Chapter 1

The Problem and Its Scope

Title: A Development of an Eco Adventure Park in Barangay Lantoy, Argao, Cebu

Introduction
Tourism is one of the most essential industries in our country. Aside from
being a significant economic driver, it also connects every community throughout
our immense provinces. Moreover, it defines our image on how we see ourselves
and how other community sees us.
Philippines is well known for its abundance in natural resources. In fact,
other nationalities visit our country more often. The Department of Tourism have
even announced that the year 2015 was the Visit the Philippines year and that
the government have collected P277.62 billion from the foreign tourists.
According to DENR, our country is one of the 17 mega diversity countries
that collectively house two-thirds of the Earths biological diversity; this
contributes to the countrys tourism industry. However, the country is also one of
the 34 global biodiversity hotspots due to unsustainable resource use practices.
Nevertheless, there is a potential threat in our tourism industry. This is due
to lack of maintenance, climate change, and unprotected biodiversity. Moreover,
it is expected that there will be a great depletion in the countrys natural
resources and a series of declination of tourist visits for the next five years.
Hence, there is a need for a facility that will help boost the eco-tourism
opportunities while preserving these natural resources.

Rationale

Nothing beats a place rich in heritage, culture and natural wonders.

Located in the southeast part of Cebu, Argao is one of the best places to retreat
from a busy life caused by the urban city. The municipality is well known for its
natural tourist attractions. In fact, each year, tourists visit Argao to see the
abundance of its natural resources.
Within the municipality, is where Mt. Lantoy is located. The mountain is
rich with different animal species like birds, bats, monkeys, and the like.
Furthermore, it has a great potential in developing a place where tourists can
stay, relax, enjoy the view of the mountains, conduct bird watching, and
experience an adventure like no other.
With that, the Cebu Investment and Promotions Center (CIPC) in
collaboration with the Department of Tourism is proposing a facility that will assist
in promoting the tourism industry in Argao, specifically in Mt. Lantoy.
The challenge is to develop the site without destroying or damaging its
natural state. Thus, there is a need for a facility that will aid in the preservation of
the mountains biodiversity and at the same time boost to municipalitys economic
and tourist potential.

Theoretical Framework
The Theoretical Framework shows the schematic diagram of the laws and
data requirements that will be used as design guidelines in undertaking the study.

Figure 1.0 Theoretical Framework

Conceptual Framework

Figure 1.1 Conceptual Framework

Significance of the Study

The study is aimed to develop an Eco Adventure Park that will offer variety
of activities to boost the tourism industry in Argao while conserving the natural
state of the environment. The implementation of the study will not only benefit the
community, but also what surrounds the community.
To the Local Government of Argao. The study will bring a new distinct tourist
spot to the municipality giving them a new impression from other people. The
local government can also benefit in a more far-reaching and indirect ways that
are not linked to recreational spaces or conservation areas. User fees, income
taxes, taxes on sales or rental of recreation equipment, and license fees for
activities can provide government with the funds needed to manage natural
resources. Such funds can be used for overall conservation program and others.
To the Community of Argao. The study promotes the tourism industry in Argao
and will also help in creating jobs within the community. The study will also
provide recreational areas for people and also contribute to the well-being of the
community. According to the Trust for Public Land, open and recreational spaces
relieves symptoms of depression and anxiety, improves mood and enhances
psychological well-being. Being able to expose a community to the benefits of
nature will make the people even healthier.
To the Philippine Economy. Beyond the environmental benefits of the facility, it
is also a source of positive economic growth. It is also a good financial
investment for an economy for it enhances the land values of properties,
increase municipal revenue, and increase employment rate. The facility can also
become one of the places signature attractions, a prime marketing tool to attract
tourists, conventions and businesses.
To the Researchers. The study serves as guide since the researchers will gain
knowledge on outlining the needs of the locality. It will enable the researchers to
know more about the nature of eco-tourism and its course.

Statement of the Problem

The study aims to develop an Eco Adventure Park that will offer variety of
activities and adventures to the users while protecting and improving the natural
state of the environment.
The following sub-problems will serve as a guide to the researchers in
conducting the study and will be addressed in the process of research.
1. What are the existing conditions of the site and how will itq affect the
proposal?
2. What are the considerations in developing the Eco Adventure Park in
terms of:
a. Existing biodiversity
b. Laws governing the Protection of Environment
3. What are currently on site and the locality and how it will affect the
proposal in terms of:
a. Infrastructures
b. Mode of transportation
c. Utilities
4. What are the areas identified as non-build zones?
5. What tourist activities should be provided?
6. How will the project be funded?

Scope and Limitation

The study covers the field of eco-tourism and is limited to accommodate
the Tourism Industry in Argao. It is also limited to the government agencies

whose participation is vital to the study. The Department of Tourism and The
Department of Environment and Natural Resources are the key agencies task to
oversee and construct facilities needed.
The gathering of data is within the 400-meter radius from the site in
accordance to the Urban Planning and Design Criteria by De Chiara and
Koppelman.
The study was undertaken in school year 2016 to 2017.

Definition of Terms
The meaning of each term is defined as how the researchers use the
words in the study.
Adventure. Engagement in physical activities that will give an unusual and
exciting or remarkable experience.
Eco. The movement that seeks to protect the environment, especially from
pollution.
Park. A large, public green area used for recreation.

Overview of the Organization of the Study:

Chapter one presents the Introduction to the Study, Rationale,
Conceptual/Theoretical Framework, Significance of the Study, Statement of the
Problem, Scopes and Limitations, Definition of Terms and Organization of the
Study.

Chapter II
Review of Related Literature and Studies

Diverse related literature and related studies from different related sources
comprehensively sought by the researchers and presented in this chapter, which
discusses about other related case studies. This chapter correspondingly
explains the relation of the gathered related studies and literature to the study of
the researchers.
Evans (1999) indicated that building design should take advantage of
daylight without creating glare or overheating. Designers should take also into
consideration the effects of daylighting in aesthetics, psychological response,
health, energy and cost.
Factors mentioned can help in the utilization of sunshine for passive
heating and for daylighting and minimizes liabilities of overheating through sunshading, orientation, and related fenestrations designs.
Natural Ventilation is effective for cooling buildings that are properly
shaded and otherwise design to suit local climatic condition, such as air and
earth temperatures, relative humidity, daily and seasonal wind, and breeze
direction. In many locations and building types, these climatic design elements
can provide the principle source of cooling comfort in buildings (Watson and Labs
1993).
The comprehensive overview of natural ventilation can help facilitate air
change and movement, increases comfort, and reduces backup cooling
requirements.
Orient the building to take advantage of solar energy for passive and
active solar systems. The building should take advantage of shade and airflows
for cooling in summer, and of passive solar energy for heating (Harris and Dines
1998).

This particular practice will aid the researchers in considering solar access
and would serve as a guide in the placement of buildings and site features in
order to achieve an energy-conserving design.
Materials used in construction should be recycled and/or regionally
available, if possible, and have a low life-cycle cost (Harris and Dines 1998).
This can help the researchers with the use of recyclable materials for
construction purposes to help achieve an overall sustainable design of the
facility.
Existing vegetation may be used to moderate weather conditions and
provide protection for native wildlife. Vegetation can be used to provide shade
and transpiration in the summer. Additionally, vegetation can provide natural
corridors for wildlife movement when provided in conjunction with a regional
landscape plan (Harris and Dines 1998).
This information will enable the researcher to seek to maximize the use of
existing vegetation. This can also be used to develop a site plan and design that
meet the needs of its occupants as well as the existing environment.
According to Xiao, Inoue, and Paudel 2008, the most extensive use of
bamboo in construction is for walls and partitions. The major elements of a
bamboo wall generally constitute part of the structural framework. As such they
are required to carry the building self-weight and loadings imposed by the
occupants, the weather and earthquakes.
The range measures of flexibility, durability, and other capabilities of
bamboo will help in the determination of its structural and design limits.
Guidelines for the Registration and Administration of Incentives to AgroIndustrial Economic Zone Developers/Operators and Locators under Republic
Act No. 7916 includes policies on location, landholding rights, area, registrable
activities and fiscal incentives.
The data supports the legal basis of the study.

Republic Act 9514, also known as the Fire Code of the Philippines, covers
the fire safety measures for buildings, structures, and facilities for the protection
of both the property and its users.
The compliance of the law not only means the grant of an occupancy
permit but also the assurance of less damages and casualties in case of fire
break out.
Presidential Decree 1096, also known as the National Building Code of
the Philippines, encompasses regulations on parking requirements of an agroindustrial development as well as its supporting and conditional uses. The code
also includes standards and regulations on building height, setbacks and others.
The data contained in the code in the code determines the number of
parking slots, building height limits and setbacks required for an agro-industrial
facility.
Batas Pambansa 344, also known as the Accessibility Law, covers the
required architectural design treatments, standards and regulations to make
buildings and facilities convenient and accessible to persons with disabilities.
The mobility of persons with disabilities is improved through the integration
of the law into the plans of the agro-industrial facility.
Republic Act 7586, also known as the National Integrated Protected Areas
System Act (NIPAS) of 1992, protects the natural environment from profound
effect of human activities like increasing population, resource exploitation and
industrial advancement.
According to the Best Practices Ecotourism Development Guidelines,
2015, the site layout should be compatible with the landscape.
In planning the site layout, the landscape features should pre dominate
and the ecotourism facility should blend into the surrounding environment. The
ecotourism facility design and layout should also maximize the use of landscape
features and natural geological formations of the site.

According to the Best Practices Ecotourism Development Guidelines,

2015, the ecotourism facility design and appearance should be compatible with
the landscape and local conditions.
The ecotourism facility should consider orientation to provide insulation,
ventilation, heating and passive cooling. Landscape features should be reflected
in design through scale, form, color, and texture of the ecotourism facility.
According to the Best Practices Ecotourism Development Guidelines,
2015, the ecotourism operation should minimize its footprint on the site and the
facilitys construction methods should have a low impact.
The consideration should be given to modular, pre-fabricated and easy to
assemble construction technologies to reduce construction related impacts.
Locally sourced and lightweight yet durable materials and construction practices
should be considered and renewable and non-toxic and environmentally
sustainable materials should also be used throughout the ecotourism facility.
According to the greenfield geography, to achieve environmental
sustainability in the design, the use of public transport or non-polluting transport
methods like cycling, walking, and kayaking should be encouraged or promoted.
In the development of the ecotourism facility which is an eco-adventure
park, the use of non-pollutant modes of transport like cycling, kayaking, etc. will
bring benefit to reduce impacts in the environment.
In Costa Rica Ecotourism Case Study, it is stated that trails in reserves
should only be limited to certain areas, allowing wildlife to exist undisturbed
elsewhere.
There should also be limitations to certain areas in the eco-adventure park
so that the wildlife in the area can still live within the site of the development.

Chapter III
Research Methodology

This chapter presents the methodology identified by the researchers to

arrive at a solution and the different tools administered in the undertaking of the
study.
Method
This study utilized the descriptive method of research since the
information needed in the study involves mainly the existing conditions of the site
and the perspective of classified users towards the site. The descriptive method
of research is a fact-finding study that involves adequate and accurate
interpretation of findings. For the purpose of the study, descriptive research was
used to describe the condition of tourism industry in Argao with the view of
providing alternative eco-tourism facilities to help in the conservation of the
environment.
This type of research also made use of both qualitative and quantitative
methodologies. Qualitative method was used for data that were taken from
observations, interviews and documentations. Quantitative method was used for
data that deals with numbers such as existing road right-of-ways and
establishments.
The data used in the study are mostly secondary data. The secondary
data were derived from the findings stated in published documents and
literatures related to the research problem.
Tool
The tools used in the study are mechanical tools, interview, and document
searches.
Document searches were other reliable tool in obtaining the environmental
and physical factors in relation to the municipality mentioned. Interview was

conducted to gather basic information related to the study, such as history, site
condition and level of education. Mechanical tools were used to capture the
present status of the site.
Flow of the Study
The nature and extent of involvement of agriculture in the generation of
job and income in rural areas lead to the necessity of creating eco-tourism
facilities. Through the proposal of the Cebu Investment and Promotion Center in
collaboration of the Department of Tourism, the researchers have identified a
researchable topic in the municipality of Argao. In a request letter, an assistance
was given by the municipality and the researchers was able to acquire data and
information needed to determine the problems that are needed to be addressed.
With the permission to proceed with the study, the researchers first
identified the data needed and factors to be considered in coming up with a
design of an Eco-Adventure Park.

Input
-Existing Site Condition
-Facilities Needed
Trans.
-Guidelines and Standards

-Utilities
-Mode of

Process
-Interview
-Observation

-Document Search
-Mechanical Tools

Output
Eco-Adventure Park

Figure 3.0. Schematic Flow of the Study

Environment
The environment of the study is the Municipality of Argao which is located
in the southern part of Cebu. Argao is 68 kilometers southeast from Cebu City
and is exactly midway between Cebu City and the southern tip of Cebu island at
Santander. It lies within the polar geographic coordinates of latitude 9953 North,
longitude 123936 East.
The planning area is bounded in the north by the municipality of Sibonga,
on east by the Bohol Strait, on the south by the municipality of Dalaguete and on
the west, by the municipalities of Badian, Alcantara, Ronda, and Dumanjug.
It takes approximately two and a half hours to arrive at Argao from Cebu
City via bus or jeepney.
Respondents
The primary respondents are locals of the municipality who were inclined
to the tourism industry. The municipalitys population is 72,366 and --- of these
locals, according to the municipalitys planning and development office, were
involved in this type of industry.
Instruments
The instruments used in gathering data was observation, document
search, literature review and interview. These instruments were the most
appropriate method in gathering primary and secondary data.
Observation was used to gather some data especially on the physical
factors, hence a site visit was conducted to know the conditions of the site.
Document search and literature review is a way in gathering secondary
information were obtained through different government offices such as
Department of Tourism, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and
Argao Municipal Hall.

Interview is a major technique in gathering more complete and valid

information. The researcher conducted both casual and formal interviews with
public and private sectors.
Table of Parameters
The table is an inventory of the different data needed and the tools and
sources in obtaining it.
Research
Parameters

Physical
Factors

SocioEconomic
Factors

Legal
Factors

Type of
Variable/s
Data
Prim Sec
Area Description
Technical
/
Description
Climate
/
Land
/
Classification
Soil
/
Properties
Vegetation
/
Topography
/
Wildlife
/
Utilities
Solid Waste
/
Management
Power
/
Communicati
/
on
Drainage
/
Road
/
Network
Transportatio
/
n
Water
/
Population
No. of
/
Occupants
No. of
/
Teachers
Boundary
/
Land use
/
and Zoning
Planning
/
Standards
Funding
/

Type of
Information
Quali. Quanti.

Tools

Source of
Data

Accessors Office

PAG - ASA

/
/

Document
Search

/
/
/

CLUP
DENR

/
/
/

SITE

/
Document
Search

/
/

DPWH
SITE

/
/
/

Document
Search

LGU

/
/
Document
Search

/
/

MPDO
Government

Table 3.0 Table of Parameters