1

Part II. RESEARCH FOCUS

Chapter II.1 RATIONALE

The Earth Summit and the Kyoto Protocol are conferences held by the United Nations on 1992

and 1997 respectively. These are all environmental awareness regarding climate change and the

growing scarcity of potable water. Countries like Canada, USA, Japan, Philippines, and many more

have signed and agreed to comply with the advocacy of these programs. Canada, USA, Japan, and

even Singapore now design most of their buildings with a more sustainably inclined design, only

the Philippines is the country left that does not comply with their signed treaty or agreement since

1992. Sooner or later, the Philippines will be required to design its buildings accordingly; towards

a Green, Sustainable Design.

On the other hand, “MARINA 2016: A premiere maritime administration in Southeast Asia

propelling the Philippine maritime industry to global competitiveness.” This statement serves as the

vision of Maritime Industry Authority as published in their official website. It clearly states how

MARINA would likely to be in 2016 and also shows the improvements needed in the department to

fully accomplish their set mission. There are three descriptive words in their mission statement that

gives a glimpse of what the department wants namely, premiere, propelling and global

competitiveness. This three terms just shows that the department wants a boost in their system

and office.

It is therefore properly timed to produce MARINA their own structure that will improve the

working potential of the department and to accommodate the future authorities it shall serve.

MARINA located in Kalaw St. Manila serves as the main office which indicated the high rates of

clients it serves on a daily basis and the complex tasks it executes being the head of all MARINA,

the only government sector that certifies, accredits, awards and licences all that is under the

Philippine’s maritime industry. Aside from the proposed MARINA central office, additional spaces

and facilities will be added to the site which is in response to the mission held by the agency. These

spaces and facilities for maritime training will be leasable to any accredited manning agency or

training center, which can give them and their clients a more convenient, complete and accessible

training place.

As a last point, referring to Fig 23, 61% of the respondents are not from Manila, and so they

visit MARINA only either for applications or renewals. These people travel from provinces and it

cannot be denied that not everyone can be accommodated every day for processing of papers. As

a result, these people sleep at the door step of the Masagana Building itself, open to all kinds of

crime and sickness. And so, a small “Capsule Hotel” will be proposed along with the proposed new

office of MARINA.

Fig. 44 – Seafarers sleeping in the parking area of MARINA

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Chapter II.2 PRINCIPLES AND RELEVANCE TO THE PROJECT

According to Arch. Ken Yeang, Sustainability has many principles or strategies for a

green building. Some of these are eco-mimicry, seamless + benign bio-integration, green

certification, bio-simulation, urban biosphere reservation, retrofitting, and many more. Green

certification for example, is a program held by green advocates such as the Building for Ecologically

Responsive Design Excellence (BERDE). BERDE has guidelines for materials and building systems

and accredits a building if it is worthy of a green certification or not. It is checked annually if the

building still complies with the requirements and in failing so will cause the withdrawal of the green

certification.

Another principle would be retrofitting. It is the act of incorporating new, either simple or

sophisticated, technologies or systems into an existing, and at times, old buildings. Retrofitting

came about from environment awareness; the need for sustainable green structures in hopes of

countering the inevitable future of overloaded brownlands and lack of certain supplies. As an

example, retrofitting a structure can renew its water utilities, recycling grey water for a repeated

consumption, saving liters of potable water in the process. Yet, doing so would either nullify the

use of the already existing pipe lines of the structure, or would require the installation of complex

piping and addition of tanks or cisterns, or both. Obviously, it would be costly, but it is an investment

for the betterment of the environment and for the users of the structure. As the common advocacy

of green advocates go “The greenest building is the one already built” it would be much ideal to

retrofit the old building in Kalaw but since it is proven that there is a need to build a new facility,

the priorities must be weighed and so there is a more dire need to build a new facility than to

retrofit the old building in Kalaw, as justified before with supporting data.

Going back to MARINA matters, The Philippines is titled to be the first in line when

it comes to maritime manpower. Based from the data, 40 % of seafarers came from the Philippines,

giving the country 5.5 billion dollars of remittance, a strong proof that the maritime industry is

hands a big help in our economy. In response to it, this proposal seeks to find ways to improve the

Philippine’s standing in the maritime industry and our fellow countrymen who are our front liners

in the industry. The idea for this proposal is to produce a central office for The Maritime Industry

Authority and introduce an improved and global standard of training facility for the Filipino

seafarers. The main focus for the central office is to provide a systematic and scientific adjacency

of spaces as well as the enhancement of main public areas. As the agency operates at least 10

hours a day and five times a week, incorporating sustainable designs.

Moving on, capsule hotels as seen in Figure

45 originated in Japan in 1979 by Arch.

Kisho Kurokawa, according to gizmag.com.

These are usually two stacks of “capsules”

that are usually 1.00 x 2.00 x 1.25 meters

in dimension. Capsule hotels are solely for

sleeping only, other facilities such as

toiletries and locker rooms are common and

are separate. Since most hotels offer rates

based on square meter, quality, and

amenities, a capsule hotel would be much

more ideal for a sleeping quarter in the

proposed new MARINA building.

Fig. 45 – A capsule hotel in Osaka, Japan

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Chapter II.3 APPLICATION TO THE PROJECT

As mentioned before, a green and sustainable design would sooner be a must here

in the Philippines, and so the project will adhere to the advocacy of green architecture. Since the

project is majorly a government office, it operates mostly at daytime and therefore shall be planned

accordingly so as to maximize daylight while not compromising circulation. The project shall be so

oriented with proper orientation to the sun path and prevailing winds to maximize natural energies

and forces. The project will also include the recycling of grey water since it is an office used by

thousands of people per day, doing so can save hundreds of liters of potable water from sanitation

purposes alone.

Also, since the main issue here is the overall system that is brought about by

inadvertent planning of the current office, another research focus would be a thorough study and

plan of the office spaces that can lead to a better system and flow of the users.

Lastly would be the incorporation of the capsule hotels in the proposal for the

seafarers especially those who are from provinces. A capsule hotel would be ideal since its only

function is for sleeping and resting purposes and no other. It would be cheaper than renting any

hotels in the vicinity.

Part III. SITE IDENTIFICATION AND ANALYSIS

Chapter III.1 SITE SELECTION PROCESS

Criteria for Site Selection

Site Selection is a critical aspect to be well thought-out when planning a

development for a government agency in view of the fact that it can greatly impact and affect its

users as well as the development itself.

Due to unavailability of established site selection criteria, the following are site

criteria based on the case studies conducted:

- The site should be near the capital city, Manila

- The site should be accessible to major roads

- The site should be easily accessed by public transportations

- The site should be owned by MARINA or by the Philippine government

- The site should be large enough to accommodate horizontal expansions

- The site should be relatively flat

- The site should be near a transport terminal that transports people from provinces to

the Manila

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Site Option Description

Site option no.1 is being bounded by the Manila Film Center on the north, Manila

bay on the west, J.W. Diokno Blvd on the east and a few vacant lots on its southern part. The lot

is named under the Republic of the Philippines and is considered to be vacant.

Strengths:

- The site has a total area of 10 hectares, making it a good option for horizontal

development and expansion

- The site’s adjacency to the sea can be used to expand and improve the training

facilities that will be developed in the proposal

- The site is near Manila and the location of previous office of MARINA

Weakeness:

- The site is quite far from Roxas Blvd., which is a known major road near the site

- There are no public vehicles that travels along the stretch of the site

Opportunities:

- The distance of the site from commercial developments is quite far, which can give

an opportunity for commercial spaces for the users’ convenience

- The proposed structure being located on the site can increase the number of people

who goes to the area, which can make the area bring back its life

-

Threats:

- The site is beside an abandoned building where dogs are put to guard it this makes it

dangerous for the people who will be staying near it

- The site is considered as a coastal area; high susceptibility in flooding

Fig. 46 – Site option no.1

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Site option no.2 is bounded by four different roads in all of its side. The lot is

owned by the government, vacant and is located in Pasay City.

Strengths:

- The site is connected to roads which makes it accessible

- The site is adjacent to a Diosdado Macapagal Blvd., which is considered as a major

road

- The site is near other government offices like Department of Foreign Affairs and GSIS

- Public vehicles travel along the roads that bounds the site, making it convenient for

commuting clients and employees

- The site is relatively flat which is ideal for offices

- The site is near a commercial complex with transport terminal

- The site is a regular shape which gives a more convenient planning and division of

spaces

- The site is near Manila and the location of previous office of MARINA

Weakness:

- The site’s future could only expand vertically due to small lot size

Opportunities:

- The proposal can introduce cheaper quarters for the clients who are living outside

Metro Manila since the nearby hotels are expensive

- Families or even the clients themselves, can use the adjacency of the site to SM Mall

of Asia while waiting for their concerns to be catered by the office

Threats:

- The site is still a part of a reclaimed land

Fig. 47 – Site option no.2

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Site option no.3 is bounded by three major roads in Pasay City namely EDSA

Extension on the north side, Roxas Boulevard on its eastern part and Disodado Macapagal

Boulevard on its west.

Strengths:

- The site is connected to roads which makes it accessible

- The site is near other government offices like Department of Foreign Affairs,

- Public vehicles travel along the roads that bounds the site, making it convenient for

commuting clients and employees

- The site is relatively flat which is ideal for offices

- The site is near a commercial complex with transport terminal

- The site is at least 5 hectares in land area

- The site is near Manila and the location of previous office of MARINA

Weakness:

- The site is not owned by the government

- The acquisition of the site is expensive

Opportunities:

- The proposal can introduce cheaper quarters for the clients who are living outside

Metro Manila since the nearby hotels are expensive

Threats:

- There is too much vehicular and foot traffic surrounding the site

- The site is adjacent to a small channel of water which makes it susceptible to

flooding

Fig. 48 – Site option no.3

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Site Selection and Justification

Site no.2 is selected as the most ideal site for the proposal because of the strong

and numerous advantages that it can offer for the proposal. Despite its weakness and threats

which is considered to be minimal compared to the two other site option, the its strengths and

offered opportunities overpowered it.

Chapter III.2 SITE EVALUATION AND ANALYSIS

The Macro Setting

Introduction to Site

The City of Pasay, which is

coined as the “Travel City” is the third smallest

political city in the National Capital Region and

fourth for the whole country. It is bordered by

the City of Manila to the North, Makati and

Taguig City to the northeast, Paranaque to the

South and Manila Bay to the western part.

Despite of the city being one of the smallest

political city, Pasay City shows a quick

improvement in being an urban city.

The City is known for the Bay

City wherein a part of the Manila Bay was

reclaimed. There are also a number of

attractions and historical landmarks in the city

that makes it as one of the city to go to for

tourists.

Fig. 49 – Location Map of Pasay City

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Economy

After four decades of rapid urbanization, Pasay City is now transformed as one of

the important sector in the urban center. The city houses the headquarters of most of the leading

airlines and the main airport terminal of the country. There are also government offices that

resides in city namely Department of Foreign Affairs, Senate of the Philippines, Department of

Trade and Industry and other public agencies. Through the relatively flat terrain and strategic

location, the city has the capacity to absorb a large population and intense commercial

enterprises. A feature that could work along with the expansion of the city through the

reclamation of lands along Manila Bay wherein a part of the bay has already been reclaimed to

house large prominent landmarks and national government offices.

History

Pasay’s historical past can be traced back to 1863. It was first known as the town

of Pineda and was incorporated into the Province of Rizal at that time. Antonio Dancel was the

first appointed provincial governor while Pascual Villanueva stood as the City’s first president. On

August 4 1901, the town revert to its original name, Pasay, through a resolution. After two years,

the pueblo of Malibay was added to Pasay, with a population of 8,100, the city was placed under

the fourth-class category.

Through the offer of Pasay Real Estate Company, residential lots were made available for the

leasing of foreign investors as the friars landed in the city to make a subdivision. Through the

continuous progress, telephone lines, telegraphs and postals were installed as well as the

establishment of the Philippines Savings Bank.

It was in 1907 that a first-class road connecting Pasay to Camp Nichols was completed. It was

then followed by other road constructions including the old Avenida Mexico, now known as Taft

Avenue extension. Linking the city to Intramuros, Escolta, San Miguel, San Sebastian and San

Juan, so called tranvia or electric streetcars were launched by the city’s government.

Real estate in Pasay was cheap before. Much of the bayside area, now known as the bay city,

were swamps but the American soldiers were quick to seize the opportunity to develop it into

residential areas and by 1918, Pasay already had a population of 18,967.

World War II broke out on December 26, 2941 where MacArthur issued a proclamation declaring

Manila and its suburbs including Pasay an open city. Many residents of Pasay joined the

resistance during the Japanese occupation. There were people who were born and residing in

Pasay that stood up and helped the city to be exempted from the capture but in October 14,

1943, Japan proclaimed the Second Philippine Republic which was also the time when Pasay

residents started to leave the city because of the worsening food shortage.

After MacArthur fulfilled his promise to return and helped the Philippines, the Greater Manila Area

including Pasay city was recovered and rebuilt. Not long after the decree given by Ferdinand E.

Marcos, the Metropolitan Manila Commission and the Department of Local Government instructed

Pasay City to create its own barangays. Mayor Cuneta started the creation of 487 barangays and

was later trimmed down by Secretary Jose Rono of the Department of Local Government.

In the middle of 1997 Vice Mayor Wenceslao "Peewee" Trinidad took over the reins of

government from an ailing Mayor Pablo Cuneta. Mayor Cuneta was the Chief Executive of Pasay

City for thirty-seven years and served between the years 1949, when he was appointed city

mayor by President Elpidio Quirino, and 1997.

The onset of globalization in the 1990s has drastically changed the country’s economic landscape.

Amidst all these changes, the city of Pasay has the opportunity to become the country’s next

9

important center of business, trade, and commerce. This, however, must be achieved through the

effective management of its resources and with the improvement of the living standards of its

people.

Geography

The city of Pasay occupies 18.50 square kilometres (7.14 sq mi) of land which

marks it as the third smallest political city in the National Capital Region. It lies in the western

section of the Manila Bay and is divided into three main areas: the urban area of the city which is

composed of an area of 5.505 square kilometres (2.125 sq mi), the Civil Aeronautics

Administration Complex, including the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Villamor Air Base, with

an area of 9.5 square kilometres (3.7 sq mi) and the reclaimed area of Manila Bay with an area of

4.00 square kilometres (1.54 sq mi).

Pasay is composed of seven districts that is partitioned into twenty zones, with a

sum of 201 barangays. The barangays in Pasay City are not designated with names instead,

numbers. Zone 1 shows to be the smallest zone with an area of 10 hectares (25 acres), which

covers Barangays 1 to 3 and as well as Barangay 14 to 17.

The Micro Setting

The site is located in Pasay City specifically in the Manila Bay Reclamation area. The site is

approximately 2 hectares in land area. It is facing both Diosdado Macapagal Blvd and Metro Bank

Ave. The site can be reached by foot from the public transportation terminal located at SM Mall of

Asia.

The soil of the site is quaternary alluvium. The site is open grassland and there are no

presences of significant trees in the site that can hinder construction. The topography of the site

Fig. 50– The Site

10

is relative flat. In terms of geo-hazard, the site is susceptible to floods since it is included in the

flood prone areas of Pasay City and is also located in the Manila Bay reclamation area, places that

are near the Manila Bay. It is also not in close proximity with any fault line and mountains that

can make it susceptible to landslides as well as big damages during earthquakes. The site is

considered as a planned unit development in terms of zoning.

The table below shows the summary of the site’s description. It contains the natural,

cultural, hazardous conditions of the site based upon the maps and analysis gained from the

research.

Site Description Summary

Na

tura

l Fa

cto

rs Soil

Geological Type of rock is classified as quaternary alluvium

(See Geological Map)

Wildlife None

Vegetation Grasslands and Palm trees are present in the site

(See Site Documentation)

Topography Site is relatively flat

Geo-Hazard

Cu

ltu

ral Fa

cto

rs

Land Use New Coastal Reclamation Zone

(See Existing Land Use Map)

Zoning Planned Unit Development (See Zoning Map)

Roads Site is facing Diosdado Macapagal Blvd. and is adjacent

to Roxas Blvd. (See Transportation Map and Site Analysis)

Vehicular Traffic (See Traffic Analysis)

Foot Traffic (See Traffic Analysis)

Existing Buildings Blue Wave, Manila Tytana Colleges, SM Mall of Asia, Bay

Garden Towers

(See Exiting Buildings)

Ha

za

rds

Land Suitability Moderate Suitability

(See Land Suitability Map)

Flood Susceptibility Low Flood Susceptibility (See Flood Hazard Map)

Fault Line Intensity High 8

(See Ground Shaking Map)

Storm Surge The site is shows no storm surge risk

(See Storm Surge Hazard Map)

Severe Wind 141-171 kph (See Severe Wind Hazard Map Analysis)

Table No. 2

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Maps

Zoning Map

The 2003 zoning map of Pasay shows the site to be under the Planned Unit Development zone.

Fig. 51 – Zoning Map of Pasay City

12

Geologic Map

The site is consist of quaternary alluvium which are loose soil sediments that undergone erosion

and later on formed and reshaped through some water elements, but is returned through a non-

marine locale. Quaternary alluvium is consist of variety of particles like clay, silt, sand and gravel.

Fig. 52 – Geologic Map of Pasay City

13

Flood Hazard Map

As shown in Figure 32, the site has a low flood risk which varies from 0.1 to 0.5 meters,

which is at least an ankle to knee deep flood. This low flood hazard in the site proposes a minimal

problem as it is answerable by an increase in the structure’s elevation.

Fig. 53 – Flood Hazard Map of Pasay City

14

Storm Surge Hazard Map

The site is safe from any chances of storm surge as shown in this map.

Fig. 54 – Storm Surge Hazard Map of Pasay City

15

Severe Wind Hazard Map

Based from the figure above, the site is susceptible to 141 to 171 kph speed of wind. This

wind speed can be an advantage in improving the proposed green architecture for the building.

Fig. 55– Severe Wind Hazard Map of Pasay City

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Land Suitability Map

The site falls under moderate suitability which is described as the land having minor limitations to

the given type of use.

Fig. 56– Land Suitability Map of Pasay City

17

Flood Prone Analysis Map

Since the site is located on the reclaimed area of Pasay and is near Manila Bay, it only shows

that the site is a flood prone area but with low frequency.

Fig. 57– Flood Prone Area Map of Pasay City

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Transportation System Map

There are a variety of transportation systems that is present in the City of Pasay. Having the

site located in the city proves it convenience and accessibility to the employees and clients

specifically those who are commuters.

Fig. 58– Transportation System Map of Pasay City

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Ground Shaking Map

Since Pasay City is not included in the cities that is covered by fault lines, a ground

shaking map and analysis is given instead. According to PHIVOLCS, he site is susceptible to an

intensity high 8 of earthquake.

Fig. 59– Ground Shaking Map of Pasay City

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Existing Land Use Map

The site falls under the New Coastal Reclamation Zone.

Fig. 60– Existing Land Use Zone Map of Pasay City

21

Sun and Wind Diagram

The figure above indicates the sun path diagram. As you can see the southern part of the

site is the most exposed in heat gain from the sun therefore any habitable or primary spaces

should be as much as possible should not be positioned on the southern portion of the site. Open

spaces and service area can be placed in this part to serve as buffer from heat gain.

From October-February prevailing winds are from the northeastern direction, from March-

April winds come from southeast direction. Southern Winds prevail during May and southwesterly

winds prevail during the months of June, July, August and September. (For wind direction and

speed, refer to Wind direction and Wind speed Map) these information is relevant since the

development seeks as much as possible on following principles of sustainability and one way to

do that is through passive cooling and air ventilation with this data it is possible to achieve.

Fig. 61– Sun Path and Wind Diagram

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Noise Analysis

The figure above shows the possible causes or sources of noise on the site. Main source of

noise is the vehicular noise since it is a major road where jeepneys, cars and buses are passing

therefore noise from cars and public are inevitable. There are noises coming from Blue wave and

the nearby auto shop although it is only minimal compared to the vehicular noise. The adjacency

of the site to major roads as well as its adjacent commercial areas is also a disadvantage like in

this case, major roads that is in close proximity to the site is one of the noise generators

especially in intersections.

Fig. 62– Noise analysis diagram

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Proximity Analysis

Site Proximity Summary

Legend Location Distance (km)

Mall of Asia Transportation

Terminal

0.57

Department of Foreign Affairs 0.90

LRT-1 EDSA Station/ MRT-3

Taft Station

1.09

Government Service

Insurance System

0.75

Fig. 63– Proximity analysis of site

Table No. 3

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Traffic Analysis

The following table show the data concluded through the researcher’s observation during

site visit.

Traffic Analysis

TRAFFIC TYPES REMARKS

Foot Traffic

Groups and individuals who visits Blue wave

Light to Moderate

Students and Employees from

Manila Tytana College

Moderate

People heading to SM Mall of

Asia and SM Transport Terminal

Moderate to High

People waiting for jeepneys

and buses to pass by

Moderate to High

Employees and residents from Bay Garden Towers

Light to Moderate

Vehicular Traffic

Private Cars Moderate to High

Public Vans/Buses/Jeepneys Moderate to High

Shuttle Service Light to Moderate

Construction

Equipment/Transports

Light to Moderate

The Light to Moderate traffic suggests that there are no signs of congestion in within the

site. Since the site is located in an area that is newly developed and is near a big commercial

complex, foot traffic can really be from a moderate to high risk.

The moderate vehicular traffic on the site is still desirable for the development since it

indicates that it is accessible to public transportation therefore it will not be a hindrance to the

accessibility of the development in terms of target population. Though there are times when the

vehicular traffic hits high especially during peak hours.

Table No. 4

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Nearby Establishments

Manila Tytana Colleges (formerly Manila

Doctors College)

SM Mall of Asia

Fig. 64

Fig. 65

26

Bay Garden Towers

Blue Wave

Fig. 66

Fig. 67

27

Site Documentation

The site stands open and shows that there is no trace of any construction being done in the

site. It is an open grassland with some small trees that are planted along the street.

28

The figures above is a proof that the site, numbered as site no. 143, is solely owned by the

government or public estate authority as written in the tax map control sheet.

Fig. 68 – Map from Pasay City Assessor’s office

Figure 69 – Site TCT Number

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Related Laws and Ordinances

Republic Act No. 9514 or an Act Establishing a Comprehensive Fire Code of the

Philippines, Repealing Presidential Decree No. 1185

(Retrieved from: http://www.architectureboard.ph/uploads/1234414677-

RA%20No.%209514.pdf)

It is the policy of the State to ensure public safety and promote economic development

through the prevention and suppression of all kinds of destructive fires and promote the

professionalization of the fire service as a profession. Towards this end, the State shall enforce all

laws, rules and regulations to ensure adherence to standard fire prevention and safety measures,

and promote accountability for fire safety in the fire protection service and prevention service.

A law that established rules and regulations for the fire safety provision and fire protection

provisions of buildings and structures. It regulates dimensions of doors, hallways, and means of

egress, travel distance, specifications like fire rating and fire exits and stairs. It regulates

designers in designing in terms of fire safety and protections.

Presidential Decree1096 or the National Building Code of the Philippines

(Retrieved from: www.mysubicbay.com.ph/files/forms-manuals/20130701-153916-201.pdf)

The policy of the State of safeguard life, health, property, and public welfare, consistent with

the principles of sound environmental management and control; and to this end, make it the

purpose of this Code to provide for all buildings and structures, a framework of minimum

standards and requirements to regulate and control their location, site, design, quality of

materials, construction, use occupancy, and maintenance.

The Physical Environment of Pasay City and Ordinances Related

(Retrieved from Pasay City Comprehensive Land Use Plan: The Physical Environment:

http://www.pasay.gov.ph/Pdf/socio-eco/Physical%20Environment2.pdf)

Topography, Elevation and Slope

The western part of Pasay City is level to nearly level while its southeastern part is gently sloping

to gently undulating. It is characterized by coastal plains along the Manila Bay in the west and

sloping areas extending in the south-east direction. Surface elevations range from 2 meters above

the mean sea level on the coastal plains and 24 meters on the southeast part of the city.

2.5 Land and Associated Soil Characteristics

As per Metro Manila Land Resource Evaluation Project by BSWM, Pasay has the following land and

soil characteristics: Active Tidal Flats (Coastal Landscape) Active tidal flats, with an almost flat relief,

have an elevation that ranges from 0 to 1.5 meters, sometimes reaching up to 3 meters above the

mean sea level. This land system has very poor drainage characteristics. Waterlogged areas may

pose a corrosion problem to underground uncoated steel pipes or structural reinforcement. Poor

drainage is also a problem in sewage disposal in areas which are not served by public sewer

facilities. It is further characterized by slow permeability, high compressibility, and possible flooding

during seasonal high water table. Soil texture or the different sizes of particles in the soil mass are

clay, silty clay, and sandly clay loam. The parent materials of this land classification are tidal

mudflats with muck and peat locally, alluvial sediments. Former Tidal Flats (Coastal Landscape)

The former tidal flats consist of areas more inland and slightly higher than the active tidal flats.

They occupy the almost flat plains, backswamps and depression of the coastal landscape formed

from marine and flovio-marine deposits. Slightly lower then the alluvial plain, its elevation ranges

from 2 to 5 meters. It has slow to moderate permeability and a soil texture of clay to silty clay

30

loam. Moreover, it is poorly drained, prone to moderate seasonal flooding, highly compressible,

and corrosive to uncoated steel. Its parent materials are alluvial

sediments, former tidal mudflats underlain with peaty and mucky materials.

2.6 Water Resources Characteristics

2.6.1 Surface Waters

Pasay City is bounded in the west by Manila Bay. It is traversed by two minor rivers that

feed the Paranaque River namely the Estero de Tripa de Gallina and Maricaban Creek. The

city lies within the Manila Bay Watershed area. The bay has a catchment area of about

17,000 square kilometers that is made up of about eight river basins, nearest of which to

the city is the Parañaque-Las Piñas river basin. This river basin is subsequently made up of

three major rivers, the Parañaque, Las Piñas and Zapote Rivers. These river systems

essentially serve about 1,500 hectares of low-lying areas along the Manila Bay and

functions as the principal drainage channel of the area. The geomorphic setting of these

lowlying areas and the hydraulic action of the Manila Bay basin and the South China Sea

make the area vulnerable to flooding, a condition aggravated by the inadequate capacity

and poor maintenance of the drainage facilities.

2.6.2 Groundwater

Pasay is situated on a delta which has produced locally-confined aquifers. Groundwater

utilization, however, has resulted in significant draw-down causing much land subsidence

and saline water intrusion particularly in the coastal areas. The groundwater basin contains

several connected and interrelated aquifers, composed of tuffaceous sandstone and

conglomerates belonging to the Guadalupe Formation. These facets of Guadalupe

Formation in the southeastern part of the city have thickness of approximately 1,300 to

1,200 meters. Recharge to the aquifers comes from rainfall and inflow from the extension

of these aquifers. However, these are already over exploited due to uncontrolled pumping

and excessive underwater withdrawal, a practice done principally by high-density

residential, commercial and industrial establishments. This situation leads to a partial

depletion of the aquifers resulting in the lowering of water levels and high pumping costs.

Almost 2000 wells have been drilled in the aquifers of the Guadalupe Formation for the

commercial and residential users. Some of these wells go as deep as 300 meters. In 1990,

total pumpage reached 339.6 million cubic meters.

2.6.3 Water Quality

Available data from government agencies such as the DENR-EMB have indicated that the

near-the-shore waters of Manila Bay, together with the major rivers in Metro Manila, are

considered biologically dead. The water quality in Manila Bay has progressively deteriorated

due to domestic, industrial and agricultural wastes being dumped uncontrollably in the

waterways. This present state is likewise being attributed to inadequate drainage facilities

and the discharge of untreated domestic and industrial wastewater due to inadequate

wastewater collection, treatment and disposal facilities.

Based on the sampling conducted by the Department of Environment and Natural

Resources (DENR) in each month of the year 2000, water quality as per dissolved oxygen,

Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and the total suspended solid level in various stations of

the Paranaque-Zapote River are shown in the following tables. Two stations were located

within Pasay City, Tramo and MIA Road.

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2.7 Atmospheric Characteristic

From the nearest PAGASA station at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), climatological data

from 1950-1995 were obtained. Tables 2.6 and 2.7 show some of the significant data.

2.7.1 Climate

The climate of Pasay is classified as Type 1 under the Corona classification used by

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)

depending on rainfall pattern. It is characterized by two pronounced seasons: rainy season

from May to October and dry season from January to April, when rainfall drops to 10-30-

mm/ month. In general, Metro Manila is directly influenced by an average of 2 to 3 tropical

cyclones per year.

2.7.2 Rainfall

The PAGASA station recorded an annual rainfall amount of 1,149.2 mm with a total of 113

rainy days between the years 1961-1995. The rainy months of May – October indicated

monthly rainy days of 7- 20 with the month of July recording the highest at 20. The highest

amount of rainfall for the period 1949-1995 was 427.4 mm recorded on February 1,1962.

2.7.3 Temperature

Pasay has an average normal annual temperature of 27.5 °C. The warmest months are

April, May and June while the coldest months are December, January and February with

the minimum temperature of 25-26°C. The highest temperature was recorded on May

18,1969 at 38.1°C while the lowest was recorded at 14.6°C on February 1, 1962.

2.7.4 Relative Humidity

Relative humidity or the percentages of water vapor in the air ranges, in monthly values,

from 66% to 81% with an annual average of 75%. These values indicate that Pasay is

relatively humid.

2.7.5 Wind Speed and Direction

The annual prevailing wind direction in the area is towards the east. The average annual

wind speed is 3.0 meters per second (mps). High wind speed occurs in March to April while

low wind speed happens in September to November. The highest wind speed of 56 mps

was recorded on November 14, 1977, going in a western direction.

2.9 Geologic and other Natural Hazards

No traced earthquake fault line traverses the city of Pasay. However, the city is not spared from

other related geologic hazards such as tsunamis, ground shaking, and liquefaction. Tsunamis are

giant sea waves generated by under the sea earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Not all submarine

earthquakes, however, can cause the occurrence of tsunamis. Tsunamis can only occur when the

earthquake is shallow-seated and strong enough (M 7.0) to displace parts of the seabed and disturb

the water over it (PHIVOLCS). The coastal area of Pasay City is among the most hit by tsunamis

and have a high potential for future tsunamis.

Typhoons and their associated hazards, such as strong winds, storm surges, and floods, are among

the most recurrent and damaging calamities our country is prone to. Some 20 typhoons pass the

Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) every year. These are most frequent during the months of

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May to December with peak occurrences in the month of November. Of the total 325 typhoons

recorded to have crossed the PAR from 1948 to 1978, about 20 passed through Metro

Manila. One of these, Typhoon Yoling, was the most severe, registering amaximum wind speed of

200 kph and bringing 24-hour rainfall on the Metropolis. Residential areas, infrastructure, power

systems, and other utility installations experienced heavy damages, some of which took months to

restore.

2.10 Environmental Management

2.10.1 Water Management To address the countrywide water crisis which adversely affects

the health and well-being of the population, food production and industrialization process,

the National Water Crisis Act of 1995 was enacted. Some of the issues related to the water

crises are: water supply, water distribution, financing aspects, privatization of state-run

water facilities, the protection and conservation of watersheds, and pilferage of water,

including the serious matter of graft and corruption in all the water agencies.

2.10.2 Air Quality Management

The Clean Air Act of 1999 recognizes that the responsibility of cleaning the habitat and

environment is primarily area-based, thus, a local government concern. In terms of air

quality management, it stipulates that: LGUs shall share the responsibility in the

management and maintenance of air quality within their territorial jurisdiction. LGUs shall

implement air quality

standards set by the Pollution Adjudication Board (PAB) in areas within their jurisdiction.

Provided, however, that in cases where the board has not been duly constituted and has

not promulgated its standards, the standards set forth in this Act shall apply. The

Department of Environment and Natural Resources shall provide the LGUs with technical

assistance, training and a continuing capabilitybuilding program to prepare them to

undertake full administration of the air quality management and regulation within their

territorial jurisdiction. The LGU, for one, is responsible for attaining and maintaining the

ambient air quality standards within their respective airsheds. The designation of airsheds

shall be on the basis of, but not limited to, areas with similar climate, meteorology and

topology which affect the interchange and diffusion of pollutants in the atmosphere, or

areas which share common interest or face similar development programs, prospects or

problems. The DENR bases such ambient air quality standards on World Health

Organization (WHO) standards, but shall not be limited to nor be less stringent than such

standards. The initial lists and values of the hazardous air pollutants are provided in the

DENR mandate.

2.10.3 Land Management

All the barangays of the city have Cadastral Maps which are being used for taxation and

other legal purposes. On the other hand, prior to this undertaking, a Zoning Ordinance in

1981 was being used to guide developments and land uses in the city.

2.10.4 Solid Waste Management (SWM)

At present, the city of Pasay disposes of its solid waste in the San Mateo Sanitary Landfill

and the Payatas dumpsite. As per a JICA study on Solid Waste Management for Metro

Manila involving government agencies such as DECS, DENR and MMDA, Pasay City along

with Taguig, Pateros and the city of Makati shall be accommodated in the proposed

Transfer Station within Fort Bonifacio and then dumped in an inland landfill site to be later

specified. (Figure 2.5 refers) All barangays are covered by solid waste collection, which is

33

handled by the local government and private contractors. Solid wastes are collected daily

on main thoroughfares and every other day in the rest of the city. However, the collection

systems accommodate urgent requests by residents.

2.10.5

Drainage and Flood Control System

The Tripa de Gallina and Libertad pumping stations (PS), the Buendia and Libertad Outfalls

or Channels are currently servicing the drainage requirement of the city. The Tripa de

Gallina PS has a drainage area of over 1,700 hectares. Part of the storm runoff from the

Estero de Tripa de Gallina enters the Libertad PS via the Buendia and Libertad Outfalls. The

rest are discharged into the Parañaque River. The Estero, however, shows a fluctuation in

profile due to the deposit of sediment and garbage, and insufficient improvement of the

Buendia Channel. This condition is caused largely by poor sewerage and improper solid

waste disposal. A considerable volume of wastes accumulates in the retention pond of the

reclamation area. In areas along esteros and creeks occupied by a number of squatter

shanties, wastes are directly discharged into the waterway. At present, the local

government employs flood control measures such as annual

clearing of all waterways and sedimentation (desilting of riverbeds) accompanied by a

proper garbage and waste disposal system. The adjoining upstream areas of the Libertad

Reclamation Area is being drained through the Libertad, Buendia, and EDSA outfalls. Their

existing discharge

capacities are much smaller than their design capacities due to siltation. Garbage inflow at

the inlets of these outfalls aggravates the problem.

2.10.6 Disaster Management

The warning system for both typhoons and floods in Metro Manila are operated by the

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

It monitors the meteorological and hydrological conditions and issues periodic reports. This

report contains a warning if the conditions entail risks to the population. The warning

system for typhoons works separately from the warning system for floods.

Fig. 70 – Solid Waste Disposal Method Table

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2.11 Land Suitability Assessment

In coming up with an effective land utilization system, the physical and environmental attributes of

Pasay City must be considered. Areas of physical constraint for further developments in the city

should be delineated. Maps indicating the city's relevant physical and environmental attributes are

generated and translated into degrees of concern. References used for this purpose include

materials from the local government, BSWM, and PHIVOLCS. Some of the environmental concerns

such as flooding, drainage, river preservation, liquefaction hazard, and industrial zones were

reflected in maps and discussed briefly. These are subsequently used to delineate the areas of

various degrees of development suitability.

Flood Hazard Areas

Besides natural factors, other aspects that tend to aggravate flooding problems in Metro Manila

include the following:

Infrastructure development leading to the creation of more impervious areas, resulting to

higher peak run-offs that usually cause standing floods;

Inadequate or non-existent drainage system;

Improper solid waste disposal that leads to the clogging of drainage systems, further

lowering their water retaining capacity;

Heavy siltation of rivers due to previous floods, indiscriminate dumping of garbage,

encroachment of squatters and slum dwellers, and limited maintenance works; and

Institutional problems and financial constraints which delay implementation of proper flood

control measures.

Flooding within Pasay City are generally concentrated along Taft Avenue and the areas along the

Estero de Tripa de Gallina and Maricaban Creek (Figure 2.6). River and Coastal Preservation As

shown in Figure 2.7, the following are the river preservation zones of the city:

Rivers and streams – These critical areas consist of easements of about 3 to 20 meters

from both sides throughout the entire length of any river or stream. Areas within this range

are subject to easement of public use in the interest of recreation, fishing, floatage, etc.

Coastal Zone – This includes areas one kilometer from the coastline of the Manila Bay,

which is city waters, and 200 meters from the coastline inland.

Areas of no significance - Areas outside the range mentioned above are non-

environmentally-critical areas.

Liquefaction Hazard

Liquefaction is associated with the phenomenon of quick-condition failure which is generally

obtained when pore water in a liquefied layer rises into overlying near-surface sediments that

results in a condition resembling quicksand. Areas that are prone to liquefaction are those underlain

by water-saturated, thick fine to coarse sand layers such as those along the Pasig River Delta Plain,

lake shore areas of Laguna de Bay and the shorelines of Manila Bay. Figure 2.8 shows the city’s

Liquefaction Hazard Map with potential zones classified into high, moderate

and low based mainly on the presence of clay layers which help inhibit liquefaction.

Industrial and Airport Zones

35

The attribute features of this map are based on the constraints on acceptable noise and air pollution

levels for developments around existing industrial establishments. These noise and air pollution

levels conform with the DENR Guidelines (Figure 2.9).

• Development restriction guidelines for various noise zones are:

- from 45 to 55 dBA. Section of contiguous areas which are primarily used for

residential purposes.

- from 55 to 65 dBA. Primarily for commercial area

- from 60 to 70 dBA. Reserved as a light industrial area

- from 65 to 75 dBA. Primarily reserved as a heavy industrial area.

• Development restriction guidelines for various source-specific air pollutants, such as

emission of dust, dirt or fly ash based on DENR standards.

Resolution No. 2765, Series of 2011

(Retrieved from Pasay City Archives and Records:

http://www.pasay.gov.ph/images/Archives&Records/res-2765-001.html)

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MAYOR, HONORABLE ANTONINO G. CALIXTO TO ENTER

INTO A CONTRACT OF LOAN AND TO MORTGAGE OR ASSING OR OTHERWISE TO ENTER INTO A

COLLATERAL AGREEMENT TO SECURE THE PAYMENT OF THE LOAN APPLIED FOR WITH THE

PHILIPPINE NATIONAL BANK (PNB) IN THE AMOUNT OF TWO BILLION PESOS (Php

2,000,000,000.OO) FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING THE CONSTRUCTUION OF THE CITY

GOVERNMENT'S VARIOUS PRIORITY INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS PROVIDED ALL APPLICABLE

LAWS, RULES AND REGULATIONS ON THE MATTER ARE COMPLIED.

WHEREAS, the records of the sanggunian show that the City Mayor was already authorized by the

Sangguniang Panlungsod to apply for a credit line with any banking or financial institution for the

amount of Two Billion Pesos (Php 2,000,000,000.00) to finance various priority infrastructure

projects.

WHEREAS, the Two Billion Pesos (Php 2,000,000,000.00) loan term facility in favor of the City

Government of Pasay has been approved by the Philippine National Bank

NOW, THEREFORE, BE RESOLVED AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, by the Sangguniang Panlungsod

in session duly assembled, authorizing the City Mayor, Honorable Antionio G. Calixto to enter a

contract of loan and to mortgage or assign or otherwise to enter into a collateral agreement to

secure the payment of the loan applied for with the Philippine National Bank (PNB) in the amount

of Two Billion Pesos (Php 2,000,000,000.00) for the purpose of financing the construction of the

city government’s various priority infrastructure projects provided all applicable laws, rules, and

regulations on the matter are complied.

RESOLVED FURTHER, that the contract of loan deeds of mortgage and assignment and all

other documents hereto referred are subject to ratification by the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

ADOPTED in the City of Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines, this 25th day of July, in the Year of

Our Lord, Two Thousand Eleven.

CERTIFIED APPROVED BY THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSO

36

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