangay Health Stations (BHSs) with one main and one sub-station; one private hospital with a 20-bed capacity; one private infirmary and 3 private clinics. They are augmented by private dental and optical clinics, drugstores and 55 Day Care centers operated
by the City Government under its City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO). Health manpower resources include six doctors, one sanitary inspector, three private dentists, nine nurses and support personnel mainly found in the urban center. The Barangay Health Centers are manned by a total of 22 midwives, 260 Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) and trained hilots, 17 Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) and 55 Day Care workers.
Transportation Sipalay is linked to its various barangays and adjacent towns, cities and other areas within the Negros Island by the existing 269.56-kilometers long road network of national, provincial, city, barangay and private roads. Complementing this is a network of bridges with a total length of 542.16 linear meters.
Road Network Inventory, Sipalay City, 2003 Length
Asphalt
Concrete
All
(kilometers)
(kilometers)
(kilometers)
(kilometers)
National
59.7
18.7
6.08
34.92
Provincial
5
0
2.5
2.5
Municipal
27.41
0
8.32
19.09
Barangay
172.95
0
5.5
168.25
Private
4.5
0
0
4.5
Total
269.56
18.7
22.4
229.26
Type
Weather
The transportation system is predominantly road-based with strong linkages with existing air and sea terminals in Bacolod City and Dumaguete City .
These terminals serve as the central hubs for western Negros , linking directly with Manila in Luzon and Mindanao via Cebu . The road density is about 0.55 kilometers per 100 hectares, less than 20 percent of which are in good paved condition. There is no regular sea transport, however, to reach the coastal barangays. The existing Campomanes Bay Ecoport, while already operational, is yet to service as a sea link to other areas of the province and the country. Interisland connection between Sipalay City and the rest of the country is possible via Bacolod City or Dumaguete City, both of which are about 180 kilometers away.
Power Supply Power is transmitted to the city through a 138 KV transmission line from the Kabankalan sub-station located about 60 kilometers from the City. The line connects to a 50 MVA substation in Barangay Canturay. Distribution to the various households is managed by the Negros Occidental Electric Cooperative, Inc. (NOCECO). All barangays are now energized, although only about 37 percent of the total households have been connected to the system. All of the 17 percent barangays have mostly partial power connections with only the poblacion fully energized, except for Barangay 4. Barangay San Jose is almost 70 percent energized followed by Manlucahoc (45%), Canturay (34%), Nauhang and Nabulao (30%). The least energized barangays are Camindangan (only 12%) and Cartagena (20%). The remaining 63 percent of households not served by electrical connection rely on traditional lighting sources such as gas lamps and candles.
Communication Communication, though still limited, has improved significantly with the installation of high-frequency radio vhf transceiver with interface that allows even portable radios to transmit and receive messages direct to and from the Bacolod
base station. This system is owned and managed by the local government and can be availed of by the general public. SSB radio supplied by the provincial government interlinks all municipalities of the province.Barangays communicate either by 2-way radios or cellular phones where signal is available. The deficiency in telephone landline services is compensated for by the SMART and GLOBE cellular telephone service, that provides for a more personal but also a more expensive telecommunications are service. SMART has already 3 cell sites in the city while Globe is in the processes of adding more sites to augment its present one. The City is also serviced by satellite cable network and internet connection via VSAT and SMART . A TV relay station fed via satellite under the GMA television network provides connection to television. AM and FM radio signals are also moderately audible in the City. There are no internet cafes yet in the area. Postal services are provided by the Philippine Postal Corporation in the Poblacion with sub-post offices in San Jose and Nabulao. Telegraph services are available via RCPI and PT&T at Barangay San Jose.
Domestic Water Supply Sipalay City is provided with three levels of water service. Level 1 and 2 systems are mostly derived from shallow and deep wells, supplemented by a few natural springs. The urban barangays are served by a Level 3 system managed by the Local Water District. Barangays Gil Montilla and Nauhang are serviced by the Gil Montilla Waterworks System (under ARSP) and a similar system is found in Manlucahoc. MMC has also established a water system servicing San Jose (mine site). Current estimates indicate that about 20 percent of the total population has access to potable drinking water.
Beach Resorts 15-minute boat ride from the city proper is the Sugar Beach - German, Swiss and Filipino-owned resorts line this sugary beach, which offers an excellent place for swimming, and various water sports activities. Not far from the Sugar Beach is the Tinagong Dagat - a hidden sea sprinkled with a dozen islets covered with lush vegetation. The sea bottom is covered with patches of sea grass beds, with the shoreline lined by old-growth mangroves. Punta Ballo Beach is located in close proximity to Tinagong Dagat- This fine white sandy beach is more than a kilometer stretch. It's the nearest jump off point towards the sea ideal for snorkeling & diving due to the rich marine life. Going more or less 10 minutes from the Punta Ballo Beach is Campomanes Bay - The bay is excellent not only for diving but for jet skiing, kayaking, and all sorts of water sports. It has an existing port that caters to medium-sized sea craft. The enclosed shape of the bay and islets in its opening provide calm waters even in harsh weather conditions. Entrance to the bay is a wide expanse of coral garden with various species of corals and fish.
Caves and Waterfalls Areas with limestone formation exhibiting karst topography can be found along the coastline of the city. These natural rock formations attract local & foreign tourists. Caves also abound in the coastal and upland areas of the city considered for community-based tourism projects due to the presence of springs and waterfalls. Waterfalls are located within the remaining forest areas of the city in the upland hinterlands. The areas are noted for their cascading rivers and numerous caves. They are surrounded by old-growth trees covered with huge boulders and
rocks. Getting there makes for a challenging adventure for avid mountaineers and trekkers.
4.3 Site Description (Micro Scale)
Property Profile The property site is situated along a 4km shoreline that extends all the way up to Poblacion Beach. The beach is bounded by two main rivers of sipalay, thus maintaining its privacy and esclusivity. The property is gifted with natural beauty, the river, mountain islet and long fine & white sand. The site is within the city of Sipalay thus affording a good supply of water and electricity. It is accessible by good roads, which offers as bonus a scenic tour of the natural beauty of the coastline of Negros Occidental. The road extends from Silay International Airport in the north, traversing its way to Bacolod city, the provincial capital of Negros Occidental, down to the major towns and cities of Negros Occidental.
Geographical Location
The project site is in the heart of Sipalay City - just across its main Barangay (Poblacion) where the city government offices, central market, and main commercial areas are located. A portion of the site is accessible by vehicular land travel from the main town center while the other portion of the key project site requires a very short five minutes Bangka ride across the Nauhang River to reach the banks of its shore. It is bounded by the Sulu Sea and two rivers, the Nauhang River and Sipalay River. Tourism Assets The availability of noted resorts facility near the site can be classified as follow; mostly they accommodate middleclass Filipino and foreign tourists, thus giving an opportunity on the researcher‘s proposal to also cater middle class to high end tourist depending on their needs. 1. Punta Ballo Beach 2. Campomanes Bay 3. Tinagong Dagat
