Tigaon, Camarines Sur

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Abaca is one of the most popular plants in the Philippines. It is

relatively easy to grow, given its natural compatibility with our tropical
climate. It is also one of the most used local materials. But despite the fact
that it is one of the most used materials, it has plenty of other uses that
most of us are not aware of.

Bicol is known for its natural wonders and good food. Aside from
that, the region is also noted as a major producer of Abaca products even
before the Spaniards came to the Philippines. 1 Production of native
products, especially Abaca, is one of the many things the Bicolanos are
proud of, and is a significant part of the region’s cultural heritage. For an
industry that dates back to pre-Hispanic times, it is quite unfortunate that it
has yet to reach its maximum potential.

Establishing an abaca development, may allow for a deeper

understanding of the plant’s properties and how it could be used under the
context of a modern world. The development of the abaca industry will
open up opportunities to the local communities, primarily, the development
project would generate employment offers. Another opportunity would be
the economic growth of its locality; this means that alongside the
development of the industry would be the development its community’s
economy, infrastructure and standard of living.

This project aims not only to expand the current abaca industries
and the economic state of its community, but also, to restore the cultural
significance of abaca to our society. This project aims to restore the lost
Abaca Festival of Tigaon, Camarines Sur by restoring the demand for
more abaca production by the manufacturing of abaca products and art
pieces. This project proposal will be a convergence of development and
art; showcasing the versatility of abaca and the many forms it has taken
over the course of history. The art facility will be entitled, “AbacArt”; it will
be the centre of the abaca art collection in Camarines Sur.

1 Abaca and the products of Bicol; http://bicolanofoods.blogspot.com

Chapter 1: Introduction | Page 1
 Tigaon, Camarines Sur

AbacArt aspires to create a more prolific industry, veered towards

holistic development. An institution is said to be a shaper of economic
performance. 2 The project looks to strengthen the industry by developing
the very people involved in it. This involves seminars and trainings for the
farmers, the craftsmen, the artists the traders and the weavers. The
project will coordinate with local groups like “Abacayamanan” and other
groups that promote the production of abaca and abaca products. 3

This project is beneficial to the communities of Camarines Sur that

it seeks to involve in the aspects of both cultural enrichment as well as
economic development.

2 Institution
and Economic Development: a theoretical construct (Doward et al., 2005; and
Chapter 1: Introduction | Page 2
North, 1991, 1992).
3 “Abacayamanan reach out Yolanda victims in Tacloban” Retreived from News online portal

of TV5 (interaksyon.com)
 Tigaon, Camarines Sur

A. BACKGROUND AND NATURE OF THE PROJECT

1. THE ABACA PLANT

a. Definition of Abaca

The botanical name of abaca is Musa Textilis, a tree-like

herb which is of the same genus as the common banana which
it closely resembles. It is indigenous to the Philippines. 4

The abaca plant to the untrained eye can easily be

mistaken for the banana plant - without the fruit.

The abaca plant is smaller than the banana although

some varieties under favourable conditions can even be taller or
at least equal the height of the banana plant. 5

Abaca however, differs from the banana in many ways.

Abaca leaves are narrower with pointed ends and the general
coloration of the leaves is glossy dark green with the length of
about 8 feet, 12 feet in width. Whereas banana plants have
leaves that are broader and the color is a lighter shade of green.
The hearts, trunks and fruits of the banana plant are relatively
bigger compared to those of the abaca plant. The abaca fruit is
smaller than and not as palatable as that of the banana. The
stem of the abaca grows to a height of 9 to 12 feet; 3 inches in
thickness. When mature, the abaca plant consists of about 12 to
30 stalks extending from a central root system. Each of these
stalks is about 12 to 20 feet high and is the main source of
fibers. The abaca plant is easy to grow. It propagates itself
through suckering, or the growing of shoots from the roots. The
abaca plant grows to about 10 to 15 feet high. Initially it requires
2 to 4 years for the abaca plant to ripen. However, the abaca
can grow shoots that develop roots and become ready for
harvest in 4 to 8 months after the initial crop. When all the
leaves have been formed from the stem, flower buds develop, at

4 “Abaca Philippines” Retrieved from http://www.ps-gallery.net/about_abaca Chapter 1: Introduction | Page 3

5 Lalusin_abaca breeding (pdf)
 Tigaon, Camarines Sur

which time the plant has reached maturity and is then ready for
harvest. 6

Abaca is also popularly known worldwide as "Manila

Hemp". However it is not related to true hemp. The name
"hemp" is from the old English word "hanf" which came into use
in the Middle Ages about 1000 AD that belonged to the plant
known today as cannabis sativa. "Hemp" has come to be used
as a generic term for all long fibers. The word "hemp" is generic
for plants that contain a fiber called "bast". The abaca is a hard
fiber (referring to its stiffness) and is entirely different from true
hemp (cannabis sativa) which is known to have a much softer
fiber. 7

b. Origin of Abaca

Ancestors of the modern abaca might have originated

from Eastern Philippines where there are lot of rains (no
pronounced dry season), in fact wild type of abaca can still be
found in the interior forests of Catanduanes Island, which is
mostly untouched forestry. Today, Catanduanes has many other
modern breeds of abaca which are more competitive. For many
years, breeders from various research institutions have made
the cultivated varieties of Catanduanes Island even more
competitive in local and international markets. This results in the
optimum production of the island which consistently had highest
rate of production throughout the archipelago. 8

Before synthetic textiles came into use, M. textilis was a

major source of high quality fiber: soft, silky and fine. Europeans
first came into contact with it when Magellan made land in the
Philippines in 1521, as the natives were cultivating it and
utilizing it in bulk for textiles already. By 1897, the Philippines
were exporting almost 100,000 tons of abaca, and it was one of
the three biggest cash crops, along with tobacco and sugar. In
fact, from 1850 through the end of the 19th century, sugar or
abaca alternated with each other as the biggest export crop of

6 http://www.ps-gallery.net/about_abaca
Chapter 1: Introduction | Page 4
7 http://www.abacaphilippines.com/
8 World Library.org/article
 Tigaon, Camarines Sur

the Philippines. This 19th century trade was predominantly with

the United States and the making of ropes was done mainly in
New England, although in time the rope-making was moved
back to the Philippines. Excluding the Philippines, abacá was
first cultivated on a large scale in Sumatra in 1925 under
the Dutch, who had observed its cultivation in the Philippines
for cordage since the nineteenth century, followed up by
plantings in Central America in 1929 sponsored by the U.S.
Department of Agriculture. It also was transplanted
into India and Guam. Commercial planting began in 1930
in British North Borneo; with the commencement of World War
II, the supply from the Philippines was eliminated by
the Japanese. After the war, the U.S. Department of
Agriculture started production in Panama, Costa
Rica, Honduras, and Guatemala. Today, abacá is produced
commercially in only three countries: Philippines, Ecuador, and
Costa Rica. The Philippines produces between 85% and 95% of
the world's abacá, and the production employs 1.5 million
people. Production however, has declined because of viral
diseases. 9

2. THE INDUSTRY

a. History of Abaca Industry

In 1820, an American lieutenant of the US Navy brought

abaca fiber to the United States. Five years later, the first
exportation of abaca was made. Abaca became well known as
one of the strongest materials for marine cordage due to its
superior tensile strength and proven durability under sea water.
With the onset of the 20th century, abaca fiber became the
premier export commodity of the country. In 1822, attempts to
introduce the crop in India, Borneo, German East Africa, West
Indies and Florida were done but it was not commercially viable
(Copeland, 1911). In 1923, the US government introduced
abaca in many countries with climate similar to the Philippines,

9 www.eol.org/pages/1116051/hierarchy_entries/.../details Chapter 1: Introduction | Page 5

 Tigaon, Camarines Sur

when the US Navy relied solely on Philippine abaca as the

source of its marine cordage (Spencer, 1953).In 1925, abaca
seed pieces from the Philippines were also used to establish
plantations in Sumatra, in British Borneo and in Malaya; In
1939, in New Caledonia and Queensland (Torres and Garrido,
1939); In Vietnam, in 1958 with seed pieces from Costa Rica.
After World War II, a Japanese owner of the abaca plantation in
Davao, started field testing and successfully cultivated abaca in
Ecuador which produces abaca for export. 10

b. Uses/Production of Abaca

During the 19th century abaca fiber was widely used for
ships' rigging, and is pulped to make sturdy manila envelopes.
Today, it is still used to make ropes, twines, fishing lines and
nets, as well as coarse cloth for sacking. There is also a
flourishing niche market for abaca clothing, curtains, screens
and furnishings, Fibre Crafts, but paper-making is currently the
main use of the fibre. 11 Abaca fibre is now known in the fashion
industry for producing a good quality textile. It was also
discovered to have medicinal value in the field of orthopaedics.

Most of abaca fibre is pulped and processed into

specialty papers. The paper products include: tea and coffee
bags, sausage casing paper, currency notes (Japan's yen
banknotes contain up to 30% abaca), cigarette filter papers,
medical /food preparation/disposal papers, high-quality writing
paper, vacuum bags and more.

Currently abaca is being used for ‘soft’ applications in the

automotive industry as a filling material for bolster and interior
trim parts. However given its strong tensile strength it can also
be used for ‘harder’ applications for exterior semi-structure
components as a substitute for glass fibre in reinforced plastic
components. Mercedes Benz has used a mixture of
polypropylene thermoplastic and abaca yarn in automobile body
parts. Replacing glass fibres by natural fibres can reduce the

10 Annual Chapter 1: Introduction | Page 6

BSP-UP professional chair Lectures (http://www.bsp.gov.ph/)
11 Future Fibre: Abaca (fao.org)
 Tigaon, Camarines Sur

weight of automotive parts and facilitates more environmentally

friendly production and recycling of the parts. 12

Owing to the extremely high mechanical strength of the

fibre as well as its length, application of abaca even in highly
stressed components offers great potential for different
industrial applications.

c. Global Production

Source:PhilFIDA Stat - Philippines

The Philippines dominates the global abaca Production.

From the data gather by the PhilFIDA, the country supplies about
90.47% of the world abaca requirement from the year 2010 to
2014. The crop is also cultivated in other Southeast Asian
countries but not in a commercial scale. The Philippines closest
Rival is Ecuador; it is the second and the only country that
produces abaca commercially. It supplies the Remaining 9.50% of
world abaca requirement. 13

12 Future
Chapter 1: Introduction | Page 7
Fibre: Abaca (fao.org)
13 PhilFIDA Profile
 Tigaon, Camarines Sur

Source: PhilFIDA Stat - Philippines

Source: PhilFIDA Stat - Philippines

d. Domestic Production

Industry data revealed that the Philippines have a total of

11 abaca producing regions with a combined area of
172,934.33 hectares as of December 2013. The country has a
total of 113,648 abaca farmers. 35% of abaca hectare can be
found in Mindanao, while area planted to abaca in Visayas and
Luzon account for 33% and 32% respectively. 14

14 AbacaValue Chain Analysis, Region V – Bicol Region; PRDP Chapter 1: Introduction | Page 8
and DA; (page,13)
 Tigaon, Camarines Sur

B. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The abaca Industry has a big impact on the economic growth of

our country, wherein the Philippines is the number one in abaca
production in the world.15 But in recent years, PhilFIDA (Philippine
Fiber Industry Development Authority) was alarmed with the decline of
the abaca industry. According to statistical analysis, low profitability
and productivity, high pest and disease infestation, inefficient fiber
extraction, and limited supply of high-yielding varieties are often cited
as the main factors that limit its development. Subsequently, the
revitalization of the abaca industry was indicated in Bicol’s Regional
Development Plan 2011-2016 stated on the strategies in Ensuring
Economic Growth. 16

Comparative Abaca Production year 2009-2015 (in metric tons)

PhilFIDA Stat - Philippines

The outgoing Secretary of Department of Agriculture, Mr. Proceso

Alcala, has demanded to maintain the dominant position in the foreign
market, due to the increasing demand to the local fibers in the Philippines.
He appealed to the government to support the abaca farmers and workers
due to their high demand in the industry.17 Though the Bicol Region is the
top producer of Abaca in the country, industrial services are still scarce.

15
Chapter 1: Introduction | Page 9
Abaca Value Chain Analysis, Region V – Bicol Region; PRDP and DA; (page,13
16 Institutional arrangement and supply chain of abaca fibre ( fftc.agnet.org)
17 PH: biggest abaca exporter (www.malaya.com)
 Tigaon, Camarines Sur

Camarines Sur has been inconsistent with its rate of abaca

production. It has fluctuated from being the second lowest abaca producer
in the region, to being the second highest. But as history recalls it, there
was a time that Camarines Sur reigned as the highest abaca producer in
the region, and that’s what former Gov. Lray Villafuerte wanted to achieve:
to regain the lost glory of Camarines Sur' Abaca fiber output. 18 By paying
much needed attention to the abaca industry, Camarines Sur was able to
achieve glory once more (see statistics). The provincial government is still
seeking programs and other developmental strategies in maintaining the
lead in the abaca production industry.

Source: PhilFIDA stat (2009-2013) – Bicol Region

Comparative Abaca Fiber Production (in mt.) 2014-2015

Region / D.O.P. 2015 2014 % Share
Philippines 58,665.81 57,722.11 100
Bicol 21,393.35 23,511.34 36.47
Catanduanes 544.19 501.40 2.54
Camarines Sur 20, 029.81 21.673 93.63
Sorsogon 382.51 824.25 1.79
Albay 157.75 370.00 0.74
Camarines Norte 279.09 142.12 1.30

Source: PhilFIDA stat (2014-2015)- Bicol Region

Chapter 1: Introduction | Page 10

18 balita.ph/2011/11/18
 Tigaon, Camarines Sur

Modern methods in abaca production are yet to be spread

throughout the region. So far these methods are only being utilized in
Catanduanes.

The abaca Plant has plenty of uses that are still unknown to many.
Traditionally, the uses of abaca are only limited to bags, rope, furniture,
and decorating material. It is also unknown to many that the humble abaca
plant is strongly significant to the Bicolano culture and heritage 19

Tigaon, Camarines Sur used to celebrate Abaca Festival, a festival

fully dedicated to the abaca plant as during those times, abaca production
was at its peak. Unfortunately, in recent times, the celebration was
discontinued due to the decline of abaca productivity, when most abaca
fields were converted into rice fields. Tigaon is comprised of about 80%
Agricultural Land. Nowadays, only 20% of the agricultural land is used for
the production of abaca.20

Climate change is a very popular issue nowadays. To support the

advocacies that try to reverse the effect, other countries are now making
use of nature friendly, biodegradable, non-toxic materials instead of
plastics, and other toxic materials to help counter the effect of global
warming and climate change.21 Abaca products are actually highly
recommended as an alternative to products made with plastics and
harmful synthetic materials.

With much regard to the aforementioned, the proponent is able to infer

that the proposed project will be highly beneficial to the local communities
directly involved, the national economy, and to an extent, international
trade.

19 Abaca Value Chain Analysis, Region V – Bicol Region; PRDP and DA Chapter 1: Introduction | Page 11
20 Tigaon History
21 http://interaksyon.com/article/77931/bicols-abaca-integration-

projectTV5
 Tigaon, Camarines Sur

C. PROJECT OBJECTIVES

The objective of the project is to develop the abaca industry,

leading to the creation of job opportunities and the opportunity of
boosting Camarines Sur’s economy.

At a more detailed glance, the objectives are as follows:

1. To regain the abundance of abaca in Camarines Sur, thus, will

significantly contribute to the economic growth of Bicol, mainly
Camarines Sur, and in the whole country.
2. To reintroduce the significance and various uses of the abaca
fiber to the community.
3. To value the culture and history of the Bicolanos.
4. To advocate Green Economy.
5. To create an innovative Filipino architectural design that will
reflect the character of the area.

D. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROBLEM

Agriculture is the main source of livelihood in the Bicol Region.

To create a center dedicated to developing the agricultural industry is
highly significant to the context of this province.

1. To the Environment

Natural Fibers are a sustainable choice. For example,

fibers such as hemp, flax and sisal are being used increasingly
as reinforcing in place of glass fibers in thermoplastic panels in
automobiles. Since the fibers are lighter in weight, they reduce
fuel consumption and with it carbon dioxide emissions and air
pollution. The spread of Abaca fiber as a must use material,
thus will reduce the effect of global warming. Natural fibers are a
renewable resource. During processing, they generate mainly
organic wastes and leave residues that can be used to generate
electricity or make ecological housing material. And, at the end

Chapter 1: Introduction | Page 12

 Tigaon, Camarines Sur

of their life cycle, they are 100% biodegradable. Natural fibers

will play a key role in the emerging “green” economy.22 Planting
abaca can also minimize erosion and sedimentation problems in
coastal areas which are important breeding places for sea
fishes.23

2. To the Community

Abaca, known worldwide as Manila hemp, is an

economically important crop indigenous to the Philippines. It is
the lifeblood of a lot of farming families from 56 abaca growing
provinces in the country. According to FIDA, more than 1.5
million Filipinos are directly or indirectly depend on abaca for
living as of 2012.24 The idea of having this project in the abaca
industry will open more opportunities to the society especially to
the jobless citizens. To develop abaca technologies will bring an
increase to the income of small abaca farmers, generate
employment for rural households, and increase value-added to
the plant.25

3. To the National Government

Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA) says abaca

fiber has become one of the Philippines’ major exports. Being
the fiber that made the Philippines known around the world,
abaca plays a significant role in the national economy. The
Philippine government is currently undertaking a program on the
rehabilitation and expansion of abaca areas in all abaca
producing regions. 26 This kind of project will be a very big boost
to the aspirations of the Philippine government concerning
abaca.

4. To the Provincial Government

Abaca is one of the top permanent crops in the Bicol

Region. It was from NEDA (National Economic Development
Authority) pronouncing Bicol’s economic growth comes up to 4.2

22 oecotextiles.wordpress.com Chapter 1: Introduction | Page 13

23 http://www.terrafly.fiu.edu/
24 PhilFIDA Profile
25
national abaca research center-VSU
26 PhilFIDA Profile
 Tigaon, Camarines Sur

percent in the year 2014. This is attributed to the increase of

agriculture production, mainly corn, palay, and abaca as the
highest share. 27 Camarines Sur is very active now in revitalizing
the abaca industry in the area. They aim to provide the highest
share of abaca on a national scale. 28 The project will be a big
contribution on what the province is aiming given that
Camarines Sur is the largest province in Bicol Region. This will
facilitate the rising of the abaca industry in Camarines Sur; with
the possibility to be known as the country’s best producer of
Abaca.

5. Educational Contribution

Unfortunately in some areas, fibers are sold ungraded

due to farmers’ general lack of knowledge of the
grading/classification system of abaca fiber. 29 Provision of
Training programs in the proposed project is another way to
help people especially abaca farmers enhance their knowledge
on abaca which is their source of living. Moreover, this will
produce good and productive citizens.

6. Cultural Contribution

Abaca is endemic in the country. It can already be found

here in the Philippines, especially in Bicol even before
Spaniards came. Trading industry of abaca fiber started to
dominate in the mid 1800s. 30 The project has to do with
considering the culture of the area since abaca is part of Bicol
region’s rich culture and history. The project will contribute to
bringing back the past on using natural fibers before the
transition to synthetics. Camarines Sur, particularly the location
of the site which is in Tigaon, CamSur will be showcased for its
history of producing an abaca type which is called the TG
(Tinawagan Grade) Hemp that was recognized as the best in
the world in the past years. 31

Chapter 1: Introduction | Page 14

 Tigaon, Camarines Sur

7. Architectural Contribution

The location of the selected area is under-developed.

Only a few structures in the area are architecturally noteworthy.
The town is yet to receive an iconic structure that can be
considered the face of Tigaon. The project will act as an
instrument to expose the area to modern architecture. It will
serve as the landmark that identifies with Tigaon, Camarines
Sur.

E. SCOPE AND DELIMITATION

The main purpose of the proposed facility is to provide a center

for further development of the abaca industry, that will provide much
needed research and development, training, trading and production
components.

1. Research Component

The proponent will study each aspect in the process of

abaca production from planting the seeds, to harvesting and
eventually the production of various abaca items and trade in
order to formulate an efficient and ergonomic layout of the
building.

Distinguishing the uses and benefits of abaca fiber will be

a basis of the idea of using the product of the proposed project
itself as a building material and as part of design solution.

The study will also cover the art being made out of abaca
fiber and the artists behind them.

Chapter 1: Introduction | Page 15

 Tigaon, Camarines Sur

2. Design Component

The project aims to provide architectural spaces and

structures tailor-fit to the unique needs of the abaca industry.

Required spaces are the following:

a. Administration Building

- PhilFIDA Office
- Administration Office
- Marketing Assistance Office
- Agriculture Office
- Program & Development Office
- Monitoring Evaluating Office
- Security Office
- Conference Room

b. Processing Centre

- Extraction Area
- Different product processing sections
- Warehouse
- Abaca Technologies maintenance area
- Residue section
- Storage room
- Offices

c. Abaca Farm

- abaca seedling
- Nursery area
- Abaca Plantation
- Farmers’ Quarter

d. Training Centre

- Lecture Hall
- Lab area

Chapter 1: Introduction | Page 16

 Tigaon, Camarines Sur

- Library
- Canteen

e. Abaca Art Exhibit

- Storage area
- Exhibit area
- Digital Art Viewing
- Souvenir Shop
- Offices

f. Research and Development

- Micropropagation Laboratory
- Tissue Culture Room
- Inoculating Room
- Observation/Data Collection Area
- Research Team Office

g. Trading Post

- Sorting Section
- Baling Section
- Marketing Office

h. Commercial Spaces
i. Maintenance Building
j. Security post
k. Docking area
l. Parking areas

The proposed project does not cover plumbing, electrical,

and mechanical plans.

The service of the proposed project will be limited to the

province of Camarines Sur.

Chapter 1: Introduction | Page 17

 Tigaon, Camarines Sur

F. SITE DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS

1. Site criteria

The Site must efficiently house the potential needs of the

possible user; the effectiveness of the development; and the
sustainability design for the proposed project.

a. Area

It refers to the number of unit squares equal in

measure to the lot surface

b. Location

It refers to how feasible the site location to

house the needs of the industry.

c. Utilities

It refers to a service (such as a supply of

electricity and water) that is provided to the public.

d. Accessibility

It is the availability of the transportation as an

access.

e. Topography

It shows the height, shape, slope of the site.

f. Security

It refers to the safety and security inside and

outside the site.

Chapter 1: Introduction | Page 18

 Tigaon, Camarines Sur

2 . S i te Cri teria and J us ti fica ti on

Tab le 1:

S ITE1
Brgy. Cara yc a yon , Tigaon, Cama ri nes S ur
CRITERIA S ITE CRI TE RI A S ITE DES CRI PTION
ARE A  The site shou ld  The site is 6
ho use a ll the he ct ares
spa ce
re qu ireme nt
ne eded by the
cent re
LO C ATI O N  The sit e shou ld be  The sit e is in
lo cate d on an f ro nt of the
a gricu ltu re a rea . go ve rnme nt
 The site mu st not bu ild in g, an d is
af f ect the ad ja cen t to the
re siden ces se veral
re siden ces
 Su rro unded by
su ga rcane p lant s
an d o the r
a gricu ltu re
p lan ts
UTI LI TIE S  W ater sou rce and  Po we r and wate r
e le ct rical u t ilit ie s is a va ilab le
mu st be a va ilab le  S ign al ha s no
 Dra ina ge system p rob lem
is p re sent
ACCE S S IBILTY  It shou ld be  The site is a lon g
a ccessib le to the t he ma in road
o the r to wn that will  I t is o ne and a -
u tilize the cen t re. ha lf h ou r to t ra ve l
 It shou ld ha ve a f rom Na ga Cit y.

Chapter 1: Introduction | Page 19

 Tigaon, Camarines Sur

sm ooth t raf f ic  A lon g th e

sepa ra tin g the ga so line stat ion
se rvices of the
cent re f rom the
o the r p rivate ’s
ve h icle s.
TOP OG R AP HY  The land must su it  The site is
t he a gricultu re ad jo in in g with
p lan t in gs. o the r a gricu ltu ra l
 Mu sh bet te r to land .
ha ve slop in g a rea s  The site is
re lat ive ly f la t
 The site is
re cent ly use d a s
pa st ures f or
co ws.
S ECURI TY  The sit e mu st be  The site is ju st
a wa y f rom dan ge r a cross the
 Mu st be qu ite f ar mun icipa l ha ll.
d istan ce to the  Is ne a rb y some
re siden ces re siden ces

The tab le sho ws the compa tibilit y of th e site 1 ( Tigaon ,

Ca ma rine s Su r ) to the given crite ria e xemp lif ied b y its site
de scrip t ion.

Chapter 1: Introduction | Page 20

 Tigaon, Camarines Sur

Tab le 2:
S ITE2
O campo, Ca ma ri nes S ur
CRITERIA S ITE CRI TE RI A S ITE DES CRI PTION
ARE A  The site shou ld  The site is 8
ho use a ll the he ct ares
spa ce re qu ireme nt
ne eded by the
cent re
LO C ATI O N  The site shou ld be  The site is
lo cate d on an lo cate d the
a gricu ltu re a rea . cent er of ma rket
 The site must n ot p la ce O campo
af f ect the an d a lso n ea rb y
re siden ces cit y ha ll
 The sit e is a lon g
t he comme rcial
bu ild in gs
 Nea r f rom
re sident ia l
UTI LI TIE S  W ater so u rce and  Po we r an d wat er
e le ct rical u tilit ies is a va ilab le
mu st be a va ilab le  S ign al ha s no
 Dra ina ge system is p rob lem
p re sen t
ACCE S S IBILTY  It shou ld be  The site is alon g
a ccessib le to the t he ma in road
o the r to wn that will  I t is one hou r to
u tilize the cen t re. t ra ve l f rom Na ga
 It shou ld ha ve a Cit y.
sm ooth t raf f ic
sepa ra tin g the
se rvices of the

Chapter 1: Introduction | Page 21

 Tigaon, Camarines Sur

cent re f rom the

o the r p riva te ’s
ve h icle s.
TOP OG R AP HY  The land m ust su it  The site is f lat
t he a gricu ltu re
p lan t in gs.
 Mu sh bet te r to
ha ve slop in g a rea s
S ECURI TY  The sit e mu st be  The site is n ea r
a wa y f rom dan ge r t he P olice Sta tion
 Mu st be qu ite f ar  Is n ea rb y some
d istan ce to the re siden ces
re siden ces

The Site 2 (Ocampo, Camarines Sur) illustrated by the table above

is also applicable for the project location. But it does not meet the criteria
for topography; a factor that might affect the plantation of abaca.

Table 3:

S ITE3
G oa , Camarine s Sur
CRITERIA S ITE CRI TE RI A S ITE DES CRI PTION
ARE A  The site sh ou ld  The site is 5
ho use a ll t he he ct ares
spa ce re qu iremen t
ne eded by t he
cent re
LO C ATI O N  The site shou ld be  The sit e is lo cate d
lo cate d on an a wa y f rom th e
a gricu ltu re a rea . re siden ces an d
 The site mu st no t f ar f rom the to wn
af f ect t he  The lo ca tion is

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 Tigaon, Camarines Sur

re siden ces wit h a gricu ltu ra l

land
UTI LI TIE S  W ater so urce a nd  Po we r and wate r is
e le ct rical ut ilit ie s a va ilab le
mu st be a va ilab le  S ign al ha s a qu ite
 Dra ina ge system slo w
is p re sent
ACCE S S IBILTY  It sh ou ld be  The site is a long
a ccessib le to the t he m ino r road
o the r to wn tha t will  P rivate ca r is ve ry
u tilize the cen t re. a ccessib le;
 It sh ou ld ha ve a commute rs will
sm ooth t raf f ic t ake dou ble ride to
sepa ra tin g the ge t in to.
se rvices of the  I t is t wo -an d-a -ha lf
cent re f rom the ho ur to t ra ve l f rom
o the r p riva te ’s Na ga Cit y.
ve h icle s.
TOP OG R AP HY  The lan d must suit  The site is
t he a gricu lt u re mode rate ly slop in g
p lan t in gs.
 Mu sh bet te r to
ha ve slop in g a rea s

S ECURI TY  The site mu st be  The a re a has an

a wa y f rom dan ge r ou t lyin g d istan ce
 Mu st b e qu ite f a r to the ne xt
d istan ce to the e sta blishmen t
re siden ces  Free f rom
re sident ia l
imped imen t

The table show that the site 3 (Goa, Camarines Sur) fails to meet
most of the criteria, so it is not advisable build there.

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 Tigaon, Camarines Sur

3. The Criteria for Site Selection Process

SITE SELECTION PROCESS

Criteria Percentage SITE 1 SITE 2 SITE 3

of
Tigaon, Ocampo, Goa,
significance
CamSur CamSur CamSur

a. Area 30% 28% 30% 20%

b. Location 20% 17% 14% 12%

c. Utilities 10% 10% 10% 8%

d. Accessibility 15% 15% 15% 13%

e. Topography 15% 13%

11% 15%

f. Security 10% 8%

8% 7%

TOTAL 100% 91% 88% 80%

The Site Selection Process shows that the site 1 (Tigaon,

Camarines Sur) is the most feasible site to erect the proposed Project.

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 Tigaon, Camarines Sur

SWOT ANALYSIS

Site location Site 1 Site 2 Site 3

Tigaon Ocampo Goa

Strengths  The site is just  The site is  The site is a

across the located in the very ideal in
government trading area of terms of
building. the town agricultural
processes, like
 Is accessible  Also nearby
production
in terms of the municipal
center
transportation hall
 There is no
 The location  Is accessible
other competitor
and land type in terms of
establishment.
is suitable for transportation
agricultural
services.

 There is no
other
establishment
that may
possibly
compete with
this kind of
project

Weakness  There are  The site is  It is located

residential near the quite far from
along the residential the town
location.
 Some  transportation is
residences quite hassle
occupied
some

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 Tigaon, Camarines Sur

properties of
the site

Opportunities  Future  Future  Future

development development development

 Economic  Job for  Job for localities

development localities
 Economic
 Job for  Economic development
localities development

 Cultural
Tradition
regain

Threats  Natural  Natural  Natural

Calamities calamities calamities

 Seasons of  Security and

crowd in safety.
municipal hall,
since it is just
across of it.

The SWOT analysis table only shows the potential of the Site 1
(Tigaon, Camarines Sur) among the three Sites. The site 1, has been
distinguished minimal weakness and possible threats, thus far, was
evaluated with a greater Strength and will provide positive opportunities in
the area.

Chapter 1: Introduction | Page 26

 Tigaon, Camarines Sur

4. The Site

The site is located at Barangay Caraycayon, Tigaon,

Camarines Sur, Partido Area; along the Gov. Jose Fuentebella
National Highway. The land is privately owned by Former Mayor of
Tigaon Municipality Mr. Awel Llaguno. It is an inside lot with an
area of 6 hectares or 59,894 in square meter; it has an irregular
shape. The neighbouring establishment are the Local Government
Building and the Land Bank which is just across of it; some
residences along; a gasoline station nearby; and the Iglesia ni
Kristo chapel about 40 meters away. The site is facing the
southeast.

Source: Image retrieves from www.googlemap.com

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 Tigaon, Camarines Sur

Current Conditions:

Sighting Gov. Jose Fuentebella National Highway; (on its Right is

the Government building and Land bank establishment; on its Left is the
proposed Site).

The Frontage of the Lot. Facing Southeast.

Existing Bamboo Grass, Coconut, and different Trees.

Currently used as goat and cows’ pasture

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 Tigaon, Camarines Sur

Existing Creek both side of the boundary of lot.

With a View of Mount Isarog

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 Tigaon, Camarines Sur

Chapter 1: Introduction | Page 30