OCCASION

This publication has been made available to the public on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the
United Nations Industrial Development Organisation.

DISCLAIMER

This document has been produced without formal United Nations editing. The designations
employed and the presentation of the material in this document do not imply the expression of any
opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the United Nations Industrial Development
Organization (UNIDO) concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its
authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries, or its economic system or
degree of development. Designations such as “developed”, “industrialized” and “developing” are
intended for statistical convenience and do not necessarily express a judgment about the stage
reached by a particular country or area in the development process. Mention of firm names or
commercial products does not constitute an endorsement by UNIDO.

FAIR USE POLICY

Any part of this publication may be quoted and referenced for educational and research purposes
without additional permission from UNIDO. However, those who make use of quoting and
referencing this publication are requested to follow the Fair Use Policy of giving due credit to
UNIDO.

CONTACT

Please contact publications@unido.org for further information concerning UNIDO publications.

For more information about UNIDO, please visit us at www.unido.org

UNITED NATIONS INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION
Vienna International Centre, P.O. Box 300, 1400 Vienna, Austria
Tel: (+43-1) 26026-0 · www.unido.org · unido@unido.org
 i--
\SbOO Distr.
!.l!'fITED
ID/Wr..447/16
l 27 ~v 1986
United Nations lndustri.11 Development Organization

<
ENGLISH

Expert Group Meeting on Timber Construction

) Vienna, Austria, 2 - 6 December 1985

r;IMBER FOR LOW COST HOUSING *

IN THE PHILIPPINES~

Prepared by

Pedro M. Raralio, Jr. **

--

* The viewd expressed in this paper are those of the author and do not neceRs~rily
reflect the views of the Secretariat of UNIDO. This docum2nt has heen
rerr0duced without formal editin~.
** Vice PreRident for OperationR, Bl fas Development CnrpnrAtfon, Pl1ilippfnes.
 - ii -

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction 1

The Traditional House 3

Rural Bliss Program 9
Flexihomes Program 23
Adapting to Economic Crises 32
Flexihome Model 40.32 33
Flexihome Model 64.8 41
Flexihome Model 36 41
Sariling Sikap 49
Climatic Factors 55
Earthquakes 55
J.aws Concerning Construction 57
Conclusion 61
Appendix l 63 - 66
INTRODUCTION
Looking back at how man provided himself with shelter, a
basic need, we find that cis resourcefulness has made him adapt
to his environment. Progressing from living in caves to build-
ing his home with materials available around him, his ingenuity
has similarly taught hi.ln how to process and to transform ti1ese
indigenous materials to more durable products. Timber, for
instance, has been tran.sforr.ied into plywood and hardboards.
Technolcgical advances have made i t possible for him to manufac-
ture substitute materials for practically any component in his

house.
Similarly, technological advances made in transportation
made it possible for him to acquire materials and products pro-
duced in other corners of the world more conveniently than
developing a similar product locally. But with economic crises
befalling him one after the other, he suddenly realizes that
importing materials is beyond his means. Thus, he has to rely
on his ingenuity once again to use whatever material is avail-
able to him in a manner his ancestors did or perhaps in a manner
suited to hls present day activities and his economic situation.
Such is tte case in most developing countries including the

PhiliFpines.
This paper discusses the traditional Filipino houses that
have been tne source of inspiration for present day housing.
 - 2 -

Presented also are the various shelter designs that have been

modified and simplified in response to each economic crisis.

It highlights the use of timber, which is one material that

is readily available in the country, in the three major shelter

projects, namely Rural BI.ISS, Flexihomes, and Sari ling Sikap.

It likewise enumerates the pcogress in de-regulation in the

various building and land development codes which do not dis-

courage the use of locally available materials but promote

them in order to encourage low cost housing.

 - 3 -

THE TRADI'l'IONAL HOUSES

A. "Bahay Kubo" - - The Hol\se on Stilts
The traditional Filipino house is one that is raised
• above the ground on stilts. Better known as "bahay kubo",
Filipinos were living in this type of house long befor~ the
first colonizers landed on Philippine shores. The "bahay
kubo~ which until now is the most common shelter type in the
rural areas, is con!.'tructed of lirht materials, which vary
according to the available indigenous materials in the locality.
In the mountain settlements of the north, the Ifugao
house on stilts is a hut measuring about 16 to 20 square
meters. The stilts (posts), floors, framework, and wall panels
are cf hardwood, while the roof with d steep pitch is made of
layers of grass. In the lowlands, the traditional "bahay kubo",
is made mainly of bamboo and timber roofed with palm leaves.
In fishing villages notably in the southern part of the country,
the house on stilts is built right on the water with grass reeds
for walling, logs with diameters of 10-15 cm for framework, and
thatched roof.
The ~bahay kubo" constructed of traditional materials is
not as lasting and durable ~s the present day version, nor is
it weather tight. Strong winda necessitate temporary propping
and securing with bamboo or even fishnet. The flimsy wall sidings

and roofinp, materials similarly are no match for the drivln~ rains.

Yet, the "bshay kubo", on the other hand, me:rely sways with an
earthquake.

Described briefly below are the features of the traditional

Filipino h0use, the "bahay kubo", in terms of layout and its
elements.
 - 4 -

1. LAYOUT

l The elevated enclosed space of the basic "bahay kubo"

<
is a sleeping area and storage space where personal articles

are kept. Cooking is done on the ground under a shed or the

extension of the roof. The area under the roof extension at

the front is called the "harapan" which serves as social and

ente~tainment space. The space underneath the elevated living

area, called "silong", is where animals and farm implements

are kept.
The bigger house on stilts would have a partition sepa-

rating the sleeping room ("silid") from the hall, or multi-

purpose area, ("bulwagan"). On one side of the "bulwagan" is

the kitchen which sometimes is a separate structure. A feature

of the kitchen is the "banggera" a slotted shelf protruding much

like a bay window, where pots and dishes are drained. Toilets

were separated from the main house. A porch or "veranda" is

also an added feature of the "bahay kubo" located at the front

and sometimes alsc at the rear of the house.

2. POSTS AND BEAMS

Posts, ("haligue") are either set on flat stone slabs or

buried in holes and kept in place by setting rocks around the

posts. Among the woJd species used for posts are: molave

(Vitex parviflora), ipil (Instia bijuga), banaba (Lagerstroemia

speciosa, ~ers.), yakal (Shorea gisok), and bamboo.

Feams ("'patukuran") tie up adjac-:?nt posts and serve as the major

structural support to the floor system. Secondary beams ("yawi") usually
11
running in thf, direction of the shorter span suppo;:·t the joists ("sol er'.1 )

upon which the actual f;ooring iR laid.

 -)-

PALUPO-- ·

.
BARAL NG KILO-.. ~-.:::=~

KILO-

SIKANG-

DING DING - ;~ ffiBi~l====::::ill:====1

SOLERA$
TUMALI--~-~~~~~~~~'
-YAWi

BARAL

SECTION

PAMALUPO - - - - - -·· ---'-......

KABALYARETE - --- - -

COGON BUNDLES - · ---..

TALI----- -

SOL ERAS
PITPffAN -
YAWi
-- -----KILO (RAFTER)
TUHOG-..,,,, PATUKURAN
'•
- - PALATPAT ( PURLIN)

•l>
1
PAMALAYPAY
(COGON OVERHANG)
d>.

DETAILS OF ROOF DETAIL A

CONSTRUCTION DETAILS
OF BAHAY KUBO
 - 6 -

21. ROOF

Before any other framework is constructed, the roof is

usually assembled first on the ground and then is hoisted and

mounted on the posts. The roof system is made up of pairs of

rafters ("kilo"), that cross each other at the ridge to form a

seat for a ridge beam ("palupo"). Much like a bottom chord is

the norizontal member ("sikang") holding a pair of rafters in

place. Rafters are supported on both ends by girders ("kahab-an").

Purlins, ("palapat"), whfch support the roofing materials, are

made of bamboo strips tied to the rafters with rattan vines.

Traditional roofing materials include cogon (a kind of grass),

and nipa palm leaves (made into shingles). The roof is pitched

steeply to drain off rain easily.

4. FLOORING

Traditional flooring ("sahig") is made up of bamboo slats,

two and a half centemeters on centers leaving gaps between slats.

This provided adequate ventilation even with windows shut.

5. WALLS

Traditional wall sidings, include: bamboo mat ("sawali")

made by flattening bamboo and weaving this into h3rringbone

patterns, nipa leaves, coconut leaves and cogon grass. Wall

sidings are attached to wal 1 studs ( "tumali ") that are seated

on the floor sill. Wall sidings are held in place by horizontal

bamboo strips.
 - 7 -

6. DOORS AND WINDOWS

Traditional windows and doors are made up of the same mate-

rials as the walls. The "bahay kabo" window is either a pro-

. . jected or pivoted type which is held open with a bamboo prop.

7. USE OF MODERN MATERIALS

Most of the present d~y "bahay kubo" utilize materials that

are more lasting and permanent. Wood has replaced bamboo for

its structural members anchored and fastened with nails and bolts

rather than rattan lashings. Planks and wood boards are commonly

used for floors, and hardboards, asbestos sheets and wocd for

wall sidings. Corrugated galvanized roofing has replaced the

highly pervious and flammable nipa roofing.

B. BAHAY NA BATO

The coming of the first colonizers in the 16th century saw

the advent of new construction technology and new materials.

Stones, lime, bricks and clay roofing tiles were introduced.

Houses built by the Spanish before the year 1€45, were usually

two stories hir~ and were predominantly of stone and clay tiles.

Earthquakes in ~645, 1658 and 1677, however, leveled practically

all stone houses, and the colonizers had to shift to timber for

major structural rnembera.

Houses of the affluent, thus, had timber posts enclosed and

wrapped in wasonry which supported the upper floor and the roof

trusses. The stone exterior walls were retained, but no longer

carried any load. The second floor framing and flooring were
 - 6 -

all of timber, and seldom was the exterior wall on the second

floor, not made of wood.

<
)
The "bahay na bato" (literally translated as "house made

of stone") has been built taking into account the tropical

climate of the country. It is characterized by verandahs,

very wide sliding windows (oftentimes extending from wall to

wall), equally wide window awnings and steep roofs. Houses of

this type w~re prevalent till the coming of the Americans at

the close of the 19th century. The introductjon of concrete

hollow blocks saw th~ beginning of bungalow-type mass housing

in the post war period.

 -9-

RURAL BLISS PROGRAM

The government's response to the housing problem was
triggered in the 1950's by the emerging squatter problem in
Manila. The year 1978 saw the Ministry of Human Settlements
embarking on a massive housing program along the principles
of the human settlements approach.
Housing was viewed not solely as the provision of dwelling
units with the accompanying facilities but rather as the deve-
lo~ment of conununities that are self-sufficient, self managed,
ard self reliant. _· 11Us, the Rural Bliss Program was initiated.
The objective of the Bagong Lipunan (New Society) Sites
and Services Program, better known as BLISS, was to establish
communities of at least 50 families each; in all 1,500 munici-
palities nationwide to serve as the model and foundation of
self-reliant communities. The p:::-ogram was not merely a hou·ing
program, since it was also geared towards establishing income
and employment opportunities not only to the housing benefi-
ciaries, but also to the residents of the surrounding adjacent
communities.
The Rural BLISS Program also saw the emergence of an
interest among the policy makers to preserve the legacy of
Philippine shelter architacture. This was explicitly embodied
in two of the major policy directives, namely; (1) to design
the houses along Filipino regional architectural motifs, and
(2) to use indigenous housing materials.
The next few illustrations are exarnpl£s of plans prepared
by architects in response to this challenge of designing a low

cost dwelling unit adopting architectural motifs and details

 -10-

from traditional houses using local materials, such as

bamboo, wood, stones, clay, nipa, cogon and bricks.
The house on stilts was one of the more practical adop-
tions made from traditional homes, since it afforded the
people a covered space where livelihood activities can be
performed.
The use of traditional indigenous materials was not always
acceptable to th~ people and the bank which provided financing.
There was the qt; ~:;tion of the durability of materials, such as
bamboo and nipa roofing. specifically because homeowners had to
pay a long term amortization for the housing units. Homeowners
were willing to pay the premium for more permanent materials
such as corrugated galvanized iron roofing and concrete hollow
blocks, which in a way was a status symbol for them. Wood
was also preferred instead of bamboo or nipa wall siJings.
Thus emerged houses in traditional designs but constructed with
modern materials.
-----------------------~~-- --
-1.1-
750

., _ _ _2'9_~
, I

BEDROoM

<
)
8

0
-,
0

VERANDA
SI!
o~----

FLOOR PLAN
5CAL£ I , tOO•
TDT'IL FLOOR All£., 4475SM

MATERIALS USED
I STRUCTURAL
& FOOr.i • COllCll£1'E PIER
·~-~TT-5
c Glllllt:R • COCOMIT ~5 -
ll Tiii.SSH/~---- ;-_-
a llOOF- • - a IAoaJO
II F!MSHES
& EXTE"'°" WALL - l&MllOO
9 lllTElttOll ~ - - , FINE WE&VEO 51.W&LI, Cl! YIS&Y&ll CLOTH

1n OOCJf a wmow
o OO(Jlf -1'1111!• WEAVED S&w"U ON WOOD FIJAIME WITH MM800 CLIWINGS
D WflllOOW- CAPIZ SHl!U. ON WOOD Fll&ME
 -12-

.<
\
.)
I
'
I

~ ;:---..~ j ..

_..____......,. .w=---. f 15' .:

11 . ;
• I

.
-- .
 -~--- - -- ----

, ' - I'
r-,--------1
-l.3-
.
I - ..._......._~~~-y.y-~~
I

<
•\
)
. .

I·
!
i

/~ -~ PLAN sc.v upe.

 -14-

. I
---~i- -~--,·~··
: -

,t , ..

<
•\
J

1l!J
10~
llJ1
:
..
~a
; i

~- ct 071 Oii'

r~>:=
r.
I L.

--------
'

a.·
 -------

-15-

aa&1'~: 1'0-&llalSEoat--a.l°~ll'-IS
- - · - llliE snu::ri.e ~AS~ Ill'
- CIU 1Q MT & CE01'MI - fl'-. -..re - -
-TUl&LS 115€0. -.-~,--.--.-·~­
ontER -.c:.uir - . . . :

ONE BEDROOM HWSE

- - a.r • mn, .. C111S1111S °" •·!Ki'S IJICll, - ~
--~
AREAS
.. ..,
---·
•llOIOI
ur-...1 1'Ull£T
C&T·-..
15.n. - - - -
•·» _______
•· zn
4.Z'l:ll
r'I "- .I "' ' . . ,
ri __J ____________1 ________ ,~-~--i-----:--·
! .
i
. '

-
& : I : 8

-
SPEOACATION OF MATERIALS i : I '
_,F_
·-~r·
--0 -- --·--
LOO I

i ' ,.
I
100 - l l l l U I & I
1:00 T-.i£ . _ .
4al
~
~
• t
~00 111..u ~ -c I
I •
I
•.oo IOC POST
I - llEDllOOll
: I
1
I
TOO I I.
I
I
~&EC
SITE T&DUa , LACUft&
I
I I T •
'"' I
I
·
I • f
I l r

ALL~-
ll I
!: •
I

-, . ~ j
===,, ~;--:
L_~L~-~~-~-----------_-----_-----_----f
~ ..
._-.~-- 7·1 -1-..!
-FLOOR PLAN
 -16-
•• &O

; lOO &.SO ~
; I ,_.., : .o z 40 T •

l
'~ ~---r-=--~--------i----------ll ____J
<
•
1...-.-~
i r-r-r-t---i~.&Eaiijiiiieo=;m;;;;;;;a.==8=:==-==:~=li·~_:__~
..

·-
I
I
I
~
I
TUI.._.

l.- ...,,

'
E:~--- ------
-..
0

..
lC
c
z
0
"'
J,
sa..as .•
0

•c

PLANO NG PALAPAG lllETROS

I : !IO

TMIS SlllGLE - DETACHED HOUSIE IS :SZ SI- llTS 11 .._,.

MD llA."l'i ~£! ~ "£lEMIEJftS~~~.. :Llll'llCU41111Hl5-
llODll, 12·.HD...S IQlCllDI· MG TOA..~-"''_..D:> llUll:;'."'. • -
TMIE ~ AllE ..a0E OF • 11.ALF - llOClll" WHIOt IS A Ill'·
,_i:r OF PLYWOOD n£ "°" IS llAOE al AS8ESTOS T1U5
$TIIOllCiLT FASrDllED TO RIESIST $TillllG '#•DS Ill lilClllllllltt -
FR£CIUPIT£D llt:GIDllS AllD THE FLOOR UllE IS ELEW TED 10
"""811' TMIE QUi.;JI ONRUSH OF 'WATIER lllTO TlllE DW£UJllG.
 -17-
I

•
t
zm
J.CD

,..
l
,
<
\
)
lmDEI
,......_ ·\

. BFDROCJll · .

..
Ot

,. -
llUlllllA~: I

~----"'---•---.r-·
---·-----·9"1'
·-=. . . . .: ....-....
~.in...s--;,~_.WTH~~~.
---·-----~
~-..L.
mt-.~----·---"'-
-----
--..... .· ~
,;·
·1·

==.~..,..-- -IA8CltTa~-... 1
·---"
·- .

: " ;.. -. .. ..

' -· -

-·
-----------....-----------------~---- - .....------

-18-

<
•\
)

FLOOR
SCALE:
PLAN
1:75

en
-...
en
Ill
...c
~
:)
~
 Page 19

~ -~--
\ -· 1·:11 1
.) - 111

Dll!llll~lml Q1l__
FRONT ELEVATION
FLOOR PLAN
10 20M.
I

RIGHT SIDE ELEVATION

CROSS SECTION
 -20-

'
»
\
.)

....,.. .. .• .
.
_..,.,.
...
~
•t.tr-· . . .. .,- . i,. .
·:._·· . ~ ..
. •'- .. .
- •l' . '1

TlrtGAYrAY CITY RURAL BLISS PRDJr.:CT

Tim>er was used extensively in this project.

Fxcept for the toilet cmd bath the rest of the house is of tim>er.
 -21-

----
!

'
'..
)

RURAL BLISS HOUSES

Traditiooal and indigenous materials have been replaced with roore durable
and nnre lasting naterials such as corrugated galvanized iron, asbestos
sheets plywood and concrete hollow blocks.
--------------------.------- - ~-- -

-22-

<
•\
j

RURAL BLISS OOLJSES

twbdified "Bahay Kubo" constructed with mdem rmterials - - tilmer

in place of barrboo for the structural frame, hardboard and wood for
wall s.Ldings, and corrugated galvanized iron sheet in place of tatc.t-ied
roof.
 -23-

FLEXItlOMES PROGRAM

<
)
Prior to 1982 public urban housing as implemented
the Urban BLISS Program were mostly 4-storey concrete walk-up
structures. This type of housing was generally costlier than
unde~

single or two storey housing and also took a longer time to

construct. In addition, in most parts of the country the long
monsoon season limits the construction season anywhere from
seven to nine months. There was and there still remains a need
to speed up construction and delivery of dwelling units to cope

with the demands of a growing population.

Also in 1982 ~ost of the plants manufacturing construction
materials were ttOt operating at their rated capacity because of
the slump in ~onstruction activities. This contributed greatly
to the soaring of construction material prices. While the
National Livelihood Program (also implemented by the Ministry
of Human Settlements) was taking shape, ironi~ally, small
manufacturing enterprises (wood working and hollow block making)
were closing permanently due to lack of business.
Confronted with the problem of delivering houses at a fast
turnover. and providing livelihood opportunities to the unemployed,
shelter component fabrication appear~d to be an answer. The idea
was to fabricate and stockpJle standard components such as doors,
windows and wall panels throughout the nation so that these are

readily available all year round.

Thus, the Flexihomes Models Program was initiated. As a
shelter program strategy, it may be viewed as the first stage
to~ard ach~evinJ an industrialized shelter construction 3ystem
and the standardization of building materials and components.
 -~-

.
The initial exercise was to prepare house plans and

designs in modules that would accommodate as much of the

various materials commonly used in shelter construction

already available in the market and eventually, to prefab-

ricate building components.

The designs had to be flexible enough so as to be adapt-

able to various configurations (detached, duplex, or semi

detached and row-house). Flexibility in design also necessi-

tated the possibility of adopting a conventional or pre-

fabricated system in tLaditional or new materials. Furthermore,

designs were required to reflect the architectural character of

traditional Filipino houses. With panels and components coming

in a number of variations in architectural treatment and

finishes (in uniform dimensions), varied exterior designs may •

be achieved.

The first three models designed and constructed were,

namely: FM 50.4, FM 77.7, and FM 60.4. These have been ins-

pired by the "bahay na bato" where the ground floor is of

concrete and the upper floor of timber. Design motifs bear a

resemblance to the traditional houses. The succeeding pages

illustrate the three models mentioned and the various design

motifs.

;
•
 t- -
I • • 4.2Q
•
-
~
CD
a
IE
-· t-. - - - . - -
.i
I
• T CD
I
E
a
~ .
o·
o.
, ·-
.I:
M
.....-
r--
!
CD
LIVING
'

+·--·-- --
' EWTRY I
1
:.._---~~-!!IMB- - -~

GROUllD FLOOR PLAN SECOllD FLOOR PLAN

o 100 r.oo
....... I

FM50.4
 20

'
1:-l-~------
I
720
•
I -a•
M
•-a
.<
\
)
i ~ rl-~-~
I
I.
;I
Ii
.-
I

~ BEDROOM
-, •CD
E
~
a
2t·~
I

21

I
I
i
~!
--

r- .. ,, --,
.
·-•
.I:

J~.
CD
.
!
?
e'
I
!!
• BEDROOM DINING

(
.:c
', .J
I
.
I :
l '
IEDROOM LIVING '

I I ·-·L
~ • ' . II II ~ :.:::L--
.
FLOOR PLAN
0 LOO 200
.......... I

FM80.4
 2.7

1---'~-- ·--~
--a•
Cl

•
5..40
t - t
II
------'T·-- ·---------- - ------ ·---,
. I

t- -- I
I
CD
f E
Cl

·-
~

....-
IC
CD

L-- i

~- - ---- llEa;E;;;:=-·
---~;;;;;;a._ _ J....
amrt
l
. -·-. --.~J!-"~

GROUllD FLOOR PLAN SECOND FLOOR PLAN

•

FM 77.7

l
 -28-

Roofs
l

.<
\
)

I J

!2fl
[]
__-_j r-·-·-1
f
1
1
(t :i I:~
I.. ,. 1.' ,• .,,, ,I
iTII
TJ r_ ~ r. ' i •. ·. .1
u
~~-~~]
Sre.:f casemt!nl SC 201

~~ ...,.... ,., Sn ffJn.J•-11>

WIJIU WI ]04

Sra Cl.tr.i Sn (j .1lorrcl

WT 306 WTJo;

Entrance Doors
---
• r -- . ;. l
r· J I ,/I
I.
, ~ lr'

I:
. ll
·1 rr ,,
!
. 'I

I ~
I
,1
I . ,
.'I .
,.
'
I
I
1
' 1.
,

1,
Ii,, ' I'
..
1
, 1· I I
1:
.i I
f • .
"
..' I I
I
I
4 '•"'It,,,., \11·rf1•.1I (11.fJ '''"' /, fr.1ntr· 7 J" 111 '""' fl"" fll lfl, 4 11r11111r1 1f
'f1 I .' I 11 ·'·• I I• 1 I r1 ,,1, If, 11f1 J J) /Ci I
 29

Verandas
I

)
< Parian V 401 R8itl V 402
ITTF=---~~
~---·--
5.tntiago V 103

Sn Ignacio V 404 Sn Atfo1Stin V 40!-. Sta Cl;isa \. 4llh

Sn Gabriel V 407

Wall Sidings

Santiago Wl.C: 501

Sn Agll$tin WS 502 Sn Ignacio WS 503

Canopy Braces

Sta. Ane M.ikati B1nonc10

CB601 CB602 C'U 604

Sn Miguel lnlrilmuros Er mil"

C8605 Cl:! 606 Cf! fM
 -30-

.......
:I
:

'
'\
••
•aE
--...-•
.c:
M
~
I

:.c
t
I:-

f,,;r,
.
"
,
.•
t ~

-t
----~· .. • • • ... ~'4.. \j..
 -31-

CD
'\
~
• Ea
-
.c
>C

-~
-
CD

.. ·.
~
------------------- -- --- --

-32-

ADAPTING TO ECONOMIC CRISES

The Flexihome Program had a very good start. Not only
were these dwelling units constructed in Metroplitan Manila
but also in less urba•ized areas. But the year 1983 was the
start of a worse economic crisis. Prices of construction
materials continued to shoot up at even a greater rate because
of the scarcity of foreign currency with which to import these
materials. Even locally manufactured materials registered high
price increases, as imported oil is also used in producing
thes~, and since most importation were dependent on borrowed
capital which was tied to the foreign exchange rate.
But rather than stop shelter production altogether, studies
were made to use imported materials sparingly and utilize indi-
genous materials that were not only acceptable, but readily
available in huge volumes. Timber along with clay products were
among the materials identified.
Designs were prepared for homes that would utilize timber
not only for. tte main framework but also for other parts of the
house based on the following design criteria:
1. efficient uae of indigenous materials;
2. maximum utilization of floor space (horizontally and
vertically) easily expandable;
3. adoptable to detached, attached or duplex, and rowhouse
(terrace) housing;
4. affordable and market acceptable;
5. acceptable for mortgaging;
6. suitable for urban and rural areas;
7. reflective of Filipino culture and traditions.
 -33-

l Once again turning to the traditional houses for ins-

.<
piration, schemes developed by the architects were variations

of the house on stilts ("bahay kubo") or a combination of con-

crete hollow blocks and timber as in the traditional bahay na

)
bato.

FLEXIHOME MODEL 40.32

Appearing more of a gambrel roof on stilts, this design

which att·-=?mpts to make use of the space underneath the roof

for daily activities, utilizes wood to the fullest. Plywood,

being manufactured locally and even exported, was the material

considered by the designers for this model. Dimensions of the

dwelling unit and its components have been derived from the

4' x 8' (1.20 m. x 2.40 m.) plywood size.

The house measuring twelve feet (3.60 m) across by twenty

feet (6.00 m) deep is raised from the ground on 6 inch (150 mm)

load bearing concrete hollow block stilts reinforced with 12 nun

bars. The close spacing of the posts permitted the use of

lesser timber framing resulting to a more economical solution.

Timber floor joist5 spanning the longer length of the house are

supported midw~y and at the end by these posts. Prefabricated

floor panels (FP-1) measuring 8 '-0 '' ( 2400 mm) x 5 '-4 '' ( 1600 mm)

provide the framing for the 1/2" (12 mm) plywood flooring. The

framing is made of 2" x 2" (50 mm x 50 mm) hardwood spaced at

1'-4" (400 mm) on centers laid perpendicular to the floor joists

with 1" x 2" (25 mm x 50 mm) diagonal bridging.

 -34-

l Rafters framing the roof are 2" x 6" (50 mm x 150 mm),
with the steeper slope .spanning 6 feet (1. 8 M). Half-inch

< plywood gusset plates join the rafters together at the ridge
and at points where the slope changes. The bottom of the
is connected to the joist with plywood gusset plates too.
~after

Roof
panels (RP-1 & RP-2) and wall panels which are similar in cons-
truction to the floor panels provide the framing for th~ 1/2" x
4' x 8' (12 Diil) plywood skin.
Where the rafters meet the floor joists are wood slats
to provide additional ventilation.
The possibility for additional expansion at ground level
is one positive factor of this model.
Although this model offers the maximum utilization of
timber, providing an appropriat~ impervious covering for the
plywood outer skin has yet to be solved satisfactorily. One
material substantially cheaper than corrugated galvanized iron
roofing tried on this model is preformed vinyl sheets. Asphalt
shingles were also tried and appeared to perform well.
As this model is practically made of wood1 market accept-
ance was very poor.
 -33-

'

'
•\
~·
 . ·--,
I
I
l
I

<
)
BEDROOM
BEDROOM

-•
'a
a
KITCHEN
DINING
IE
'bI I CD
'it
I
I E
® 'b II LIVING
I
i
I
a
I

CD "'t?
I
-·· I
I
I
I
·-
.I:
M

....-•
I
l\I
- - !_ ______....._.,.. l a = = = I L -_ _ _ _ JI

UP

FLOOR PLAN
................
0 I 2 :S 4 9 IOFEET

-·
·'
····-------·- ------~- ....
.r/ I I I I ,..._..._I I I I I I I I I "-11...

FRONT ELEVATION

EIF
RIGHT SIDE ELEVATION
 -37-
23'-711a•
,'J. •'-o: j
t

rtr
. 7'-4 7
•'-o" T 4'-o" ('-o•
"'I
l
r,,..,..~r tI f. -1-- ----+ . A
•'-<>"
©
•'-o" •'-o" •' -o
E N
Cw:t
IN'.
l ia! I I'
P-2/F·I P-2/F·I P·2/F-I P.2/F-1
.91., Q
•
~ I !r.?I fc ~~I ~bl le:

' j I ~ .. . lllll:r
i.
I I . I
- : NI- (7)
m
')
-,
-:
::1
•
0

~
I

I,

I
I
I
I I
I
'
I
I
It j
rN
.olI
~:
I
I

-
a
CD
-a
=1
©.:-1 +
~I
~I
i
P-2/F·I P-2/F·I P.2/F-1 P-2/F·I

illJ leg l$1 ~~

f I

~
T'r-1
. --'-:
l
~-- t-
.T
.. -,
I {4) ••
~! (;>1
I-,""'
;
I
!

II
I
I

1
1n J ·-
~
E
a
.=
>C

....-•
P-2/F·I P.2/F·I P.2/F-1 P·2/F-I
[r!1l ~!~ m m. .
_~,
r~~
..._L,
I•
I
I
- ... ,.-
' .' I . ,--- ·'
- ., (•)
; •0
~I I
'N

1 I
FOUNDATION PLAN FLOOR FRAMING PLAN

r- - I
4'· o•
--~
4'-o" 4'-o" 4'-o"
~ ··1 e•-o•

~
I' -: : ·11--1--~
~. :l -11:1···~-,..~··
. 8'-:0" -

0
..,
I
.· :
·,[O I
1
1
lfl] '- 1:,., lFPJ :
,.,t1-[IJ1
I
..... • --~lf -~
112" THICK PLYWD.
INCORf'ORATE
1TO
-j:-- '--._I,I .
in I l ..... , I _/ 1 I FP·I
•0 .., -~ ; r -- - ---? .J 112" THICK f'l.VW0
~
I

.·-.,
I I I II 11
·1-----•- t1
i . ,.,. ] CAST IN PLACE

I inI
: -, 1:
l7:1 ! /
!:..-/ . iiH· .,'-I
I I
1r1,_I -- I . - ~

.., ,-- -· I:r-- .-. ... - ··-/1

(4) -- ! I
-~

•0
~
I
I
in

·-'
•.,.
: >
I
/,·
I

I
~,..1"'1 I
'/'"r. ., .:.r
11 LU
.., I ~-i'Ii .,_ 11i_ .!it: ...:~1:
·-

I
11
'
I ··,
/

·Ir - -
[FPJ

-J~-.
/I •. // ' .. . _
;
.
;,

©J
-··- . - ·- ---·+ -
', ~/1.1.P.1 : -- •' [1JI] :
I
,'. [n 1 , aJ I

~~
[ /,~I '· ....... ,,, , ,., II'• .,_'~I

©-i-11
in
. f I •····-fr---;

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
FLOOR PANEL LAYOUT PLYWOOD FLOOR LAYOUT
 -38-
a·- o·

I :j_
I t

•..,. Ii •OII

.<
'
J
-· t
.n,
I
i
-'

l
I
"""1
I

FLOOR PANEL FP-1

a' -o·

---f~z--1
=----
.•
--- --- ·•
,~2·x2·
~ - .. -- ···--·
-----~----

=='~~~~2~!2".
~-
~+
i>. . (.+,
,
z•xz•

ROOF PANEL RP- I ROOF PANEL RP-I

(A)
"9T . I~
(£) -N .. -I
rn
·o
I
~a
-~

(4) . ·,.
-
CD
-a
a

(I) •
. Ll]
0

-~
I

lFl t·o"! 4•-0• 4'-o" 4'·c· 4'-0"

• cu
ECl
- (.J
I

·-•.I:

...-
"t\.t .

.c
ROOF FRAMING ROOF PANEL
 -39-

DETAIL A

<
)'

LONGITUDINAL SECTION
N
~
•
c::t
~
I
... I
1+

I1
ti
FR.2"•2"
- WALL PANEL

-
u
-a
a
DETAIL A
+1
DETAIL B • u
E
c:I

·-•"
.t::
!,
~__rlll ~
'N
I'

:::,
.lf1N

~.j.
F~R.
r----
[

2·114"1&2·~16"
STEEL 'TRAPS
W/2·12'1h4"
LN.

..

l I
-·
:I
Ljt1
QGANG AIL

1·
I
·F'R. 3

·FR2"x4"
8"
....-
~. BOLTS ITYP.) 1 I . FR. 2"•2"
N __ ...... .:~· '.~··. J· , ."'.k. _·~~.F; TOP
• l ·r . ·. ·
·· >..· ··.!'".-I.·"_.·
Of' CURB
112° THK
.PLYWOOD
~.
. I· 1 .
. .I .I
" .. I
.
. •
. I
.
. •"
• •" '
. -~.
I . t. • •. . •
I . .· · 1· . ,.
I- • •· •.· ...... . .... . • . BOT LINE
• • • • ' ' • >, 1'·10" • OF JOIST

DETAIL C DETAIL D
 -40-
N
® @ @ @ @ (!) cw:t
t 4'-o• -t- 4'-~· -t~'.:_<r__ +-- 4'-o" . t. 2·-cr, •
c::I
! 718"11 I

•-•
<
,
\
J
-a
:E
a

•aE
RIGHT SIDE ELEVATION
·-•
.I:
SHOWING PANEL LAYOUT

4'-o•
-
© ....
•
M

! I

I .
- -·
FRAMING WP-4 PLYWD LAYOUT FRAMING WP-5 PLYWD LAYOUT
WP-4 WP-~

I 7/8°
.I
 -41-

FLEXIHOME MODEL 46.8

This is another model that attempts to use timber not
t
only for its main framework but also for the exterior walls.

•\
)
< As this is built directly on the ground (not elevated
stilts), it was deemed essen~ial

or concrete to gain market acceptance.

on
that the walls be of stone
To keep the cost down
a compromise solution reached was to construct a concrete
hollow block wall along the perimeter of the house up to the
height of the window sill and build the rest of the house with
timber.

Wall framing is made up of 50 mm x 75 mm studs spaced at

600 mm on centers. Framing .for each face of the house is pre-
fabricated and is bolted in place with anchor bolts. 50 mm x
150 mm joists spaced at 600 mm on centers are anchored to the
studs. Similarly 50 mm x 75 mm rafters bear directly on the
studs. Plywood gusset plates connect the rafters at the peak.
The flooring provided is 19 rnm thick plywood. Roofing is of
tempered hardboard coated with water proofing compound.
Sidings used include te~pered hardboard, 25 mm x 100 mm
wood sining, and asbestos she~ts. Like Flexihome model 40.32,
this model utilizes the space underneath the roof as a room
(attic).

FLEXIHOME MODEL 36

~his model is a 36 sq. m. bungnlow with walls originally

made of concrete hollow blocks. Timber was introduced as the
price of steel reinforcing bars and cement increased excessively.
Again, for market acceptability, it was iMportant to provide a
concrete hollow block wall up to the height of the window sill.

,
 -42-

CD
•
ca.
<
,
\
J
•

,,
•
1 ~

•
 -l;J-
4200
1200.

T
~ :-- - CD
•
:~~ ·-tr-·
I
l r -=--·t- CD

.< 1~ 11

::. 8!t --+L--

iI
I
DINING
r .. I. . ,. - . -
' I I
'I

'I
' I
•-•
-a
I :
..:
' I
,\.
) 8 .,1
~...:I
I 9 . a
••
L
I .
.·___: __ _ - J._ . l
I t - -r--- ...!I I

8· II
N' I LIVING
I•
'I

- l. 11
I I

11-~---· -:- c-:-f-'=1f-- -· -1 ·-• =·•-- i=a:~ II

I E
1200 11200 1 ~- -... --.. --.. ----..
L._ I
D

·--=•
. _I

..
4200

FLOOR PLAN
~5

- L LO
...-M

~
I ,,

I
:!
..... - !1
,I

ii
k ~

.A I -·-
':--

r ~
-

~ I I
, •
1
1'
1 1 1 1 1
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
J I II
I I I I I 1 I I I I I 1 i I I~ a., ____
l I I; I; I 1 1 I I I I I I I I
.. - . Ll,~ I! I~ I I I I I I I~ I~

FRONT ELEVATION

LEFT SIDE ELEVATION LONGITUDINAL SECTION

 ·~
~i
43::)0
eooj
I~ oH·
II
18!5() '!'
r ! Paf>e 44

- -,I - -
r
i
. '.... - - ,,
:.1.
ii
u
id.. . .
- -
------~
·- ·- ·- -· - - .
I 'I
I' ~ •' 1
!IO•lll!t ... NAFTLHS
14120 TANGUIL.E, 545

I iii! I '11
\
1111!1 I t t
'"I ttl ~ If I
I ) I
I
I

I I
' 50• r.I ... PUil.iNS
;.er 060 TANGulLE,545

, 50a50 ... PURLIN

llfCIOGWG ... 0.40
J
,1: .,
II!. I I
'f ·r·1 - -}· i: 1
J: • 1
.,. '12•200 ...

tn 1·r1
WOOD FACIA

I 1- 1 : l i
ROOF FRAMING PLAN
4350r· -~ - . . .. 'fr
'!' 4350
T
I
I I
·- . - . ·---' l .

· I t' 2·110al00 ...

CORNER POST
i
--- - I- 1 - -4-1~.f--- I
II
8
-- - - - - -- ....,_.- .·· t- -~
- -

~
- - - . -1-
IllRl>GING
!I0•7' MM
Q 060

liTAll'WELI l>TAJM£L
:81 H--+--t- ··- Ii- - . - - - .... - - 1
DO• ICIO MM I NO
IYAKAL, 545
JUISTIGIHUt:H

I I OO•l!IO .... FLOOR

.j. j f JOISTS Q• 0 60
I YACAL,545
I
1
I
I
L. -- -~~•- - - - - - -· -· ... - . ... -...... ~
I

FLOOR FRAMING PL.AN CD

3000 •
3000
CD
r
I
'
'
I
l ~
--a
CD
:' I
I

a
I I

•
' I I
I I I
I I I
I I I I I
I I
I
I
I
I l'ISMM Sl.48 ! '

1n l
l75MM 9L48'
I
I
1
I
I
I
'
I
I
I
I
I
)
W/I09MM ,
BARS·o· 0.60 ,
o.c. 8.W. I
I '
1U\I 'W/10 fl MM .
BARS O• 0.60
O.C BW. '
CD
E
I
I
;
I
I
a
·-•
' I
I
I :
I
.I:

...-
I '
I '
I
'
I
I
I '.
. x.;..1..:=.L-i=s .... r•=r·· n ~;::.:;i::.r.:--...c;:r..=L-J:.'._ :
CD
:~ I I

FOUNDATION PLAN
10 .iOM
 -45-

I
l

.<
)
50 X 50Mll. VERTICAL
~AT 600 O.C. lMG S4S

PLYWOOD 91TERIOR
SIDING
-~-++-~

18 75 TMK. PLYWOOD 1-----11~X200 FASCIA BAC.

FLOORING TAN!i KD $45

------ITEllP. ,......... s....

\
-+---'""50X IOO VERT. FUME
STUDS AT 600 .... YAKAL. 545

-~.. --+.1---.i----150 X l50 MM. END JOIST

GIRDER, YAKAL 545
A~ll-t--+--~5'> X 50 ..._ WD. FLLER

--f25 X 25 MM. WOOD MO\l.OING

-.--1------150X IOO MM. BOTTOM FRAME

"tAKAL 545

50 X IOO MM. BASE PL.ATE

75 llM CCNC. SLAB WI IO..._ YAKAL 54!';
BARS SPACED AT 0.60 O.C.
BOTH WAYS IE-----"---1125 X 150 ANCHOR BOLTS CD
..-
•
ATIBOO 0.C.

1+.1-1.-..i,.::~.J-f.---llOMM.VERT. BAR AT 8000.C.

CD

• -a
a

•.
•
•• E
a
/,

·-u
.I:

.....-
tie

WALL SECTION
 -46-
900 2800 l900 1000 900
f <' .; -
I
0
0 ..
l
•

<
''
BEDROOM I
~J LIVING
, ....
.•
0
0

'
I
------ --i=-=-~~
I

DINING
' ...
--- KITCHEN

g \
•_ __._ __ROO.f. ~INE ' I
:
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - _ _ _ .....J

SECOND
SCALE.
FLOOR PLAN
1:80
 47

-•
-a
a

\
·--
I
- ---+----- -
i
----~@ ---- - - - •

..----------- ---,--. •CD

E
a
/
~- IEDROOll

·-•
.I:
KITCHEN

DINING

BEDROOM
...-
:.:

___...
LIVING

._. - ·~----------'.,_

FLOOR PLAN
0 IOD I.GO

·---- I

I
FRONT ELEVATION LEFT SIDE ELEVATION

'
/ I'
' .
 -49-

i
SARILING SIK.~P

)
< The continued deterioration of the economy onto the

second half of 1985 has resulted in a very sluggish perform-

ance in shelter production. High interest rates and limited

financing at the buyers' end have caused Lhe developers to

pose a wait-and-see attitude to the detriment of the National

Shelter Program.
To stop construction altogether with a big housing back-

log already estimated between one and three million certainly

would wipe out the modest gains of the Nation~l Shelter Program.

Aware of this consequence, the government has adopted self-

help housing as a strategy for low-income ho!tsing wherein par-

tially built units (core houses) are sold to homebuyers which

shall be completed through their own initiative. Self help

housing has been successfully implemented in other countries and

similarly, it has been one of the strategie~ of the National

Hous~ng Authority (Philippines) in its socialized and slum

upgrading program.

The program offers the following packages:

1. Serviced lot -- these are subdivided plots with access

roads, water supply, sewer and drainage lines, and power

(electric) lines. The dwelling unit is similarly constructed

by the buyer.
2. Serviced lot and Sanitary Core - - in addition to the lot

the buyer is also provided with basic toilet and bath

facilities. The dwelling unit is similarly constructed by

the buyer.
 -so-

3. Serviced lot and core house - - in addition to the

l
serviced lot and sanitary core, a core house is provided

<
)
consisting of all structural elements (posts, columns,

footings, roof framing) the roofing and the party walls

(for duplex and rowhouse units), and electric service

entrance connections. The house at this stage, is not yet

habitable.
4. Serviced lot and Habitable House - - The unit provided is

a maximum 20-square meter-unit without finishes but live-

able. The buyer expands the house progressively as his

economic situation improved.

The succeeding illustrations show the various schemes

designed for the program. Expansion is either at the front

or rear, and in some models also upward. Prefabricated wood

panels are envisioned for the self-help portion of the dwelling

unit.
To date, one private project and one government project

with a combined total of over eight hundred dwelling units are

about to be completed. In times of need and economic difficulty,

self-help housing has proven to be acceptable as exemplified in

these two projects which have received as many as ten applicants

per core house available.

 -51·-

,
... •

-.--;_.,... .

SARil.00 SIKAP IU1eS

~leted core houses include posts, beams, roof framing and

roofing and toilet and oath facilities.
 -52-

.<
\
)

PERSPECTIVE
---- ~-- ..-- --- -- --- ----
i
-- -- - -- --I - - -- -- - --
1
i
~ i
J I
~ i·
llC.
,C
;~ 1·: i.J
0:1 IE
I i I!it
- R~JI,..•~-

DINING

BEDROOM LIVINGI
::-.-. . . . .: : : . -....-1---- -

- I Root l.1n• -
I
, I

-<·
_ __ ~op1rb wn1 _ _ -4 __
CORE UNIT COMPLETED UNIT

FLOOR
SCALE:
PLAN
I: 100

LOT SIZE : S&.00 SQ.M

DWELLING UNIT c;1zE : 28.80 SQ.M (4.80x6.00)

SUGGESTED PESIGN FOR

ROW HOUSE SARILING SIKAP HOMES
 - ._,.,... ·-·

1. CORE HOL'SE 2. FIRST STAGE OF 3. SECOND STAGE OF 4. THIRD STAGE OF

SARILI~G SlKAP SARILING SIKAP SARILING SIKAP
• PARTY WALLS
ROOF FRAMING & ROOFING COMPLETED COMPLETED FIRST FLOOR
* * SECOND FLOOR * FIRST FLOOR
* EXPANDED
* SANITARY CORE
* FLOOR SLAB

I
V1
VJ
I

--=-:~ .· I
_J_
,-e-:- -
r------ ..""1'

'~j
~:.:.77·

I
~I

2
1
I
i
:r 3 r- __ . .
I

----··-··"

----------
I
!-
l
~

SUGGESTED DESIGN FOR

SARILING SIKAP HOMES
 -34-

I
<
'\
.)
~
- ___ __.... ------

PERSPECTNE

KIT.

DINING BEDROOM

'! LIVING

~-----··-------·-·-·-·-·-··-··----·-·· -·-- -·----· -0

CORE UNIT COMPLETED UNIT
FLOOR PLAN
LOT SIZE : 72.0 '4M (81l2M)
DWELLING UNIT SIZE : 24D14'.M (41eM)

DUPLEX/ SUGGESTED DESIGN FOR

ROWHOUSE SARILING SIKAP HOMES
 -55-

CLIMATIC FACTORS
Climatic factors influencing the design and construction

<
•..
)
of houses is very much more manifested in traditional houses,
than in modern homes where technological advances have made it
possible to alter and central the e:.vironment inside the house.
In tropical countries, heat and humidity are major factors
to contend with. 'l'emperature is at its highest in the months
from March to May where this may go as high as 38°C (100°F).
Average day - time temperature is between 29 to 32°C, while
average night-time temperature is between 20 to 24°C.
Annual precipitation averages 2500 mm (100 inches) with
some areas receiving as much as 4570 mm (180 inches) of rain-
fall. Strong winds most often drive the rains almost horizontally
and torrential rains are conunon occurrences as typhoons.
The Philippines lies within the circr.1 Pacific belt where
the greatest number of tropical cyclones occur. An average of
19 typhoons hit the country yearly with the greatest frequency

in the months of July to September. Ninety seven percent of

t~ese originate from the China Sea, with winds blowing anywhere
from 100 to 200 kilometers per hour. Except in the southern part
of the country which is rarely visited by typhoons, the rest
experience tr1Jpical cyclones regularly which sometimes leave
hundreds of families ~ome~ess.

EARTHOUAKES

The country lies in the clrcm Pacific belt otherwise known

as the "Ring of Fire". Its major geologic zone of weakness is
the Philippine Rift located between the Eurasian and Philippine
plates.

,
 -56-

From 1970 to 1980, numerous earthquakes of intensities

ranging from II to VIII on the Richter scale have occured.
A very devastating earthquake that shock Metro Manila triggered
the review and revision of the National Building Code.
 -57-

LAWS GOVERNING CONSTRUCTION

A number of codes control the development of land for

housing and the construction of dwelling units. These are

as follows:

1. Presidential D~cree No. 957 or "The Subdivision and

Condominium Buyers' Protective Decreen is the law regu-

lating the sale of subdivision lots and condominiums.

It is aimed at providing a set of land development stand-

ards for housing which are applicable nationwide to guide

the development of settlements. It also aims to protect

the citizens' right as land or condominium buyer from

malpractices of the trade.

Standards promulgated specify that housing projects

shall conform with the Land Use Plan and Zoning Ordinance

of the locality having jurisdiction over the project. It

also specifies: accessibility standards, land allocations,

plot planning, minimum community services and utilities

required, minimum requirement for open spaces, and density

requirements. It specifically sets the minimum dwelling

floor area at 3~ sq. m. for a household and 26 sq. m. for

single occupancy (studio type).

The Human Settlements Regulatory Commission has been

given the responsibility of implementing this law.

The standards set forth by the decree are rather

stringent making it unfeasible for the private sector to

provide housing for the low-income wage earners. Recog-

nizing the need to relax some o~ the existing standards

and laws within tolerable limits, the government then

enacted B.P. 220 in 1982.

 -58-

2• Presidential Decree No. 1096 or "The National Building

.<
Code" of the Philippines which aims tc safeguard life,
health, property, and public welfare, provides minimum
standards and requirements to regulate and control the
") location, design, quality of materials, construction, use,
occupancy and maintenance of building and structures.
The provisions of the code apply to all p~lic and private
buildings and structures except traditional indigenous
family dwellings, meaning houses constructed of native
materials such as bamboo. nipa, loqs or lumber, the total
cost of which does not exceed fifteen thousand pesos.
The enforcement of this code is vested in the Minister of
Public Works, Transportation and Communications.
3. "The National Structural Code for Buildings" which comple-
ments "National Building Code" is anothPr law governing
building design and construction. "Republic Act No. 544,
otherwise known as the Civil Engineers Law, empowers the
Board of Examiners for Civil Engineers to promulgate rules
and regulations deemed necessary to safeguard life, health,
and property as related to the design and construction of
buildings.
4. Presidential Decree No. 1185 or "The Fire Code of the
Philippines" is aimed at safeguarding lives of persons
and the loss and damage of properties by fire by promul-
gating and enforcing fire safety standards, the
incorporation of fire safety constr-:ction and the pro-
visions of protective and safety devices in buildings and
structures. The provisions of the Fire Code apply to
 -59-

all persons and all private and public buildings,

facilities, structures and their premises.

The Director General of the Integrated National

Police is given the responsibility and the authority to
enforce the Fire Code.
5. Batas Pambansa Building. (National Law) No. 220, is
"An Act authorizing the Ministry of Human Settlements to

establish and promulgate different levels of standards and

technical require111ents for economic and socialized housing
projects in urban and rural areas from those provided under
Presidential Decraes Nos. 957, 1216, 1096 and 1185".
Appendix I shows a comparative tabulation of the featur~s

of this law and P.O. 957.

The law was enacted to promote and encourage the
development of economic and socialized housing projects,
primarily by the private sector, in order to make avail-
able adequate economic and socialized housing units for
average and low-income earners in urban and rural areas.
The standards and technical standards promulgated
cover building design and the provision of the following
basic services: water, movement and circulation, storm
drainage, solid and liquid waste disposal, power and parks/
playgrounds. The Ministry of Human Settlements through
its regulating arm, the Human Settlements Regulatory Com-
mission, has been given the responsibility and power to
implement this law.
 -60-

The BP 220 has ~een a great boost to low-~ost housing.

It has Elaced under one agency the power of ~ranting land

development and b~ilding permits for projects categorized

within this law's specified standards. Furthermore, it

encourages the use of indigenous materials for shelter

construction.
 -61-

CONCLUSION
The political acceptance and the survival of the National

Shelter Program depends a lot on its responsiveness to the

needs of the gr~ater part of the population -- the low income

\
) households. To date housing has been made affordable to some

through low rates of interests on long term housing loans, and

the reduction of development costs made possible by lowering

of building standards through legislation.

Gains in housing have been outpaced though, by a series

of economic crises which have consistently put housing costs

beyond the reach of low income earners. Turning to indigenous

materials for cost reduction is most often the alternative

solution presented by planners and policy makers but a number

of issues related to this have also to be looked at, which

are as follows:

1. DURABILITY OF MATERIALS

Some studies should be made and information disseminated

to render indigenous materials more lasting. Materials expected

to last for a maximum of 5 years should be confined to non-

structural members.

2. COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION

A number of construction materials fashioned from indi-

genous resources have been developed ~n third world countries.

However, as in the Philippines, commercial production of these

materials is yet a thing to be achieved.

3. COST OF MATERIAL

Wood is abundant in the country but not substantially

cheaper than the preferred concrete t1ollow blocks since local

needs always have to ~ontend with the more lucrative export

 -62-

market. Studies have been initiated to identify non-commercial

species for construction.

4. EFFICIBNT USE OE' MATERIAL

'
)
While indigenous material such as timber is abundant in

the country innovative approaches should be devised to use less

of the material. This can be achieved by proper architectural

aad engineering design.

5. ACCEPTABILITY OF THE MATERIAL

Finally, Mass Media (T.V., Radio. Cinema, etc.) has

increased the aspirntions and expectations not only of urban

dwellers but also of thP rural counterpart. As a result, rural

dwellers have considered indigenous materials less acceptable

especially if amortization is collected for the dwelling units.

Similarly, mass media should perhaps now be used to educate

prospective homeowners.
..
CD1PARATIVt:: DESIGN/PIAN ffiA'IURES &"!'WEEN l>P 220 AND PD 95 7
Appendix 1
·------
fEATURf.S B p p 0 957
220
L---~----~---~~r-------r-------.,r------ ..j MOOU. A HOOF.I. B
I MOLIEl. C ·-
PROJECT S Ur. · . Up_ to 2.so Ila~ Above 2. SCI Above 1 S has Ahove JO ho:•. Hone Nn11e No11~
RANCE 11~.. to 15 to JO has.
haa.

Lii.ND ALLOCATION Ho fixed Ho f.i.JC•d No Fixed No fixed

Rat lo ! Ratio Ratio Ratio
Saleable 70h 70'1, 707.
Coe-on Al'e11 30h JOZ 307,
LOCATIONAL CONSl- 1) The· ·actucl settlna of Jll'Oject site shall rletendne l )
DER.ATlONS
All citiu and 1) Second ela11 Hu-1 l~· Third clos~
the typ~ and degl'ee of d'velopment to be required Munieipali ties nlcipal1t1e1 and Huni~lp~lltl11~
l'e~ardless of politicnl b"undaries with l'esr.iet to reg.ard len 0 f bt.low, • · 11nt1 helow
thi~, the degree on lev~l of develorment shnll be 'C:taas •
defined as follo ...s:
2) A1 variance In 2) As Y11rt11nr.11 in
A: Undeveloped «na · - chau1eteriz.ed by the 1bsence
of utility system ol' net ...llfks, e111:eeially watel'
$Upply, l'Oad$ and power
citle• and firjt
cl~•• Municipal!-
ties
~l!COlld r.l11FS
Hunir.ip11lltll!~-
Or in urh1111 I 1111<1
I 0\
w
t
rrfi:>rm """~~ or
B. Developed al'ea - char .. ctel'iir.ed by the rrescnce bli1;htf'd arru
cf utility systems or network, especially watel'
suprl); roads and powel'.

UTtLITIES/
FACH.lTlES
a. llndevelore<I Area ... Public Water
Syalem or Centr. •
Jn• ru~llc Water
Syslem nr C11ntra-
ID• ruhlic W11t.n
1) Water Supply must be at least ~J liters per S)'S Lem or t:Orl'lnu-
A. WATER capt tll per d11y lhed W11ter llind WatP.r Supply 1111 I/ l.11111 v l1h111 I
... pply System Syatem well
2) rrovhion of coll'lnu•1'll wells

b. Oeveloped Area
l) Water supply must be at lea't 75 liters per Water supply mull~ be at lea~t 75 Wotrr ~uppl.r
~«pit~ i'e = c!1t~· !iters per c11pita per d11y, mu~t hf: 111 li.11~ t
2) Public watel' ~urply system or independent wnter 1,3 liti:rs rr..-
supply s~stem c11pJ ta p•r d111·.

e. SEWER.AGE a. ~e.:erate rli~posal

DISPOSAL
The minimu1n requiremomt for
lie the use of sertic t<inl\
shnl l
"· Individual up- lb. ln11lvidu .. 1 u11tic lb.
tie tonki<; if
1101si•,1e sewer t11nk~; iC pollsJb.
lndlvid~nl
'"rrlc lnnk~
b. Coll'lnunal septic tank'5 ma~· be dlowerl ·system le sawer S)'Stern

1c. Dll.AltlACE a. Oren Canal on each side of the circulation network. Ic. Unc!ergrounrl, ·, llnliergrou11111 irai· I c, Open Canal
nine lnto public
dul11!11g into
_....___ ruhll.t dr11inag11 d rn tn111••. sy1 tem - " - - - - - · - - - - - - - '
11y1tem
I""

r
• 'Y
- ~,- - - ,
........, J!A....
- -
\..
·--
- -

Appendix l CXM>ARATIVE DESIGN/PLAN FF.ATURr;S Dl:."'IWEtN BP 220 AND ?D 95i

II, n:.11.rn11.F~
I a !" 220
, I ro Cl5 7
· t-----------..~-----------.1-----------ll
I I I HOD~L.~ .1--ttOOEI. B M~·UEI. r,
I
: o. PO;./LR/ •· Optional, however, developer ~hall provide rl, Requiud,primR- d, P.equlred, prlm11- d, Optln11111J

I ELECTRICITY sufficient land arra for e~~cment for power

!acllities.
ry ~nd hltf!rna-
tivP. sourc.a of
ry and 11ltern11-
tlve snurcP. of
I power. power.
i E. GARMGE a. Sh~ll be undertaken by the local ~ovf!rnml!nt r., U11dert11kl!n l>y thP. suhdlvlslon or ln conjunction "I th
; thf! local. govP.rnmenl.
I'STREET
I
! l.
.
: SPECIFIC.II.HONS
!\\)\/
10,00 M
a. H!'jor
b. Hlnor 6,50 11 I
8.00 H
6,50 H I 10,00 H
-
12. 50 H
-
15.00·H
- I 8.00 H I
8.00 ti
6, !'JO Ii
Ccllec.tor
St"rvic.e
8.00 11
S.50 H
10.00 11
a.oo H
- 12,50 11
10. 00 ti

c. ill.,
I
::l. 00 M ::i.oo H ::i.oo ti l,00 H - 4,00 ti 4,00 M
d. PatlNay/
'PDoqoath I 2.00 11 2.00 H 2.00 11 2. 00 ti 4,00 ti 4. 00 ti '" 00 ti
•· u-.1t Varial>lf! accordin& Vu i 11b le V11rlnhlf' Q\
to road tlAss. l:'-
; 2. ~1!\X. t.Ef~CTlll 1
DEAD - ENO
•· thijo:: Oend End not . Dead End 110 t O~od end not

b. Minor 1120~1 (Oead-End) provide for turn around space

if 50!'1 or less turn around space not required
11llowed
-do-
-do-
I al lowed
-do-
-do-
11tlowed
-do-
• do-
Collector Spec~ Cor turn Spar.e for turn
Sen·ic.e 11round shall be Around shall be
providl!d provided Terminus connects
tc: 11trllet
c. 1\lley l~Clt'I both ends connecting to a minor road, 75M Dr.ad end not allowed
de111d end.
d. !OOH hoth ends connecting to an alle)' 1 50~,
dead eud.
'
}. r.11.v:m:NT Oev. I Unde 'd,
I
Unde'd, Oev. lunde'd.
I
Dev. lunde'd, OP.v.
a. Major Macadam Asphalt tlai:ad1u11 i''sphal t Cone,/ A.11ph11 l t. A~phalt Hncaclnm
b. HitlOr Aggre-
gatcs
Hae.a- AggrP.-
dam gates
Hac11-1A~gre-
d11m ~atu
Mac11 Agg rl!-
d111m. gate~
Macn-
rif\Tll I A11phalt t." lhk, ~rAVPl r.11
cnrnp111: t.etl •o ;·th
Collector
,.

ICone,/ Asphalt
Service i.-
I
I
I
I
Conc,//lsphalt
I'"
I
. ~
-~ --· --r~
- ·--

..
Ol-1PAHATIVE DfSIGN/PU\N ff.A.TURf.S Bl:.~ ilP 220 AND PD 9; 7
Appendix 1 ~ ~--

...,., .,,,.. ...,. ,,,.. .,,,..

fEJ\TUl\ES !l p 220
PD 957
1
.,,,.. ~···- 11ggrr-
I HODEL A HODEL D ttonr.L r.
·--
c. Alley gates ga~•s gates g•t•s at•s Rates otes R•te~
d.
e.
Pathwalk.s
Sidewalks -··- I -··- . -··- -··- I
Prn f·,b Slabs
CllD/ Mphn l t
. Pre Fab Shbs
'::llD/Asphnlt
Cr11vel
r.~.ivel

tOT SUES
(Hinlmu111 Area)

a. D•t•ch•d 72.00 SQM 72.00 SQH j 72 .00 SQM I 72.00 SOM 100 SQM 100 SQtl JOO SQM
b. Secni- ..
t'"t"'ched ~4.00 SQtl 54.00 SQto: 54.00 SQH 54.00 SQM 100 SQM 100 SQH 100 SQtl
{':or. L?t) (Cor. Lot) (Cor. Lot) (Cnr. Lot)
c. Cluster/ 36.00 SOt• 36.00 SQH 36,00 SQH 36.00 SQH 50 SQH 50 SQ11 50 Sf'ltl
Rnwhouse lnsi:le Lot) (Inside Lot) (Inside Lot) (Inside Lot)

i\LOCK tEHCTll
I
(Kinimun1)

a. Bounded by ,4.00tl. Dlock length exceerlin;t 250M but not be)•ond 1400 ti i.oo tt i.oo H 0\
Streets on 400 meters 5hall be provided by an alley at mirliength, U lock n1n re t111m 250H long sl111 l l be p'C'ovirl11d "l th ,,,, n 11 -:or VI
both ends at midlnngth,
b. ~ounderl on 1150 M 150 H 150 M 150 H Not l\llowed Not Ailowed Not t.llnw1trl
both ends by
Alle~

·' Rounded on
both ends hy I 100 H 100 K 100 ti 100 K Not Allowed Not Allowed Not Al.low'1•1
t>athwalks
MlNUIUH LOT
FRONlAGE

•· S iug!e-
D~ tached 8.00 H l\.00 M 8,00 ti 8,00 11
b. -do- 6,00 ~· C..('10 t'! 6. 00 ~l 6,00 ti

l -~. 0
c. Rowhoulle 3.50 ti J.50 K 1.50 M 3.50 H 4. 0 t1 ". 0 t1 t1
d. Corner Lot I- -
e. Interior . _ _
12.00 H
10.00 t1
10.00 ti
11.00 H
10.011 II
i.,on M I
_:~~-J
anrl Th'l'u

1=__
Lot
f. l rr•itu lar 3.50 H 3.50 H
).SO '1 __..00 H •.OOH
 v~,...._

(X):-4.!'APA'!!VE 0251~/Pl.AN P:-..ATu"R£S !lli'"'I\EEN !SP 220 A."ID PD ~57

~- =~
Appendix l
l
r·-:~l-U-~--c.·s-·--~i------- !IP 220
I . HO"t:L '
1'0
I MODEL • r HOOE!. c-j
\
I I \. I HI

IU:.Q:J i.REO AREA \

~Cll rAIUi./P~\\­
t:ROUNO a) ).~1. for 150 (and below) lots or living un1~/hectaru I a) 3,5'4 for 20 (and below) lot 1.1r dwdl!.n& units/heclUf'
(;, o( \;{OH
At ea) b) i,0'4 for 21 to 65 lou on dwell1111 unlts/hect.er•.
b) Lo?. for l~l to 125 lots or i.1v1ng unlls/hc.ctan
c) 9,0'4 for 66 to 100 lots for dwellin& unit1/hectaTe.
c) ~.Ol. fo• above 225 lots or llvtng unit~/hectar1
I
l I I .I
..

"'
"'
I

!
I
I
I
i
\
'I I i
I

I
I
i
I I
I I I . I
- ~