4.

1 site selection

Site analysis is a vital step in the design process. It involves the evaluation of an

existing or potential site in relation to the development, environmental impact, impacts

on the community and adjacent properties. The site analysis identifies environmental,

programmatic, and developmental constraints and opportunities. A well-executed site

analysis forms the essential foundation for a cost-effective, environmentally sensitive,

and rational approach to project development

The selection of a site for Marine Complex should conform to the environment,

society, and the people. This section will intricately discuss and analyze the best location

for the Marine Complex.

Environmental
Abundance of Marine
Conservation Laws
Biodiversity Promulgated
GROSS SITE
SELECTION
Economic Status of Accessibility to
the Municipality General Public

MAJOR SITE MINOR SITE

CRITERIAS CRITERIAS
Access to Abundant Marine
Accessibility
Conformity of the Biodiversity
Development to the Location
DISCREET
Slope and Topography
Access to Abundant Marine
SITE
Biodiversity SELECTION
Availability of Utilities

Established Marine
Sanctuary Regulation Touristic Atmosphere

SUITABLE SITE
4.1.1 GROSS SITE SELECTION

Gross Site Selection will determine where particular locality will the Marine

Complex is most suited in the Philippines. Supplied by major and minor criteria, the

proponent has come up where particular area he envisions the proposal will be built.

The location enumerated are based on Department of Environment and Natural

Resources (DENR) 5-year initiative that aims to protect and boost tourism on five of the

country’s Marine Key Biodiversity Areas (MKBAs)

“The project, called ‘Strengthening the Marine Protected Areas to Conserve Marine Key

Biodiversity Areas,’ involves the establishment of a more coordinated approach to conservation

efforts in the Verde Island Passage in Batangas City, the Lanuza Bay in Surigao Del Sur, the

Davao Gulf in Southern Mindanao, the Tanon Strait Protected Seascape in Central Visayas,

and the Sulu Sea in Palawan.”

~ Official Gazette of the Philippines, May 29, 2015

4.1.1.1 SITE SELECTION CRITERIA

a. Abundance of Marine Biodiversity

- The locality must be rich in marine biodiversity as the project is

envisioned to preserve and exhibit the said diversity.

b. Economic Status of the Municipality

- The economic status of the city is in consideration to know if the locality

has the ability to fund this particular project

c. Environmental Conservation Laws Promulgated

- The locality must also be inclined to environmental protection and

conservation

d. Accessibility to General Public

- It is important for the locality to be accessed by the general public easily.

4.1.1.2 LOCATION A

BATANGAS CITY, BATANGAS

CITY OF BATANGAS – Known

as the “Industrial Port City of

CALABARZON” and classified as one

of the most competitive cities in the

country today and the home of

approximately 324,116 peace-loving,

hospitable and hardworking

inhabitants. It was proclaimed as a City

on July 23, 1969 which became the

accelerating point of trading,

commercial and industrial activities in

the locality.

The city is presently classified as a Regional Growth Center and identified as one

of the sites for the Regional Agro-Industrial Center and Special Economic Zone as

mandated by the Medium Term Philippine Development Plan and the Ecozone Act of

1995.

DESCRIPTION:

Region: 4 – A (CALABARZON)

Land Area:  283 SQ. KM.

Population:  325,000 inhabitants

Income Class: 1st class

Transportation: - Batangas Grand Central Terminal

- Batangas Port

Marine Conservation Areas: Verde Island

ANALYSIS:

Abundance of Marine Biodiversity

Having Verde Island, famed as the Center of Center of Marine Biodiversity of the

World, Batangas City is very rich in marine biodiversity. Researchers all around the

world travel to Verde Island to study marine species present in the area.

Environmental Conservation Laws Promulgated

Batangas City is promoting nature-friendly human activities cited by DENR for

being “Role Model City” for implementation of RA 9003 also known as Ecological Solid

Waste Management Project.

Economic Status of the Municipality

Batangas City is a first class municipality ranking 9th in Philippine Cities

Competitive Drivers – Growth Centers

Accessibility to General Public

Batangas City is generally accessible with recognized Maharlika Highway

stretching from north of Luzon through South of Bicol. In addition, Batangas City is

situated within the coast possessing the internationally recognized Batangas Port
4.1.1.2 LOCATION B

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, PALAWAN

Puerto Princesa City, which

forms part of the Philippine’s last

frontier, is a City rich in natural

resources. It is the country’s largest City

with a total land area of 253,982 hectares.

A chain of mountain ranges runs

through the entire length of the City,

dividing it into two distinct areas – the

East and the West Coast. The eastern

side, which is facing the Sulu Sea is

characterized by thin strand lines

bordered by swamplands, following a series of flat plains to hilly terrain. The West Coast

has fewer plains with mountain ranges close to the China Sea, thus giving the City a

unique yet fragile ecology.

DESCRIPTION:

Region: 4 – B (MIMAROPA)

Land Area:  2,381 SQ. KM.

Population:  223,000 inhabitants

Income Class: 1st class, HIGHLY URBANIZED

Transportation: - Puerto Princesa Airport

- Puerto Princesa Port

- San Jose Terminal

Marine Conservation Areas: Tubbataha Reef, Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa

Subterranean River, Langogan Reef

ANALYSIS:

Abundance of Marine Biodiversity

The Marine Biodiversity in Puerto Princesa, Palawan is rich in many levels. It

varies from coral networks, various species of fishes, endemic turtles and newly-named

mollusks. Also, there are many marine protected areas which showcases plenty species

of marine species

Economic Status of the Municipality

Puerto Princesa is a first class, highly urbanized city in the Philippines ranking 5th

in Philippine Cities Competitive Drivers – Emergent Cities. It is also hailed as the cleanest

and greenest city in the Philippines

Environmental Conservation Laws Promulgated

Puerto Princesa passed many ordinances in environmental protection in general.

Declaring the Strategic Environmental Plan of Palawan, and establishing the

Environmental Estate are some of the efforts of the Local Government Unit to preserve

and conserve the environment

Accessibility to General Public

Puerto Princesa is pretty much accessible by the public, with major terminals like

Puerto Princesa Airport and Puerto Princesa Port. There is also a plan of launching a

Cruise Port for the foreign visitors.

4.1.1.2 LOCATION C

CEBU CITY, CEBU

Cebu City is the capital city of the

province of Cebu and is the "second

city" of the Philippines, being the center

of Metro, the second most populous

metropolitan area in the Philippines

after Metro Manila. According to the

2010 census, it has a population of

866,171 – making it the fifth most

populated city in the country. Cebu City

is a significant center of commerce, trade

and education in the Visayas Region.

The city is located on the eastern shore of Cebu Island. It is the

first Spanish settlement and the oldest city in the Philippines. Cebu is the Philippines'

main domestic shipping port and is home to about 80% of the country's domestic

shipping companies

DESCRIPTION:

Region: 7 (CENTRAL VISAYAS)

Land Area:  315 SQ. KM.

Population:  867,000 inhabitants

Income Class: 1st class

Transportation: - Mactan-Cebu International Airport

- Cebu Port

- Bus Rapid Transit System

Marine Conservation Areas: Tanon Strait, Monad Shoal and Gato Islang shark and

ray sanctuary, Malapascua Island

ANALYSIS:

Abundance of Marine Biodiversity

Cebu City is rich in marine diversity due to the existence of Tanon Strait Protected

Seascape, the largest marine protected area in the Philippines. It is home for baleens,

toothed whales and several species of dolphins

Economic Status of the Municipality

Cebu City is one of the growth centers of the Philippines in terms of economy,

being the immediate city next to Metro Manila. It also ranked first in Philippine Cities

Competitive Drivers – Metropolitan Growth Centers {1}.

Environmental Conservation Laws Promulgated

Cebu City has implemented conservation efforts for the Tanon Strait and one of

the Cities promoting the Marine Conservation Management lead by Department of

Environment and Natural Resources

Accessibility to General Public

Access to Cebu City is not a problem, with internationally renowned terminals like

Mactan-Cebu International Airport and Cebu Port.

 4.1.2.5 LIKERT SCALE

Rating shall be as follows:

5 – highly preferable/desirable

4 – very preferable/desirable

3 – preferable/desirable

2 – satisfactory/fair

1 – poor

Location

Criteria Weight A B C
Ratin Point Ratin Point Ratin Point

g s g s g s

Abundance of
1 30% 5 1.5 5 1.5 5 1.5
Marine Biodiversity

Environmental

2 Conservation Laws 30% 3 0.9 5 1.5 4 1.2

Promulgated

Economic Status of
3 20% 5 1.0 5 1.0 5 1.0
the Municipality

Accessibility to
4 20% 5 1.0 4 0.8 5 1.0
General Public

TOTAL 100% 4.4 4.8 4.7

4.1.2 DISCREET SITE SELECTION

4.1.2.1 SITE SELECTION CRITERIA

MAJOR SITE CRITERIA

a. Conformity of the Development to the Location

- The development shall conform to the existing Land Use and Zoning of

the city

b. Access to Abundant Marine Biodiversity

- The site should be immediate to a marine species rich area

c. Established Marine Sanctuary Regulation

- The site should confer to the Marine Regulation proclaimed by the city

MINOR SITE CRITERIA

a. Accessibility

- The site must be accessible easily

b. Slope and Topography

- The site topography must be desirable for the development

c. Availability of Utilities

- Availability of utilities is essential for the sustenance of the development

d. Touristic Atmosphere

- The site and its surrounding vistas must be pleasant for the tourists
4.1.2.1 SITE A

BANCAO – BANCAO, PUERTO PRINCESA

DESCRIPTION:

Area:  56,000 sq. m.

Road Access: A. Abueg Sr. II cor. Gabinete St.

Slope Percentage: 0 – 3 % (FLAT)

Zoning: Residential - Recreational

Classification: Urban Cluster

ANALYSIS:

MAJOR SITE CRITERIA

Conformity of the Development to the Environment

Located at Commercial–Recreational zone, the site is suitable on the established Land Use

Plan. In the contrary, the site has nearby informal settler concentration and a nearby fish port.

Access to Abundant Marine Biodiversity

The site is immediate to the Tangdol Reef which is currently under coral transplantation.

The said reef is rich in marine biodiversity and covers 13 hectares of coral bionetwork. But the

marine sanctuary is young and having an on-going development.

Established Environmental Regulation

The government of Puerto Princesa recently announced that the Tangdol Reef located

nearby the site will become a marine sanctuary. It consists of Core, Buffer, and Eco-Tourism

Zones.

MINOR SITE CRITERIA

Accessibility

Located in the corner of Gabinete St. and Abueg Sr. Rd the site can be easily accessed by

both public and private vehicles. Also, the site is near the Puerto Princesa Airport, which allows

the visitor to immediate arrive in the location

Slope and Topography

According to the Puerto Princesa Slope Map, the site has relatively flat topography having

a slope percentage of 0 – 3 % making the project very feasible.

Availability of Utilities

Located at the urban concentration of Puerto Princesa, the site has access to the basic

utilities like electric and water sources as well as drainage and sewerage systems.

Touristic Atmosphere

Situated within nearby high-end hotels and restaurants with a high concentration of

tourist accommodations, the site is well suited. One thing is hindering, it is quite proximate to the

route of industrial vessels delivering goods to the city.

4.1.2.2 SITE B

MANGINGISDA, PUERTO PRINCESA

DESCRIPTION:

Area:  97,000 sq. m.

Road Access: mainly by Puerto Princesa South Nat’l Road with a minor road

(unnamed)

Slope Percentage: 0 – 3 % (FLAT)

Zoning: General Agricultural Zone

Classification: Urban Cluster

ANALYSIS:

MAJOR SITE CRITERIA

Conformity of the Development to the Environment

Located at General Agricultural zone, the site may be feasible with some

considerations in development and zoning ordinances of Puerto Princesa City

Access to Abundant Marine Biodiversity

There is a marine sanctuary not far, namely Binusalian and Turtle Bays, with a

high concentration of sea turtles endemic to Palawan. In addition, the marine area is

unspoiled and has a high chance of rich marine species.

Established Environmental Regulation

The region where the site is located, Mangingisda, is envisioned to be one of the

five development clusters of Puerto Princesa. The proposal has potential in the

advancement of the cluster, environmentally.

MINOR SITE CRITERIA

Accessibility

It be accessed by Puerto Princesa Road with an unnamed minor road leading to

the site. However, the Mangingisda is far from the urban area and has a travel time of an

1 ½ hour (by land) and 20 minutes (by boat) from the city proper.

Slope and Topography

According to the Puerto Princesa Slope Map, the site has relatively flat topography

having a slope percentage of 0 – 3 % making the project very feasible.

Availability of Utilities

Even though it is far from the city proper, the government has established an

electric and water source for the envisioned development but the sewerage and drainage

is traditional.

Touristic Atmosphere

There area is untouched and reflects the very nature impression.

4.1.2.3 SITE C

STA. LOURDES, PUERTO PRINCESA

PAMBATO REEF

DESCRIPTION:

Area: Terrestrial:  17,000 sq. m.

Marine:  66,000 sq. m.

Total:  83,000 sq. m.

Road Access: Puerto Princesa North Nat’l Highway with Citra Mina Road (minor)

Slope Percentage: 0 – 3 % (FLAT)

Zoning: Onshore: Agro - Industrial

Offshore: Environmental Critical Areas Network (ECAN)

Classification: Urban Cluster

ANALYSIS:

MAJOR SITE CRITERIA

Conformity of the Development to the Environment

The onshore site is situated in the Agro-Industrial Zone but the offshore site is located in

an ECAN (Environmental Critical Areas Network) which is perfect for the marine conservation.

Also, the Pambato Reef is one of the itinerary of the Honda Bay Island Hopping of tourist.

Access to Abundant Marine Biodiversity

The site is located in Pambato Reef, famed as “The Mini-Tubbataha Reef” and has

an enormous amount of marine species (fishes, coral networks, turtles, etc.)

Established Environmental Regulation

The Sangguniang Panlungsod in cooperation with Sanctuary Management Board

(SMB) recently passed Ordinance No. 574 making Pambato Reef a marine sanctuary. The

ordinance made the Pambato Reef in three zones: Core, Ecotourism, and Buffer.

MINOR SITE CRITERIA

Accessibility

The terrestrial site can be accessed by private vehicles or hired public vehicles

through Puerto Princesa National Highway and the Pambato Reef can be accessed by

boat with a 10 minute travel time from Sta. Lourdes Wharf.

Slope and Topography

According to the Puerto Princesa Slope Map, the site has relatively flat topography

having a slope percentage of 0 – 3 % making the project very feasible.

Availability of Utilities

Located at the urban concentration of Puerto Princesa, the site has access to the

basic utilities like electric and water sources as well as drainage and sewerage systems.

Touristic Atmosphere

The site has a surreal ambience both terrestrial and underwater. Also, it is a tourist

spot being located at the Honda Bay.

4.1.2.4 SITE D

STA. LUCIA, PUERTO PRINCESA

DESCRIPTION:

Area:  49,000 sq. m.

Road Access: Puerto Princesa South National Highway

Slope Percentage: 0 – 3 % (FLAT)

Zoning: Environmental Estate

Classification: Urban Cluster

ANALYSIS:

MAJOR SITE CRITERIA

Conformity of the Development to the Environment

The site lies on the Environmental Estate in one of the four major components; The

Academic Center

Access to Abundant Marine Biodiversity

Being an Environmental Estate, the area and its surrounding area is rich in marine

biodiversity. Conversely, there are no established marine sanctuary nearby.

Established Environmental Regulation

Under the Presidential Proclamation 718, Sta. Lucia is entitled to be an

Environmental Estate envisioned to preserve the ecology of Puerto Princesa.

MINOR SITE CRITERIA

Accessibility

It can be accessed by either land or water. On land, it is far from city proper with

an hour of travel. On the other hand, travel by water is far faster taking only 20 minutes.

Slope and Topography

According to the Puerto Princesa Slope Map, the site has relatively flat topography

having a slope percentage of 0 – 3 % making the project very feasible.

Availability of Utilities

Only some parts of Sta. Lucia has stable source of electricity and water source.

Fortunately, the site is located in the said location.

Touristic Atmosphere

Although the government foresee the Sta. Lourdes to be the catchment area for

tourist, minimal development has established and became a barren land for many years.
4.1.2.5 LIKERT SCALE

Rating shall be as follows:

5 – highly preferable/desirable 2 – satisfactory/fair

4 – very preferable/desirable 1 – poor

3 – preferable/desirable

Site

Criteria Weight A B C D
Ratin Point Ratin Point Ratin Point Ratin Point

g s g s g s g s

MAJOR SITE
60%
CRITERIA

Conformity of the

1 Development to the 20% 5 1.0 3 0.6 4 0.8 5 1.0

Environment

Access to Abundant
2 20% 4 0.8 4 0.8 5 1.0 3 0.6
Marine Biodiversity

Established

3 Environmental 20% 4 0.8 3 0.6 5 1.0 5 1.0

Regulation

MINOR SITE
40%
CRITERIA

1 Accessibility 10% 5 0.5 3 0.3 4 0.4 3 0.3

Slope and
2 10% 5 0.5 5 0.5 5 0.5 5 0.5
Topography

Availability of
3 10% 5 0.5 4 0.4 4 0.4 5 0.5
Utilities

Touristic
4 10% 3 0.3 3 0.3 5 0.5 2 0.2
Atmosphere

TOTAL 100% 4.4 3.5 4.6 4.1