BAYASURA: A Community-Centered Eco-Center Park Using

Responsive Design For Sustainable Development in Balanga City,

Bataan

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Solid Waste Management in the Philippines and its causes

The term “Solid Waste Management” refers to the process of collecting and
managing waste. In the Philippines, over 21 million metric tons of garbage are
generated annually, which averages to a 0.40% increase. This situation has become
particularly problematic in urban locations such as Manila and Caloocan. The
challenges faced by the Solid Waste Management (SWM) plan can be attributed to
three main factors: 1) Improper Garbage Management, 2) Ineffective Waste
Collection, and 3) a lack of disposal facilities. If these issues are not addressed, the
toxins generated from various sources could lead to significant and enduring health
and environmental problems [senategov.ph, 2017]. The Senate has introduced a
waste management strategy known as Clustering, which promotes collaboration
among multiple local government units (LGUs) for the collective management of
solid waste. This system utilizes shared facilities and resources, facilitating
economies of scale, lowering costs individually, and improving the efficiency of waste
management operations. In the Philippines, there are three operational clusters:
Navotas Sanitary Landfill, Urdaneta City SLF, and Clark SLF.

Rapid Population Growth and its Impact on Waste Management

With the increase in demographics, the rapid urban sprawl contributes to the waste
problem; it is estimated that there was a 28% average growth of capital cities from
2005 to 2015. By 2030, it is projected that the urban population will reach 85 million
out of the total population. Urban migration drives rural residents to seek
opportunities in urban areas. Development has concentrated more on urbanization in
Metro Manila rather than in under-developed regions. The unit generation rate of
solid waste in the country varies between 0.30 to 0.70 kg per capita per day across
both urban and rural zones.[Balanga CLUP;2020]

Solid Waste Management in Balanga City

Solid Waste Management (SWM) challenges are not confined to urban areas; they
are also pervasive in developing cities like Balanga City, Bataan. To address these
issues, the province has established 12 City/Municipal Solid Waste Management
Bodies (C/SWMBs), which function as multi-sectoral organizations similar to the
Provincial Solid Waste Management Board (PSWMB). The bodies responsible for
local solid waste management (SWM) primarily focus on creating recommendations
and overseeing the development and implementation of SWM plans and systems in
their areas.
Balanga City is notable for its high waste generation, ranking second in the province,
with a daily output of around 331,873.57 kilograms. A significant portion, about
83.53%, of this waste comes from residential and household sectors. Of the 12 Local
Government Units (LGUs) in Bataan, 10 have established central Materials
Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and composting systems. However, it's important to note
that most of these MRFs are underutilized and operate mainly as storage spaces for
segregated waste, hampered by a lack of adequate resources such as equipment
and labor needed for effective processing and recovery.

Balanga’s current waste management framework includes segregation policies, such

as the “No Segregation, No Collection” initiative, and programs like the
Pro-Environmental Project (PRO-Eject) which focus on reducing greenhouse gas
emissions and improving community waste practices. However, challenges such as
a lack of awareness, inadequate recycling facilities, and public apathy persist. In
response to these challenges, this proposal aims to involve the community in waste
reduction efforts and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions generated by industrial
activities. Along with the government's initiative, this study proposes a Responsive
Design-based Eco-Center Park in Balanga City as an innovative and sustainable
solution. The project aims to address critical gaps in waste management by
incorporating community engagement, sustainable urban design, and environmental
education into a single cohesive model. Through features such as recycling
workshops, interactive exhibits, pocket libraries, and recreational facilities like bicycle
lanes and playgrounds, the park seeks to transform waste management into an
accessible and participatory process.

"BAYA-SURA," derived from the Filipino terms bayanihan (community spirit) and
basura (waste), builds on these existing initiatives, offering a space where residents,
tourists, and institutional groups can collectively work toward reducing waste while
promoting sustainable lifestyles.

The project "BAYA-SURA" aims to transform Balanga’s waste management system

by embracing the principles of the circular economy—Reduce, Reuse, and
Recycle—along with innovative architectural solutions. This eco-center is designed
to not only improve waste management but also positively influence the social and
environmental aspects of the community. By serving as a model for other cities in the
Philippines, "BAYA-SURA" will showcase how communities can unite to tackle waste
issues, promote environmental stewardship, and encourage sustainable urban living.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Balanga City is grappling with serious challenges in solid waste management. The
city lacks the necessary disposal facilities and does not have a fully operational
Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) dedicated to recycling. This deficiency is part of a
larger problem affecting solid waste management across the Philippines. Improper
waste disposal, limited community involvement, and inadequate infrastructure are
significant factors that lead to environmental degradation and pose health risks to the
community.

The city has initiated the Pro-Eject program (Pro-Environmental Project) as part
of its Local Development Program to tackle pressing environmental issues. This
initiative underscores the importance of innovative solutions that engage the public in
reducing waste and enhancing recycling efforts. One of the key components of this
initiative is the proposed BAYA-SURA project, which aims to create an interactive
eco-center park. This park is designed to encourage community participation, raise
environmental awareness, and engagingly showcase sustainable practices.

1.2.1 Main Problem

Balanga City is grappling with significant challenges in solid waste management,
primarily due to inefficiencies in waste segregation, recycling processes, and public
engagement. While there are Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and initiatives
like PRO-Eject in place, many of these facilities operate merely as storage sites,
hindered by a lack of necessary resources and infrastructure for effective materials
recovery. A staggering 83.53% of the city's daily waste generation comes from
residential sources, exacerbating issues related to environmental degradation and
greenhouse gas emissions. To tackle these pressing problems, there is a need for a
comprehensive, community-centered approach that merges sustainable waste
management practices with enhanced public awareness and participation.

1.2. Subproblems
●​ Waste Management:
○​ The waste segregation and recycling systems in Balanga City face notable
challenges that impede effective solid waste management. Constraints
related to resources, such as insufficient equipment and manpower, have led
to many Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) being underutilized, often
serving only as storage sites rather than as fully functional recovery
centers.

●​ Community Awareness:
○​ There is limited public participation in waste reduction and recycling
efforts, largely due to a lack of awareness and effective community
engagement programs. Identifying strategies to design educational
initiatives and interactive activities can enhance participation and foster
a stronger sense of environmental responsibility among residents.

●​ Environmental Impact:
○​ Balanga City's current waste management practices contribute
significantly to environmental issues, including greenhouse gas
emissions and pollution from improperly managed waste. Addressing
these challenges requires implementing solutions incorporating the
 principles of the circular economy, such as reducing, reusing, and
recycling.

●​ Implementation of the Eco-Centre Park:

○​ Creating an eco-center park that integrates recycling facilities,
educational programs, and recreational spaces requires careful
planning. The park should engage the community and promote
sustainability through features like solar-powered lighting, rainwater
harvesting, and native landscaping. Interactive educational stations can
enhance environmental awareness and community involvement.
Ultimately, the design should encourage visitors of all ages to
participate in eco-friendly activities while enjoying nature

●​ Sustainability:
○​ For the eco-center park to succeed, it must be designed to ensure
operational sustainability and scalability. Its implementation should
provide a model for replication in other cities across the Philippines,
addressing similar waste management challenges.

1.2.3 Research Questions

●​ Waste Management:
○​ What are the limitations of the present waste segregation and recycling
system in Balanga City?
○​ How does the lack of resources (equipment and labor shortages) affect
MRFs?
●​ Community Awareness:
○​ How do educational programs come into play to foster greater
community involvement?
○​ What factors contribute to the lack of public initiation regarding waste
reduction and recycling?
●​ Environmental Impact:
○​ How can the Responsive Design approach address these challenges?
●​ Implementation of the Eco-Centre Park:
○​ What facilities and architectural elements are required to create an
effective eco-center park?
○​ How can the park integrate recycling, education, and recreation to
promote sustainable practices within Balanga City?
●​ Sustainability:
○​ How can the Eco-centre Park be a model for other cities in the
Philippines?
○​ What measures can ensure the park's long-term sustainability and
operational success?
1.3 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

1.3.1 Goal
The project seeks to create a community-centered eco-center park in
Balanga City, Bataan. By integrating responsive and urban design principles, it aims
to tackle solid waste management issues, engage the public, and encourage
sustainable urban development. The park will feature adaptable and specialized
spaces that promote waste reduction, recycling, and environmental stewardship.
Additionally, it will enhance urban connectivity within the city and serve as a scalable
model for sustainable practices.

1.3.2 Objectives and Strategies

Main Problem Goal

Balanga City is grappling with significant The project seeks to create a

challenges in solid waste management, community-centered eco-center park in
primarily due to inefficiencies in waste Balanga City, Bataan. By integrating
segregation, recycling processes, and responsive and urban design principles,
public engagement. While there are it aims to tackle solid waste
Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) management issues, engage the public,
and initiatives like PRO-Eject in place, and encourage sustainable urban
many of these facilities operate merely development. The park will feature
as storage sites, hindered by a lack of adaptable and specialized spaces that
necessary resources and infrastructure promote waste reduction, recycling, and
for effective materials recovery. environmental stewardship. Additionally,
it will enhance urban connectivity within
the city and serve as a scalable model
for sustainable practices.

Sub Problems Objectives

Waste Management:

The waste segregation and recycling To address the limitations in Balanga

systems in Balanga City face notable City’s current waste segregation and
challenges that impede effective solid recycling systems by improving its
function and resources of Materials
waste management. Constraints related
Recovery Facilities (MRFs).
to resources, such as insufficient
equipment and manpower, have led to
many Materials Recovery Facilities
(MRFs) being underutilized, often
serving only as storage sites rather than
as fully functional recovery centers.
Strategies:

●​ Assessing the existing MRFs to identify the gaps in resources, equipment,

and operations.
●​ Implementing programs and training for staff to enhance operational
efficiency in waste recovery and segregation

Community Engagement:

There is limited public participation in To increase public participation in waste

waste reduction and recycling efforts, reduction and recycling initiatives by
largely due to a lack of awareness and implementing effective educational and
engagement programs.
effective community engagement
programs. Identifying strategies to
design educational initiatives and
interactive activities can enhance
participation and foster a stronger sense
of environmental responsibility among
residents.

Strategies:

●​ Hosting a campaign promoting waste segregation and recycling through

workshops, seminars, and social media
●​ Establishing a system for residents who actively participate in waste
reduction programs, such as an “Eco Card”
●​ Inviting people with the use of interactive exhibits in the Eco-Centre Park to
educate visitors on waste management practices’ includes collaborating
with schools, community groups, and local businesses to promote
environmental sustainability.

Environmental Impact:

Balanga City's current waste To reduce the environmental impact of

management practices contribute waste management practices in
significantly to environmental issues, Balanga City, it is essential to
implement sustainable solutions that
including greenhouse gas emissions
align with the principles of the circular
and pollution from improperly managed economy.
waste. Addressing these challenges
requires implementing solutions
incorporating the principles of the
circular economy, such as reducing,
reusing, and recycling.

Strategies:

●​ Designing a functional Eco-centre Park to incorporate on-site recycling

facilities for processing and recycling waste.
 ●​ Integrate green spaces within the park to improve air quality
●​ Implementing a monitoring system to track and measure waste outputs

Design and Functionality:

Creating an eco-center park that To establish a multifunctional

integrates recycling facilities, Eco-Center Park that incorporates
educational programs, and recreational recycling facilities, educational spaces,
and recreational areas, thereby
spaces requires careful planning. The
engaging the community and promoting
park should engage the community and sustainable practices.
promote sustainability through features
like solar-powered lighting, rainwater
harvesting, and native landscaping.
Interactive educational stations can
enhance environmental awareness and
community involvement. Ultimately, the
design should encourage visitors of all
ages to participate in eco-friendly
activities while enjoying nature

Strategies:

●​ Develop an effective master plan for the park, incorporating zones for
recycling, education, and recreation in abiding by the law.
●​ Using Sustainable and possibly locally sourced materials in the park
●​ Include recreational amenities such as bike lanes, playgrounds, and picnics
to encourage community use.

Sustainability:

For the eco-center park to succeed, it To ensure the Eco-Center Park’s

must be designed to ensure operational long-term sustainability and establish it
sustainability and scalability. Its as a replicable model for waste
management in the Philippines.
implementation should provide a model
for replication in other cities across the
Philippines, addressing similar waste
management challenges.

Strategies:

●​ Create a straightforward plan that includes regular maintenance, ongoing

monitoring, and assessment of the park's impact.
●​ Document best practices and lessons learned to help similar projects in
other towns and countries.
1.4 DEFINITION OF THE PROJECT

The "BAYA-SURA" project seeks to create an Interactive Eco-Center Park in

Balanga City, Bataan, addressing significant solid waste management challenges
through a sustainable and community-focused approach. The initiative combines
recycling operations, educational programs, and recreational spaces to form a
multifunctional hub that promotes environmental awareness and encourages active
participation from the community.

The proposed eco-center will include a Group F (Industrial) Occupancy

Classification for its recycling facility, which will be tasked with processing and
repurposing waste materials. Additionally, a Group C-2 (Educational and
Recreational) Occupancy Classification will cater to community engagement
through various facilities, such as seminar halls, training rooms, pocket libraries, and
open urban parks designed for recreation and relaxation.“BAYA-SURA” will have 4
zones; The Waste Management Zone, the Eco-Center Educational Zone, The
Administration Zone, and the Recreational Zone. Its facilities will be flexible
enough to respond to the changing needs of the community, ensuring that inclusivity
and accessibility are prioritized for individuals of all ages. The park will feature
various recreational areas, including playgrounds, bicycle lanes, and picnic spots,
enhancing its attractiveness as a public space. Additionally, there will be modular
zones that can host workshops and events, guaranteeing the park's adaptability for
years to come.

1.4.1 Description of Users

Primary Users

Users and Description Activities

Residents of Balanga City; The ones They will be the ones attending the
who live in Balanga City and witness the workshops and educational events
City Waste Management issues regarding Waste reduction and enjoying
the recreational spaces within the
facility such as the park, playgrounds,
and pocket libraries. They will also
contribute to recycling materials in the
eco-center.

Eco-Center Workers; Staff and These will be the people who will be
Volunteers responsible for reporting and overseeing the recycling process and
managing the Eco-Center operation maintaining the facilities within the site.
They will also be responsible for the
educational programs, safety, and
cleanliness of the equipment within the
 park

Secondary Users

Users and Description Activities

Residents of Bataan; The ones who live These will be the ones attending and
within Bataan such as Mariveles, Orion, and participating in the workshops and
Orani educational events regarding waste
reduction and enjoying the recreational
spaces within the facility, such as the
park, playgrounds, and pocket libraries.
They will also contribute to recycling
materials in the eco-center.

Institutional Groups; Universities and They will be responsible for hosting

Organizations from Bataan conducting environmental programs and seminars
Field trips within their cluster. Mainly they will be
participating in guided tours of the
recycling facilities and also can use
recreational and educational zones for
their activities such as team-building
and community activities.

Tertiary Users

Users and Description Activities

Tourist / Visitors; They will be exploring exhibits and

participating in recreational activities
such as biking and events provided by
the staff.

Local Businesses and Vendors They will be participating in selling

eco-friendly products or services within
the night market and events. Also will
actively partner with the eco-center for
waste recycling initiatives.

1.5 RESEARCH FOCUS

The primary focus of this research is to place responsive design alongside urban
design principles in the creation of a community-centered eco-park located in
Balanga City, Bataan. This initiative strives to present a holistic approach to
sustainable urban development that resonates with the needs of the local community
and environment.[Andrew Biro, 2023]
Responsive design, at its core, champions adaptability and flexibility, ensuring that
the various spaces, structures, and urban landscapes within the eco-park genuinely
reflect and accommodate the evolving needs of its users over time. By incorporating
natural elements, community spaces, and innovative infrastructure, the eco-park will
not only serve as a green haven for residents but also an adaptable area that fosters
social interaction, ecological balance, and sustainable practices. This thoughtful
addition of responsive design will enable the eco-park to thrive as a living entity,
continuously adapting to changes in community needs and environmental conditions.

According to Mfon, Infiok Enobong, Ossom, Ubing Sunday, and Edoh (2024), they
identified 7 Central Themes in responsive architecture that can serve as principles
for applying to the project:

Adaptability - Responsive architecture plays a crucial role in addressing the

dynamic environmental conditions we face today. This approach highlights the
necessity for buildings and spaces to evolve alongside shifting needs and demands.
In the Philippines, rapid urbanization stands out as a double-edged sword; while it
fuels economic growth, boosts employment, and inspires industrial innovation, it
simultaneously leads to significant environmental challenges. A concerning issue is
the abandonment of industrialized buildings, which often become toxic and
uninhabitable. These sites, once vibrant, transform into vacant lots that detract from
their surroundings, emphasizing the urgent need for thoughtful design and
reclamation in urban planning.[GlobalField,2020]

Sustainability - Another principle of responsive design is sustainability; due to its

nature to adapt and enhance, they also became the strategies to minimize
environmental impact by involving passive design principles, energy-efficient
systems, and strategies for sustaining the building itself.

User Experience - Addressing local challenges necessitates tailored solutions, with

human-centric design serving as the cornerstone of adaptability. Environments will
be created and structured to be ergonomic and adjustable, accommodating the
specific needs of users and enhancing their overall experiences in the future.

Technological Integration - Innovations such as Rain Harvesting and urban

Farming became the centralized innovation hub for responsive design, a sample of
this is Singapore; being a densely populated country they innovated the SKY
GREEN; an urban hydraulic vertical farm as a response to their pending food and
urban sustainability problem. [GlobalField, 2020]

Flexibility and Modularity - The principles of flexibility and modularity are prioritized
to address evolving requirements and anticipated future developments. This
approach encompasses reconfigurable spaces, scalable components, and systems
that are fundamentally centered around adaptable layouts and modular planning.
Interactive Environments - Responsive architecture facilitates interaction among
users and their environment by integrating community-centered events and
personalized experiences. This approach creates opportunities for user participation
and enhances individual control within the architectural framework.

Resilience - For many, resilience serves as a fundamental principle in the design of

buildings and communities. These structures must be capable of withstanding and
recovering from disruptions and emergencies resulting from changes in
environmental conditions and economic circumstances.

1.6 SCOPE AND LIMITATION:

Below would be a lot to the following Scope and Limitations of the research
project BAYASURA: A Community-Centered Eco-Center Park Using Responsive
Design For Sustainable Development in Balanga City, Bataan
TO WASTE MANAGEMENT
●​ Scope: The waste management scope will be heavily around Dry and
Recyclable Goods for an easy process and a sustainable environment
●​ Limitation: The waste management won’t accept toxic or wet waste
for processing to lessen the damage around the site

TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

●​ Scope: Technologies presented within the paper and plan would be the
latest as of the date
●​ Limitation: Technologies presented after the paper would be void or
those still on the going won't be presented.

UTILITIES COMPUTATION
●​ Scope: Latest Utilities table regarding Waste within Balanga City will
be used
●​ Limitation: The computation regarding this project will be inaccurate
and void due to the lack of sufficient Mean data.

1.7 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY:

To Researchers;
●​ The subjects of Material Recovery Facilities, Eco-centers, and Urban Parks
present considerable challenges for analysis. This research will serve as a
valuable resource in identifying reliable data and factors that will further
deepen their comprehension of these topics.
To Architecture Students:
 ●​ The topics of public Utility and Urban Planning a broad subjects to tackle
within the Architecture field; it will serve as a guide and research study for
those who have the will to think of more ways to reduce Waste management
in the Philippines with the use of Architecture
To Balanga LGU:
●​ This research will serve as an idea of how to lessen Waste Management; with
public engagement; and can serve as a small model within the clustering
proposal of the government within the Philippines.

DEFINITION OF TERMS
General Definitions
●​ Eco–Center - Eco-center means a facility constructed and operated by the
city to enable temporary drop-off and storage of recyclable materials, yard
waste, food scraps, and bulky items designated by the Engineer for
acceptance at the facility

●​ Material Recovery Facilities - It is a plant that separates and prepares

single-stream recycling materials to be sold to end buyers (Rubicon, 2019)

●​ Recreational Urban Park - Recreational amenities such as sports fields,

multipurpose courts, and skateparks should be included in densely populated
urban areas to meet recreation demands. The major purpose of this park type
is to offer recreational amenities to the local populace and workforce.

●​ Solid Waste Management - The term solid waste management refers to the
complete process of collecting, treating, and disposing of solid wastes

●​ Urban Design - The planning of towns, cities, streets, and public areas is
known as urban design. Making places is a collaborative, multidisciplinary
process that involves many different disciplines.

●​ Urban Planning​ - The creation of plans, as well as the control and

management of towns

●​ Urban Space - The urban space refers to several urban areas and their
related multicentric municipalities forming a whole in a single stretch. (Insee,
2016)

●​ Responsive Design - Responsive architecture is a transformative approach

to building design driven by technological advancements, user experience,
and sustainability.
●​ Community Centered - a place where people from a particular community
can meet for social, educational, or recreational activities.

●​ Modularity - the use of individually distinct functional units, as in assembling

an electronic or mechanical system.

●​ Sustainability - the quality of not being harmful to the environment or

depleting natural resources, thereby supporting long-term ecological balance