A Proposed Disaster-Proof Socialized Housing and Community Center

CHAPTER 1

PROJECT BACKGROUND

1.1 PROJECT BACKGROUND

Known as the Historical City of the Philippines, the Caloocan city provided homes for the Katipuneros
during the Spanish regime. However, the city has lately been greatly affected by flooding. Over 143
Barangays were greatly affected by Typhoon Ondoy in 2009 and Typhoon Habagat last 2012 (Partners for
Resilience, 2019). With the Philippines situated in the “Ring of Fire”, several cities, including Caloocan city,
are known to be vulnerable to earthquakes and flooding. The underprivileged people will be the most
challenged during these natural calamities.

The local government published the Caloocan City 2017-2025 Shelter Plan to mitigate the current situation
of the city. The shelter plan initiates affordable housing for informal settlers who are the most threatened.
Together with various organizations and sectors, the said government project breaks down the action plan
and the available lands suited for housing. The Proposed Disaster-Proof Socialized Housing and
Community Center will support the said shelter plan in Caloocan.

Given that the available lots are limited, the government authorities favor vertical development. The
proposal will be low-rise multi-level blocks with co-living facilities. These facilities include a community
garden and other minor recreational centers.

The proposal will aim to provide the first flood-proof socialized housing in the city of Caloocan. It will not
only help mitigate the urban slum problems of the city but also provide innovative housing developments.

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1.2 PROJECT OBJECTIVES

The Proposed Disaster-Proof Socialized Housing and Community Center will aim the following:

1.2.1 Major Objective

● To create a facility that can withstand natural calamities without sacrificing the convenience of the
residents.

1.2.2 Minor Objectives

● To design an establishment that will lessen the usage of non-renewable resources.

● To provide a neighborhood that encourages healthy relationships within the community.
● To plan a housing facility and community center that will integrate innovative designs.

1.3 THE CLIENT

According to the Local Government Code of 1991, every local government unit (LGU) is mandated to
provide welfare for its residents. This includes the provision of low-cost housing for its people. Given this,
The proposal will be under the local government unit of Caloocan City. It will be directed by the City
Planning and Development Department together with several other agencies, such as the National Housing
Authority.

The Proposed Disaster-Proof Socialized Housing and Community Center will be a government-funded
project.

1.4 PROJECT SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

The proposal will focus on creating a facility catering to the different factors needed architecturally. It will be
a low-rise housing facility. The project will also be narrowed down into recreational and residential
amenities.

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1.5 PROJECT DEVELOPMENT

Figure 1.1 Project Development

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CHAPTER 2

SITE JUSTIFICATION

2.1 SITE SELECTION CRITERIA

POOR SATISFACTORY VERY SCORE REMARKS

CRITERIA SATISFACTORY

Physical Characteristics

The lot size The lot size can The lot size can 10 The lot size is
may not cater somehow cater to cater to the needed 6.50 hectares.
1 Lot Size to the needed the needed facilities of the
facilities of the facilities of the proposal
proposal. (3) proposal. (5) excellently. (10)

The site has 5 The lot has

steep slopes The site has mild The site has areas with low
2 Topography and challenging sloping. (5) relatively flat sloping that
terrain. (3) sloping and terrain. can
(10) accumulate
rainwater.

Natural and Climatic Factors

The site is The site is prone The site has not 3 The site is
3 Natural prone to more to two hazards. more than one prone to mild
Hazard than three (5) hazard. (10) flooding and is
hazards. (3) threatened by
seismic
hazards.

The site is The site is The site has little to 5 The lot is
prone to air moderately no vulnerability to adjacent to low
4 Nuisances pollution, noise prone to air air pollution, noise residential
pollution, pollution, noise pollution, wastes, areas and the
wastes, etc. (3) pollution, wastes, etc. (10) Caloocan
etc. (5) Sports
Complex.

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CRITERIA POOR SATISFACTORY VERY SCORE REMARKS

SATISFACTORY

Proximity and Accessibility

The lot is 10 The site is

5 Vehicular adjacent to The lot has The lot has access along the
Access narrow roads access to one to major highways Deparo Road
and has no roadway. (5) and is adjacent to and Saranay
access to major minor road/s. (10) Road Exit.
highways. (3)

The site is 5 The sidewalks

adjacent to a The site is The site is adjacent adjacent to the
6 Pedestrian broken adjacent to a to a well-built site are wide,
Access sidewalk/no sidewalk with sidewalk with little but not
sidewalk at all. multiple to no obstructions. elevated.
(3) obstructions. (5) (10)

Essential Essential Essential 10 The San

establishments establishments establishments Roque
7 Nearby (grocery, (grocery, (grocery, Supermarket is
Establish- convenience convenience convenience within walking
ments stores, etc.) are stores, etc.) are stores, etc.) are distance of the
more than one less than an hour within walking site.
hour away. away. (5) distance. (10)

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POOR SATISFACTORY VERY SCORE REMARKS

CRITERIA SATISFACTORY

Availability of Utility Resources

The site has 10 Maynilad can

8 Water little to no The site has The site has easily provide
Utility access to limited access to adequate access to water for the
potable water. potable water. (5) potable water. (10) project.
(3)

The lot has little The lot has The lot has 10 Meralco can
9 Electricity to no access to limited access to adequate access to easily provide
an electricity an electricity an electricity electricity for
provider. (3) provider. (5) provider. (10) the project.

The site has The lot has The lot has 10 Various
little to no limited access to adequate access to telecom
10 Telecom access to a a telecom a telecom provider. providers are
telecom provider. (5) (10) readily
provider. (3) available to
provide
services.

TOTAL 78/100

Table 2.1 Site Selection Criteria

Overall, the site surpassed the criteria needed for the proposal. It features a relatively large landmass (6.50
hectares), with relatively low sloping. Utilities that are essential for domestic use are readily available within
the city, provided by reputable companies. In addition, the site is also easily accessible by pedestrians and
vehicles. The site is prone to two or more hazards, which will be given a solution in the proposal.

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2.2 MACRO-MESO SITE ANALYSIS

2.2.1 Regional Setting

Figure 2.0 Map of the National Capital Region of the Philippines

The National Capital Region (NCR), the home of over 12 million Filipinos, is known as the Philippines’
center of culture, economics, and commerce. The region is composed of 16 cities, namely: Manila, Quezon
City, Caloocan, Las Pinas, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Paranaque,
Pasay, Pasig, San Juan, Taguig, and Valenzuela, and the Pateros municipality. It is one of the most densely
populated regions in the Philippines and Asia, also ranking as the 5th most populous urban area of the
world.

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2.2.2 Locational Setting

Figure 2.2 Caloocan City Map

Caloocan City, one of the country's most densely populated cities, has converted into an investment
hotspot thanks to its strategic location and expansive land area in the north. The citizens of South
Caloocan, in particular, have acclimated to the changes brought about by the commercial revolution. In
terms of commercial expectations, trade demands have been met. The city currently calls itself the
"Motorbike Capital of the Philippines," a claim backed up by a thriving motorcycle business around Rizal
Avenue and 10th Avenue.

However, with the city being the third most populous city in NCR, the initiatives of the city are constantly
challenged. The flood of migrants — displaced families affected by government initiatives — and the
infrequent rises in the birth rate are the leading reasons for the housing shortage.

These factors limit the delivery of fundamental services and create a vacuum that stymies the city's
public-service agenda implementation. Nonetheless, the local government assures the provision of shelter
facilities for its residents.

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2.2.3 Demographics

Figure 2.3 Target Population (Caloocan Shelter Plan 2017-2025)

As seen above are the target population of the Shelter Plan of Caloocan City. The data also displays the
existing living conditions of the target beneficiaries of the project.

2.2.4 Physical Environment

2.2.4.1 Climate

The city of Caloocan falls under Type 1 of the Philippine Climate Classification. The classification has two
seasons- The Dry High-Pressure season which comes from November to April, and The Wet season which
comes from May to October.

2.2.4.2 Wind Direction

During the months of January, March, October, November, and December, north winds prevail. From April
to July, the southwest monsoon dominates. This explains the torrential rains that have fallen over these
months.

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2.2.4.3 Rainfall

According to PAGASA, The maximum rainfall in North and South Caloocan occurs during July, August, and
September. The annual rainfall in North Caloocan, where the proposal is located, is recorded to be
2,588.70mm with a maximum of 518.30mm

2.2.4.4 Topography

Figure 2.4 Topographic Map of North Caloocan City (Caloocan Shelter Plan 2017-2025)

The topography of 58.49% of the total land area, or 2,322.80 hectares, is described as moderately to
steeply undulating to rolling, with slopes ranging from 3 percent to 18 percent. This terrain can be found in
the northern and central portions of the boundary, gradually succumbing to a southerly trend of flatlands
down to the southwestern point.

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Because of its proximity to several of the area's major access roads, several industrial and residential
subdivisions have been developed on these flat to almost level terrain.
2.2.4.5 Soil Characteristics

Figure 2.5 Soil Map of North Caloocan City (Caloocan Shelter Plan 2017-2025)

The proposed site is composed of Prensa Clay Loam. The soil is characterized as brown to dark yellowish
clay loam, with loose granular surface soil. The soil also has traces of volcanic materials that are commonly
used for construction.

2.2.5 Hazard Vulnerability

2.2.5.1 Ground Shaking

Earthquakes are notorious for causing damages to man-made structures. As of today, there have been
numerous faults identified around NCR, with the Valley Fault System (VFS) potentially affecting Caloocan
City.

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2.2.5.2 Liquefaction

In 71 barangays from around the city, liquefaction susceptibility varies from moderate to high. The total area
susceptible to this hazard can be as vast as 447 hectares, with Barangay 28 being one of the most
vulnerable.

2.3.3 Flood Hazard

Figure 2.9 Flood Map

Caloocan City has been known to experience flooding due to river overflow, excessive rainfall, and
inefficient channel capacity (2017-2025 Caloocan Local Climate Change Action Plan). As seen above, the
site experiences low to medium flooding. It is located near two rivers, namely the Mecayuan River on its
south side and the Marilao River due to its north side.

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2.3 MICROSITE ANALYSIS

2.3.1 Site Location

Figure 2.6 Site Location

The site is located in Barangay 171 adjacent to Parkview Heights, Bagumbong, Caloocan. It is filed under
“Inventory of Available Lands Suitable for Housing” in the Caloocan Local Shelter Plan (2017-2025). The lot
is private property and is proposed as an off-site relocation that is currently for acquisition.

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Figure 2.7 Inventory of Available Lands Suitable for Housing (Caloocan Local Shelter Plan 2017-2025)

The site is situated on coordinates 14°45'06.0"N 121°01'10.7"E. It has access to one main highway,
(Deparo Highway), and one minor road (Saranay Rd. Exit). Various residential and commercial
establishments also surround the site such as the Villa Luisa and the Queensville Subdivision. The
proposal will cater to the 1st income and 2nd income groups within the targeted beneficiaries.

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2.3.2 Zoning

Figure 2.8 Existing Land Use Map North Caloocan City (Caloocan Local Shelter Plan 2017-2025)

As seen in the figure above, the site is a vacant lot surrounding residential zones. It is classified as vacant
land as of the North Caloocan Existing Land Use Map.

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2.3.3 Accessibility and Road Networks

Figure 2.10 Road Access

The site can be accessed by two roads, namely the Deparo Road and the Saranay Road Exit. Both roads
experience light to moderate traffic throughout the day.

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2.3.4 Site Analysis

Figure 2.11 Site Analysis

As shown above, the site is surrounded by residential areas and is adjacent to Caloocan Sports Complex. It
is adjacent to two roads. Noise may occur coming from the subdivision bound northeast and the institution
coming from the southwest.

The lot still has numerous vegetation within its boundaries and will be useful for flood and noise barriers.

2.3.5 SWOT Analysis

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STRENGTH WEAKNESS

OPPORTUNITIES THREAT

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