PROPOSED BEACH

PET-FRIENDLY RESORT
SUBMITTED BY: ARANDA, JANNAH MAE M. I AR 302–ARCH32S3
PROPOSED SITE: CASAPSAPAN BEACH

Philippines' Central Luzon region includes the seaside

province of Aurora. It is considered as one of the perfect eco-
tourism destinations in the Philippines as it boasts a lot of
wonderful natural and cultural attractions, from churches and
mountains to beaches. However, due to its isolation, little is
known about the province except from its capital, Baler.
Hence, it is recommended to extend and promote other
beaches and tourist spots in other municipalities in order to
spread the benefits of tourism and maintain the province’s
tourism growth.

One of the underrated yet wonderful beaches in Aurora

is the Casapsapan Beach in the municipality of Casiguran. It is
regarded as one of the province’s least explored areas as it is
located at Aurora’s border. The beach features hectares of
pristine mangrove, beautiful and creamy dunes, unpolluted
blue dazzling waters, and a shoreline that comes in at number
one. With crystal-clear waters that are perfect for snorkeling,
the spotless beach stretches out for miles in a warm sun. Also,
Casapsapan beach is a pet-friendly place as pets such as dogs
are allowed all year round. According to reviews, the beach
gives visitors the feeling of not wanting to leave the place
anymore.
LOCATION: BRGY. CULAT, CASIGURAN, AURORA

Casiguran is located 353

kilometers (km) from Manila
and 121 kilometers (km)
northeast of Baler, the province
capital of Aurora. The
Philippine Sea borders it on
the southeast, the province of
Quirino on the northwest, the
municipality of Dilasag on the
southwest, and the municipality
of Dinalungan on the
northwest.

Travel to Casiguran used to be quite difficult due to the rough and

winding roads and the absence of bridges. However, road improvement and
infrastructure development over the last five years have significantly shortened
travel times while also enhancing comfort and safety. Currently, it takes three to
three and a half (3 to 3.5) hours to get by land. One can travel there by air-
conditioned bus from Manila to Baler and then board a commuter van for
Casiguran. However, for a more direct trip, one might choose to ride the regular,
non-air-conditioned bus from Cabanatuan or the commuter vans that go from
Manila to Casiguran and vice versa. Also, a four to five-hour boat ride from Baler
will also get you to Casiguran, but travel time is highly dependent on water
conditions.
THE SITE

Aurora is divided into two (2)

major land classifications, namely
Forestland and Alienable and Disposable
Land (A&D). A total of 254,969.16
hectares are covered by forestland,
compared to 61,138.66 hectares by A&D
land.

In Casiguran, forests account for 61,620 hectares, or

around 86.13%, of the total area of the municipality,
according to the local Forest Land Use Plan (2014). Alienable
and Disposable lands make up the remaining 13.87% of the
entire area (9,923 hectares).

As a forestland, the proposed site is required to

comply with DENR administrative order no. 2004-28:
governing the use of forestlands for tourism purpose.
COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLAN

The Comprehensive Land Use Plan 2014-2024 of Aurora is the primary technical guide for the promotion of sustainable development
of the municipality. Specifically, the plan seeks to: promote land areas for future development such as settlement, agro-industrialization, and
ecotourism development; provide guidance for correct location for future development without compromising the primary concern on health,
safety, welfare and convenience of the people; sustain the ecological balance of the environment; provide access by the population to
economic opportunities and basic services; to identify properly the constrained and other high risks areas prone to natural hazards like
flooding, tsunami, landslide and among others in order to prevent negative impacts to the environment.

As its guideposts for the rational use of the municipality’s land and other physical resources, this plan commits overall adherence to
the principles adopted by the National Framework for Physical Planning, 2001-2030. The following norms are specifically underscored:

1. The LGU has a primary role in the ultimate development and conservation of the municipality’s land and other physical resources.
2. Tourism areas shall be promoted and developed based on environmentally sound practices.
3. Lands of the public domain which are 18 percent in slope and above shall not be classified as alienable and disposable; neither shall
any forestland 50 percent in slope or over, as grazing land.
4. Coastal resource management as a basic service of the LGU to the people shall be institutionalized.
5. LGU and private sector participation shall be tapped for activities bearing on the municipality’s land and other physical resources,
including conservation and disaster mitigation efforts, and infrastructure planning and implementation.

Vision: “By 2024, Aurora is major agri-ecotourism destination, commercial and agri-industrial center in Zamboanga Peninsula and part of
Northern Mindanao inhabited by God-centered and empowered citizenry living in ecologically-balanced and sustainable environment with
fully-developed and modernized infrastructure and a globally competitive green economy led by transparent, accountable and responsive
local government”
COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLAN

Goal

 Optimize the use of land resources in a sustainable manner by tapping both the natural and capital assets while maintaining the
integrity and resilience of ecosystems, both natural and man-made, for a better quality of life of the people of Aurora.

Objectives

 To resolve land use related conflicts that may occur when there is incompatibility in the land use activities that either put stress on the
natural environment or on the residents.
 To identify terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems including the coastal zone for preservation, conservation, rehabilitation and upgrading
and identify measures to ensure success.

Development Strategy for Eco-Tourism

This strategy would entail the integration of tourism development with agriculture and with protection and conservation of natural
resources. The adoption of this strategy will result to the development and protection of natural sceneries and landscape. Corollary, it would
mean the development of tourism related cottage industries and services-oriented industries.

The major strategy capitalizes the development of the municipality’s image for tourist attraction. The priming of the major ecotourism
sites of the municipality covers the development of accommodation and recreation facilities, aggressive tourism marketing and promotion
programs, establishment of investors’ assistance center for tourism, putting up of infrastructure support facilities, strengthening the tourism-
related organizations and development of attractive and affordable tour packages with quality travel and tour services. To enhance linkage and
improve tourist access to the municipality, arterial roads and bridges leading to identified tourism destinations shall also be constructed,
repaired or rehabilitated. Service providers shall be required to accredit with the Department of Tourism to further elevate the level of
standards of tourist facilities.

COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN

The Aurora Comprehensive Development Plan (ACDP), 2014-2019 embodies the aspiration of its people to become the premier agri-
industrial, commercial and ecotourism destination of the region and adjacent part of Northern Mindanao.

By end of the planning period 2014-2019, the people of Aurora purposively set its long-term development vision to be the region’s
center for eco-tourism, commerce, and agri-industrial development. The following vision will be supported by the complementation and
integration of all sectors at the different levels:
 Ecotourism Gateway. Aurora showcase of natural and man-made tourism attractions. Its natural beauty exudes admiration to nature-
lovers and environment-conscious people. Aside from the man-made structures that draw tourist’s attention, the municipality boasts of
its verdant and scenic mountains and splendid waterfalls.
 Sustainably Managed Natural Resources and Ecosystems. The broad-based and sustained growth of the agri-industrial sectors of
Aurora will be ensured through prudent and wise use of environmental resources. Integration of environment and development
concerns will be given paramount attention. Applying environmentally friendly technologies to increase production will maximize
sustainably managed utilization of natural resources. The production and consumption patterns of the population will be always
equated on the carrying capacity of the environment.

1.3.4 Environmental Sector

With the municipality’s goal towards sustainable development, Aurora plays a key role in promoting ecological balance by intensifying
its efforts towards integrated watershed rehabilitation, protection of forestlands, promote environmental quality and restore ecological
balance. It will promote and develop industries and enterprises that are ecologically friendly and mindful of indigenous natural resources
management practices to harness the municipality’s natural resources in a sustainable manner. The municipality will only develop, adopt and
implement development plans, programs and projects that will respond to the demand of preserving and maintaining environmentally
acceptable environmental conditions, and where the most appropriate use.
REQUIREMENTS AND GUIDELINES SET BY THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF AURORA, CASIGURAN MUNICIPAL . . . . . . .
. ORDINANCE, DOT, AND DENR

Provincial Government of Aurora (Tourism Office)

 Vision. Aurora shall be a premiere Eco-Tourism and Adventure destination with world-class infrastructure and facilities,
competitive tourism products, effective operational and marketing plan, well-trained tourism stakeholders
complemented by a strong community support and practicing responsible and sustainable tourism development
towards an improved quality of life.
 Mission. Aurora Province shall be developed as a resource-based tourist destination that caters to diverse markets and generates
sustainable economy for the local population.

 Tourism Plan. Promote the Province of Aurora as a prime tourist destination through participation to various tourism and travel fairs
and expositions within and outside the country.
 Executive Order No. 2021-004. Section 6. Only hotels or accommodation establishments with Valid DOT accreditation shalll be
allowed to accommodate guests and clients for legitimate purposes under a state of public health emergency.

Casiguran Municipal Ordinance

 Municipal Ordinance No. 016 s. 2017 Section 6. Registration of Business. The following are needed for the
registration of a business: (1) mayor’s permit, (2) building permit, (3) (occupancy permit, (4) zoning clearance, and (%)
realty tax clearance.

Department of Tourism (DOT)

 DOT-accredited. A certification given by the department to a tourism business that formally acknowledges it as
adhering to the requirements for running tourism facilities and services.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)

 Chapter II Section 4: Forest and Land Use Agreements (FLAGT) And Allowable Areas. The forest land
use agreements for tourism purposes to be approved by the red concerned, for which the areas shall not
to exceed to: 10 hectares

SITE CRITERIA
Casiguran, one of the Province of Aurora's northern towns, is located at the base of the central Sierra Madre and is about four hours'
drive from Baler, the provincial capital. It is not unexpected that the town has preserved its rawness, maintained its serenity, and maintained
its quaintness as it is one of the province's least explored locations due to its distance. Casiguran is a witness to countless storms, some of
which were powerful enough to flatten the coastal communities. But the town has stood up a countless of times as well owing to the natural
resiliency of its people.

Casiguran is also home to Amro River Protected Landscape, a primary water source for agricultural, power generation and domestic
consumption of the remote communities of northern Aurora.

Accessibility (How to get there?)

Travel to Casiguran used to be quite a feat due to the rough and winding roads and the absence of bridges. However, during the past
five years, infrastructure expansion and road improvements have significantly cut down on travel time while also enhancing comfort and
safety. It now takes three to three and a half (3 to 3.5) hours to travel by land. From Manila, one can take an air-conditioned bus to Baler,
where they can then board a commuter van to Casiguran. However, if you want a more direct route, you can take the regular, non-air-
conditioned bus from Cabanatuan or one of the commuter vans that go from Manila to Casiguran and the other way around.
Availability of Target Users

The proposed beachfront resort is situated on Casapsapan Beach in Casiguran, Aurora.

T he municipality has made it easier to access the area, making the Casapsapan beach a
popular spot for water sports and vacation getaways. One of the primary target
audiences for the beach is tourists because it is a popular destination for visitors from
all over the world. Families, groups of friends, couples, and people seeking tranquility
and relaxation might think about going there. Dogs are also permitted at Casapsapan
Beach year-round, making it a "pet-friendly" destination.

Environmental Guidelines
and Considerations

 Land
Classification and
Resources

Aurora has four major

ecosystem resource:
upland/forestland,
lowland/agriculture, coastal
and marine. The figure
shows the province’s major
land classification:
forestland & alienable &
disposable land (A&D). The proposed site is classified as a forestland, hence it
shall regulate DENR administrative order no. 2004-28: governing the use of
forestlands for tourism purpose.

The province is also endowed with vast natural resources that could
support numerous cottage industries. Aurora is rich in sabutan, coconut and its
by-products, nipa, bamboo, gravel, sand, wood, rattan, shell, buri and nito.

 Nearby Areas
The area's surroundings include protected waterscapes and landscapes. Along with this, basic hotels and resorts are located in the
neighborhood, including the Dianao Beach Club and Resort, the Wmk Beach Resort, the Eshilario Beach Camp, and the Casapsapan Beach
Resort. Moreover, beyond Casapsapan Beach are other beaches that are waiting to be explored such as Dianao Beach north of Casapsapan as
well as Calabgan Beach and Motiong Beach fronting Casiguran Sound.

 Shoreline

There are lovely pieces of shorelines in Casapsapan Beach and most by far of them are flawless and quiet. Tourism In charge keep their
shorelines spotless and waste free.

 Beach Availability

The gray-hued sand beach stretches 2.5 kms. where the Casapsapan river exits on the southeast end of the shore. The bay is ideal for
snorkelling and swimming, provided a local guide is present at all times to maintain in-water safety of visitors as the bay has strong currents.

 Natural Hazards

For Ground Shaking, the northernmost part of the province specifically the municipality of Casiguran has the largest landarea of 61,191.2
Ha susceptible to ground shaking, and has experienced the most frequent ground shaking in the past. Recorded damage sustained

to date in the province has been relatively minor and has been restricted to some incidence of cracked foundations, walls, and pictures falling
off of the wall. Moreover, a total of 74.9 km was traced as an active fault in the municipalities of Dipaculao, Dingalan, Dinalungan, Casiguran
and Dilasag.

 Topography

The province of Aurora covers the eastern portion of the Sierra Madre Mountains, hence it is generally mountainous. There are flat lands
unevenly distributed throughout the province. Its coastline spans 332 kilometers in length. It is generally mountainous with 30% coastal
flatlands.

 Wind Current

The wind then moves in a southwesterly direction for the rest of the year. In Casiguran, the wind comes from the north from October to
March and the South from April to September.
SITE ANALYSIS

LEGEND:

Sun Path

Wind Path

Noise

View and Vista

Major Road

Minor
The site is oriented towards the east, where the shoreline is. Some of the villas will be chosen to be situated in a way thatRoad
will optimize
the view of the beach. This will provide its customers with a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere while they observe the sunset during the day.

Landscapes are everywhere around the property, hence the resort's amenities will be positioned in order to maximize its view while still
serving its intended purpose. Since the vegetation in the area will help guide the wind, considerably influencing the cool breeze in the area,
the heat from the afternoon sun won't have a significant impact on the site. If not, sun blocking equipment could assist limit the sun's heat.
Since the objective of the beach resort is to help visitors experience the peace and relaxation of the place, a garden view will be
provided along the villas.

Parking spaces will be positioned near access to major roads. Cars will have easy access to parking spaces because the site's back side
has access to the roads. Since utilities will be placed close to the villas for user accessibility and circulation, noise from the road won't
significantly impair the users' experience.

SPACE PROGRAMMING

Public Area Utility Swimming Facilities

Waiting Area Electrical Room Infinity Pool

Lobby Mechanical Room Kiddie Pool

Reception Waste Disposal Resort Suites

Comfort Rooms Janitors’ Quarter Prime Villas

Offices Restaurants Regular Villas

Manager’s Office Dining Areas Function Rooms

Administration Office Serving Areas Relaxation Centers

Accounting Office Cafes Spa Center

Cashier Office Kitchen Wellness Center

Small Meeting Room Sanitation Areas Multi-purpose Hall

PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION AND DESIGN CONCEPT

Casapsapan Beach in Casiguran, Aurora is one of the underrated beaches in the Philippines. Its natural beauty – white sand, crystalline
water, as well as the hectares of pristine mangrove are hard to resist. Since the beach is considered undiscovered, there are only 2 resorts
near the area, namely the WMK Beach Resort and the Casapsapan Beach Resort. These small resorts only offer a very limited number of
guests hence, limited accommodations as well. Therefore, construction of a beach resort is perfect for the place.

For the design concept, the designer aims to give the users the experience and feeling of serenity. Therefore, the design concept will
revolve around serenity. This is made possible by (1) creating spaces that are clean, simple, and organized through eschewing unnecessary
elements and creating smooth surfaces, (2) creating a warm and inviting atmosphere by using neutral tones and incorporating elements such
as wood, glass, and stone, (3) making the spaces well-lit and well-ventilated through the use of natural lighting and ventilation, and (4)
creating spaces that gives a comfortable and relaxing experience to the users.
References:

https://aurora.gov.ph/government/provincial-offices/provincial-tourism-office/

https://aurora.gov.ph/municipalities/municipality-of-casiguran/

https://aurora.gov.ph/about/aurora-at-a-glance/socio-economic-profile/

/https://aurorazds.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/CLUP-v1.pdf

https://aurorazds.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/CDP-Chapter-1.pdf

https://www.lakwatsero.com/destinations/casiguran-aurora/

The town of Casiguran produces some of Philippine's best tasting virgin coconut distilled wine, also known as "lambanog". Casiguran's "lambanog" is made from
the dripping sap or "tuba" of coconut tree flowers.