CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.0 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Island resorts have come a long way from the olden days when resorts were small

and modest in size and luxury. But the modern resorts are highly luxurious and offer the

latest amenities for enjoyment. According to Christine Malabay’s research, 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.

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 that private homes opened to the public. Most, unfortunately, had

poop reputations. Under the influence of the Roman Empire, inns and hotels began

catering to the pleasure traveler in an encourage visitor.1

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

1 SAGO Ltd. “the history of hotels; from economic to extravagant”

North American countries, the earliest resorts were developed at the starting of the

nineteenth century. The first resorts are created in Virginia and New York. Soon

afterward, 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 Carribean. Jungle resorts also became popular as the governments tried to

conserve the wildlife and organized tourism in such a way that promoted adventure tours

to the wild, without harming the flora and fauna of the region (Malabay, nd).

Many island nations depend on tourism and upswing in worldwide tourism can

only mean good news on the economic front in small, tourism-dependent island countries

(Ashe, 2005). Hence, the more tourists that visit small island countries, there is often

pressured to develop more resources to meet the increased demand. Most of these island

nations comprise of small islands with a very fragile environment. This research aims to

identify the practices, policies and institutional forms used in developing tourism

consisting of resorts in public lands on uninhabited islands (Jamal, 2007).

Philippines’ resort varies from place to place and what it may offer. But

nowadays, resorts also vary from what people need. People from overcrowded urban

areas are attracted by the relaxing and intact landscape of resorts (Malabay, nd). With this

given, different Local Government Units (LGUs) in the Philippines invest in hotels and

resort projects resulting to increase in the number of resorts in the Philippines. But

thinking about how resorts can evolve into something that will give new experience

cannot be ignored (Malabay, nd).

regional scale but is endowed with disproportionately rich diversity of flora and fauna;

heart-seizing scenic beauty; diverse culture; ethnic etiquettes (Pamogas, 2019).

According to the interview done by the researchers to the manager of the island, the

Canigao Island Resort serves as a major source of the town’s income. The island serves

both the local townsfolk and the foreign and provides nature’s finest sights (Pamogas,

2019). According to the acting Tourism Officer of the town, it needs new

accommodations as its demand is increasing rapidly. Local and foreign tourists’ arrival

demands urgent hotel accommodations though the people in charge of the island still

want to conserve their natural resources. With this problem in hand, the researchers

propose to improve a portion of the island’s land for the construction of new structures.

The researchers have come up with a project that will take the island resort into a

higher level of design- a combination of accommodation structures, leisure amenities,

function halls, camping sites, landscape and lastly biomimicry that will contribute to the

eco-tourism of Matalom Leyte and also the socio-economic condition of the city. Because

of technological progress and the advancement of construction in biomimicry building

and resort designing, thorough research will be needed.

Biomimicry originally started in 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 (Francesca,

2008). 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

Biomimicry is somewhat unusual in the Philippines in terms of buildings.

Filipinos don’t notice that biomimicry is a part of their daily lives, for example, the

airplanes, the flippers used in scuba diving, etc. Now is the time to let people; especially

the commoners know that these little things can be applied to a building that results in a

more environmentally friendly movement. This thesis research proposal will be an island

resort that mimics nature and functions as one. (Malabay, nd)

Therefore, one of the purposes of the research paper is to study the doctrine and

standard for the preparation of a biomimicry island resort. To contribute to the

redevelopment of not just the social but economic status of Matalom Leyte through the

evolution of Canigao Island Resort. Also, this paper will give recommendations to

encourage investors, businessmen, capital to invest in such projects.

The proposal ELISII CAMPI: Redevelopment of Canigao Island Resort in

Matalom Leyte will be located on an island within the jurisdiction of the town of

Matalom. The town has experienced economic growth, evidenced by the presence of

tourist destinations such as waterfalls, caves, commercial banks, a variety of restaurants,

Spanish-colonial old structures and the Canigao Island Resort.

As stated before that the Canigao Island Resort serves as the main source of

income in the town, the research seeks to enhance the existing amenities and facilities the

island resort is currently offering. It will employ the unemployed people of the town and

those tourism-related graduates or professionals. The researchers believe that a chance to

2 Smithsonian Institution. “How Biomimicry Inspiring Human Innovation”

attract tourists and will improve the local economy and tourism industry of the town.

The research will be conducted for the fulfilment of the course syllabus as well as

to satisfy the researchers’ proposal through biomimetic architecture that will cater to

tourists and lower class to upper-class Filipinos. Consequently, the researchers will limit

the proposal in the town of Matalom.

1.2 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

Most of the existing problems in the island is caused by the lack of discipline of

the tourists and strict Implementation of the rules and policies of the local management.

According to the tourist who have been in Canigao expressed their pleasant encounter

with the hospitable locals and also their displeasure on the lack of facilities and

mismanagement during their visit in the island. Limited availability of the cottages, lack

of clean water and electricity, non-existent of a clinic within the island and also the

unattended scattered garbage found around the island and sometimes in the sea 3. (1)
The

LGU who is in charge in maintaining and regulating policies does not have a limit on the

number of tourist who are allowed to visit the island resulting the lack of facilities due the

large number of users. The purpose of the proposal is find suitable and sustainable

approach to the existing problems in the Island. To aid in the design formulation, the

research study specifically aims to:

3 https://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/ShowUserReviews-g298462-d1097032-r660499942-
Canigao_Island-Leyte_Island_Visayas.html#REVIEWS
1. To conduct a survey and interview to determine the opinions or views of the

tourist and local management that is essential to our design consideration in

redeveloping the island.

2. To analyse the site, study the topography, climate and the existing biodiversity

in Canigao Island.

3. To study the relevant laws on designing an island beach resort.

4. To study innovative methods in achieving sustainable design and management

solution suitable to the island habitation and existing biodiversity.

5. To study and incorporate the proper sanitation and waste disposal in our

design.

6. To create a recreational environment within the island through variety of

facilities and functions for the enjoyment of the tourist controlled by the local

management.

7. To create an interactive ground for locals and visitors so that there may be

interchangeable of ideas and cultural demonstration.

8. To create an sustainable design approach in redeveloping the Canigao Island

Beach Resort that can accommodate the needs and demands and also optimize

the living experience of tourists with the locals and nature without inflicting

further damage to the existing biodiversity within the islands and its

surrounding waters.
1.3 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The town of Matalom is one of the few towns in Leyte that has inviting tourist

destinations. The Canigao Island Resort have been the major source of income in the

town over the years. Raising the economy of the town by enhancing the services of the

island while preserving the natural resource as well as providing employment to the

unemployed are the primary goals of the study. The proposal seeks to enhance the

different types of accommodations by engaging innovative but sustainable design

approaches. The research study also aims to gather tourists as well as to encourage people

to help promote sustainable design solutions to lessen carbon footprints impacts.

The research study also aims to promote Biomimetic architecture in the design

and construction of the buildings. Biomimetic architecture approaches are identified to be

eco-friendly and cost saving as they do not require installation and use of overpriced

mechanical systems due to them being self-sustaining. This in fact reduces significantly

on the environmental impacts ass less harmful refrigerants such as chlorofluorocarbon

(CFC) and greenhouse gases are being released into the atmosphere. Despite of its

numerous advantages, biomimetic design is not prominent to modern users and

contemporary architecture.

To the Society. One of the direct recipients of the output of the research study is

the general public itself. It will spark an interest in learning the importance of using

sustainable design approaches. Also, the proposal will accommodate the increasing
demands of the target end-users. Furthermore, it will increase the economy of Matalom

Leyte, hence, having enough or more than enough budget for future redevelopment,

development or other programs of the local government.

To the Government/LGU’s. The outcome of the research study will benefit the

local government involved. There are professionals and groups of people who are

authorized in promoting the sustainable design solutions. This would also serve as the

significance of the redevelopment of Canigao Island Resort in Matalom Leyte.

To the Researchers and Scientist. The research study of the redevelopment of

Canigao Island Resort using biomimetic architecture and its impact which will give

insight to the community regarding sustainable designs can become an inspiration for

present researchers and to the aspiring ones to pursue studies regarding natural sciences,

marine biology, forestry research and modern but sustainable innovations.

To the Architects. The research study will be beneficial to planners and designers

especially to those who find interest in designing structures that promote awareness and

knowledge towards modern innovations that are self-sustaining. Furthermore, this

research study can be used as a reference tool for the architects to obtain important

planning and design considerations regarding island beach resorts or any projects related

to it.

To the Architecture students. This research study will serve as a guide in

replanning and redesigning an island beach resort or any associated projects and may as
well serve as a reference source in their future thesis research writing and applications.

This may also serve as an inspiration to them as future designers and planners.

To the Students in General. One of the direct recipients of the output of the

research study are students with special requirements related to natural sciences, marine

biology and forestry research.

1.4 SCOPE AND DELIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The study will be centered on developing a design for redevelopment of Canigao

Island Beach Resort in Matalom Leyte that aids in the formulation of solutions to the

study objective.

Space design, planning considerations and pertinent laws such as the National

Building Code of the Philippines (NBC), Presidential Decree No. 564 (PD NO. 564), The

Presidential Decree No. 1067 (PD NO. 1067), Philippine Coast Guard Law of 2009 (RA

9993), The Tourism Act of 2009 (RA 9593), applicable for the study, will be observed as

well as identifying the design concept, architectural style and materials to be incorporated

in the desing of the redevelopment of Canigao Island Beach Resort

Design considerations and requirements as well as the basic principles of Biomimetic

design will be carefully observed in the study which aids to the formulation of the

solutions to the research study objectives. The application of the design as a sustainable

approach to the proposed ELISII CAMPI: Redevelopment of Canigao Island Beach

Resort will be incorporated as much as it is applicable.

Biomimetic architecture. A contemporary philosophy of architecture that seeks

solutions for sustainability in nature, not by replicating the natural forms, but by

understanding the rules governing those forms. It is a multi-disciplinary approach to

sustainable design that follows a set of principles rather than stylistic codes.

Biomimicry. An approach to innovation that seeks sustainable solutions to human

challenges by emulating nature’s time-tested patterns and strategies. The goal is to create

products, processes, and policies—new ways of living—that are well-adapted to life on

earth over the long haul.

Cultural Heritage. An expression of the ways of living developed by a community

and passed on from generation to generation, including customs, practices, places,

objects, artistic expressions and values. Cultural Heritage is often expressed as either

Intangible or Tangible Cultural Heritage

Foreign. A person not belonging to a particular place or group; a stranger or outsider.

Local. An inhabitant of a particular area or neighbourhood.

Natural Resources. Are components that exist in the world without the input of

humans. These natural resources are diverse ranging from renewable resources to non-

renewable resources, living to non-living resources, tangible to intangible resources.

Natural resources are essential to the survival of humans and all other living organisms.
All the products in the world use natural resources as their basic component, which may

be water, air, natural chemicals or energy.

Uninhabited Island. Uninhabited Island, is an island, islet or atoll that is not

permanently populated by humans.