Saint Louis University

School of Engineering and Architecture

School of Architecture
Bonifacio St., Baguio City, Philippines 2600

OCULAR SITE INSPECTION

AND DATA GATHERING: DOCUMENTATION
AR 4111/D- ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN 7

Submitted By:
AGUILEN, Gabrielle Pam
CHAVEZ, Trisha Anne
FERRER, Dustin James
MAGLAYA, Mikaella Eve

Submitted To:
AR. NESTOR LAZAGA

Date Sub:

October 17, 2024

 SITE INSPECTION
PHOTO LOCATORS

THE PHOTOLOCATOR IS TAKEN FROM THE

SOUTHEASTERN SIDE OF THE LOT, THE ROAD
COMING FROM CASES BLVD STREET.
EXISTING SITE CONDITIONS

DURING DAY CONDITION OF THE SITE

● THE CHOSEN LOCATION FOR THE

PROPOSED PARK IS ON THE SEASIDE OF
LINGAYEN GULF; THIS IS TO UTILIZE THE
POTENTIAL OF INCORPORATING GOOD
VISTA INTO THE PARK AS PART OF THE
DESIGN.
● CERTAIN PARTS OF THE AREA ARE CLEAR
OF TREES AND EXCESSIVE VEGETATION,
WHICH IS SUITABLE FOR PARK'S
DEVELOPMENT, WHILE THE PART THAT HAS
TREES SHALL BE MAINTAINED BUT COULD
BE INCORPORATED WITH THE
LANDSCAPING OF THE AREA.
● THE DRAINAGE SYSTEM ON THE EAST SIDE
OF THE ROAD IS NOT EVIDENT. HOWEVER,
IT IS OBSERVED THAT RAINWATER MAY
ACCUMULATE ON THE SITE AND CAUSE
THE AREA TO BE SLIPPERY AND MUDDY
BECAUSE OF THE PRESENT CLAY SOIL.

DURING NIGHT CONDITION OF THE SITE

● THE EASTERN SIDE OF THE PARK DOESN’T

HAVE SUFFICIENT LIGHTING, WHICH
MIGHT CAUSE ACCIDENTS.

DATA GATHERING
DESCRIPTION

Agoo-Damortis Protected Landscape and Seascape (ADPLS) is an initial component of the

NIPAS and is designated as a protected landscape and seascape by virtue of Presidential
Proclamation No. 277 since April 23, 2000. The enactment of ENIPAS has turned it into a regular
component of the System along with 93 other protected areas in the country. Protected Landscapes
and/or Seascapes as defined under Section 3 of R.A. No. 11038, are "areas of national significance
which are characterized by the harmonious interaction of man and land and water while providing
opportunities for public enjoyment through recreation, tourism, and other economic activities."

ADPLS is located along the seashores of the Municipalities of Agoo, Sto. Tomas, Rosario in the
Province of La Union having a total area of 10,774.68 hectares. Approximate 10,451.44 has. covers
marine area and approximately 323.24 has. covers land area. Most of the area is water accounting
for 97% of the whole protected area.

The protected area is governed by the ADPLS Protected Area Management Board (PAMB)
haired by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 1 (DENR-R1) Regional
Executive Director (RED) with membership coming from the twenty-three (23) barangays and three
(3) municipalities it covers as well as the Regional and Provincial Offices of National Economic and
Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of
Agriculture (DA), Department of National Defense - Office of the Civil Defense

LOCATION

ADPLS is located on the eastern side of the Lingayen Gulf and covers approximately 26.4
kilometers of the shorelines of Agoo, Sto. Tomas and Rosario municipalities. The core zone's
geographical coordinates are 120.338* longitude and 16.2785® latitude, while the buffer zone lies on
120.365* longitude and 16.276* latitude. It is bound by the Municipality of Aringay on the north, and
Barangay Rabon and Sahr Fabian, Pangasinan on the south. The area covers 23 barangays. It
specifically covers 10 of the 49 barangays in Agoo, 10 of 24 barangays in Sto. Tomas and 3 of the 33
barangays in Rosario. The 10 barangays in Agoo are as follows: Sta Rita Nalinac, Sta Rita West, Sta
Rita Sur, San Julian Norte, San Julian West, Balawarte, San Nicolas West, San Isidro, San Manuel Norte,
and San Manuel Sur.

It consists of two parcels of land situated within the Municipalities of Agoo, Sto. Tomas d
Rosario in the Province of La Union with boundaries beginning (PARCEL I) at point "1" on the ap, which
is identical to MBM 20, Agoo Cadastre, N. 36°46'W, 5,125.64 m. from BLLM # 1, Cad

4-D, Agoo Cadastre and (PARCEL II) at point marked "1" on the map which is identical to MBM ),
Agoo Cadastre, N 36° 46'W, 5,125.64 m. from BLLM #1, Cad 314-D, Agoo Cadastre.
ACCESSIBILITY: 16.535637,120.340751

BOUNDARIES:

N-Aringay

E-Tubao

S-Sto. Tomas

W-West Philippine Sea/Agoo Damortis Protected Landscape and Seascape

ADPLS is approximately 256 kilometers from Metro Manila via NLEX-SCTEX-TPLEX, exiting at the
Binalonan toll station in Pangasinan and continuing the travel through the Manila North Road. It is 157
kilometers from the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport in Clark, Pampanga (via NLEX), and 49
kilometers from Baguio City (via Agoo-Baguio Road). Visitors from Baguio City and neighboring areas
can reach ADPLS through the Agoo-Baguio Road. It is accessible to all types of land transportation,
public and/or private. From the main highway, the protected area is around 3 kilometers away and is
accessible via tricycle, jeepneys and other four-wheel vehicles.

PHYSICAL AND BIOLOGICAL FEATURES

The protected landscape and seascape comprises terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems.
Based on the 2020 available data, marine ecosystems include 18.72 hectares of mangrove stand
with a total of seven (7) species, 30.24 hectares of seagrass beds comprising five (5) species and 1.2
hectares of Artificial Reef. It also hosts numerous faunal assemblages consisting of economically
important finfishes, invertebrates, and birds. 39 species of finfishes belonging to 33 families with
Leiognathidae are the most abundant while other high value species are grouper, snapper, seabass,
siganids and silver pompano, among others.

VEGETATION

ADPLS is rich in natural resources which consists of fertile landscape and seascape with diverse
biological resources including flora and fauna that play vital and critical roles in the marine and
terrestrial ecosystems. There are around 20 has. of beach forest.

Vegetation of the protected area consists of forest trees, mangroves, beach forest species,
seagrasses and seaweeds, while faunal assemblage consists of different fishes, invertebrates, and
birds. The resources inside the PA have important ecological function and economic benefits
particularly to the host community.

SEAGRASSThese are marine monocots adapted in shallow waters and estuarine environments and
are commonly found in the coastal zone. They form highly diverse and productive systems in
protected shallow coastal waters with diverse assemblages of organisms but are completely absent
in freshwaters.

MANGROVE FOREST

In 1990, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) transplanted

mangrove seedlings in Sta. Rita Central and Sta. Rita West Agoo and coastal shores of Ubagan.

The Local Government Unit (LGU) of the said barangays were actively involved in mangrove
rehabilitation thru reforestation by planting mangrove propagules.

In 2011, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) thru its Philippine National
Aquasilviculture Program launched a more comprehensive program that primarily aims to
rehabilitate mangroves for aquasilviculture purposes. The project was participated by fisherfolks from
different coastal barangays. They planted mangrove propagules in the coastal barangays of
Ubagan, Cupang, Casantaan, and Raois and Cabaruan.

There are mangrove stands in four (4) coastal barangays in Sto. Tomas, namely: Cupang, Narvacan,
Raois, Ubagan; and one (1) coastal barangay in Agoó, namely: Sta Rita Central. These cover a total
of 18.72 sq.m. Seven (7) species of mangrove are to be found within ADPLS and these are Bakauan
Lalake (Rhizophora apiculate), Bakauan Babae (Rhizophora mucronata), Bakauan Bato (Rhizophora
stylosa), kalipini (Avicennia marina), pagatpat (Sonneratia alba), Putotan Lalake (Bruguiera
cylindrical), and Kulasi (Lumnitzera racemosa). The most dominant is kalapini (Avicennia marina)
while the least dominant is Bakauan Lalake ora apiculata). The table below shows the different
species of mangrove that are present arangay.

ARTIFICIAL REEF

In response to climate change and disaster risks, Artificial Reefs are installed by the
Municipality of Agoo. As of 2020; Artificial Reefs cover a total area of 1.2 has. These serve as habitat
to marine life and lessen the impact of waves and water current. Artificial Reefs also act as physical
buffers that protect the coastline from erosion and prevent damage to or loss of seagrass beds,
mangrove forests, coastal settlements and infrastructure. Agoo is implementing the Municipal Fishery
Ordinance No. 06-2002, particularly Section 64 wherein a 200-meter distance from established
Artificial Reef is a no fishing zone.

FAUNA
 Numerous faunal assemblages consisting of economically important finfishes, invertebrates,
and birds are to be found in ADPLS. Some of these are 39 species of finfishes belonging to 33 families
with Leiognathidae, the most abundant; other high value species such as grouper, snapper, seabass,
siganids, silver pompano which command very high market price; invertebrate fauna consists of 43
species belong to Phylum Mollusca (24 species), Echinodermata (2 species), Cnidaria (1 species) and
Crustacea (16 species); and sandfish (Holothuria scabra), which is the most expensive species of sea
cucumber, found in Narvacan specifically thriving in the seagrass habitat. Moreover, mollusks such as
the Placuna placenta and AmusiumADPLS are often visited by various avian species which are seen
foraging and wading on the beach and estuarine waters as well as in the mangrove forests of the
protected area. It is one of the Asian Waterbird Census sites in Region 1. Based on 2020 records, 1,375
individuals of waterbirds consisting of 17 species are identified particularly at the Raois Cove, Santo
Tomas and in Sta. Rita Central and Sta. Rita West, Agoo.

TOPOGRAPHY

The municipality of Agoo which houses the Agoo Eco Fun World is characterized by a wide
strip of coastal plains on its western portion covering some 70% of the total area. The eastern portion
is characterized by gently sloping to steep terrain with small pockets of flatlands in the interiors of the
rolling terrain. The flatlands are generally utilized as croplands. The second dominant use for flatlands
is built-up areas. Areas with sloping terrain are utilized as pastureland and forest.

CLIMATE

Agoo has two distinct seasons: the wet and dry seasons. The climate falls within the first type in
accordance with the classification based on rainfalls. The striking low rainfall during the dry season
from December to April is due to the very effective shielding in Agoo from the northwest and even
from the trade winds by the mountain ranges from Northern Luzon. As soon as drift of wind from the
southeast quadrant comes in May, there is an immediate increase in rainfall because Agoo is
unprotected from the west. The months of May to October have abundant rainfall, the maximum
occurring in August. The average temperature in the municipality is 27.21°C.

GEOLOGY OF SOIL

The soil in the municipality is generally fertile and is suited for the production of rice and
tobacco. The soil serving the flatlands is generally of the Bauang Clay series. The important crops
grown of this type are suited for upland rice, coconut, bananas, maguey fruit trees and vegetables.
Slightly undulating plains are covered with Maligaya Clay. Rice is the most important crop grown of
this type. The shoreline is thoroughly covered with fine beach sand known as San Manuel Beach
Sand. Mountain areas and hilly portions are covered with Annum Clay, the rest are of Barcelona Clay
series.
The coastal zone of ADPLS in particular, has magnetic sand deposits located along the beach coast
from 15 meters to almost a kilometer wide, usually flat and occasionally with intermittent sand dunes
based on the study conducted by the Mines and Geoscience Bureau (MGB). The beach is
composed of recent deposits terminated at contacts with Plioscene tuttaceous classics on the east.
Aside from magnetic sand deposits are other black minerals of ilmenita, horn, blende, rutile, sphene
and colored minerals such as quartz, feldspar and few grains of zircon and limestone. The solids of the
protected area consist of San Manuel Sand, Maligaya Clay Foam, San Fabian Clay loam and
Bauang Clay, the distribution of which are as follows:

SOIL TYPE SAND (2.0-0.5%) SILT (0.05-0.005) CLAY

SAN MIGUEL SAND 79.76 11.06 9.18

MALIGAYA CLAY 20.30 25.00 54.70

LOAM

SAN FABIAN CLAY 28.75 26.86 45.39

LOAM

BAUANG CLAY 21.05 29.33 49.62

ACCRETED AREA (ALLUVIUM)

Accretion of land along the shores of a body of water as by alluvial deposit. The Municipality
of A800 has a total accreted area of 75.148 has. located within the ADPLS in barangays Sta. Rita
Central and Sta. Rita West. Within the Alluvium is a body of water planted with mangrove wherein the
spooning ground for different species of fish. Shown is the map of the municipality.

There is an existing area of mangrove forest along the shores of Sta. Rita Central which is under the
protected area. As per species identification conducted by a team of specialists of DENR, BFAR and
representatives of the Municipal Agriculture Office, there are two species of Rhizophora sp. thriving in
the area, the bakawan lalake and the bakawan babae. Associated species of ipil, candarumas,
damortis, agoho, etc were also identified in the area. However, with the latest RRA (Rapid Resource
Assessment) conducted, there is an available area of approximate 10 has. that can be reforested.
Moreover, the municipality has an existing ordinance prohibiting the conversion of mangrove into
other uses Section 70, Municipal Fishery Ordinance No. 06-2002.

SITE PROFILE
ECOTOURISM

The whole stretch of ADPLS, particularly the 80-hectare alluvium in Agoo, allows for ecotourism
to flourish in the area. It provides the chance for the community to interact with the environment.
Visitors wanting to connect with nature visit ADPLS. Various natural attractions allowing people to
enjoy leisure activities such as such as walking and/or jogging, swimming, photowalks or photoshoots,
biking, picnics, camping and educational tours among others offered while begging only a low
impact to the environment. The mangrove forest serves as a venue where visitors learn about
different types of mangrove species. The stretch of the seawall provides a panoramic view of the
lagoon and the mangrove forest as well as decades-old trees.

Inside the ADPLS is the AgO Eco Fun World. It is also devoted as an ecotourism destination with
ecotourism facilities such as the eco-lodge, watch tower, the PAMB Building-Activities such as
camping/picnicking, swimming, boating, and other recreational activities are also offered to visitors.
Part of the protected area is also dedicated for agriculture such as mariculture, fishpond, and fish
cages for fish production.

The Municipality of Agoo has initially developed and transformed the alluvium in Barangays Sta. Rita
Central/West into one of the main tourist spots of the town through a Memorandum of Agreement
hand between the DENR and the local Government Unit (LGU) of Agoo, La Union

The alluvium falls within the Multiple Use Zone (MUZ) of ADPLS. Aside from nature-tripping, amenities
and activities are also featured in the park. Activities include boating along Sta. Rita lagoon, biking
lanes provided for bikers, picnic/camping ground and bamboo/nipa hut sheds for picnic goers.
Some of the park facilities are made from indigenous materials to avert disturbance and pressure to
the natural facets of the tranquil landscape.

HISTORY OF AGOO ECO FUN WORLD

Founded in 1578 by Franciscan missionaries, Agoo is the first town to be established in the
Province of La Union. It is believed that the first people inhabiting Agoo were the Negritos
(Pugot-black), some kind of aborigines who came from mainland Asia. Photo-Malays drove the
Negritos back to the mountains and our ancestors (the Malays) invaded the place and in turn drove
the Photo-Malays into the mountains. The settlers probably came from the northern coast of Java,
and they were called Pangasinenses. During that time, Agoo was referred to as "El Puerto de Japon"
by Miguel de Loarca due to its trade relations, first with the Chinese and later with the Japanese on a
bartering basis. Agoo is the center of both religious and civic activities.

THREATS AND/OR STRESSORS

 On a key informant interview using the Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT)
facilitated by the DENR Provincial Environment Resources Office (PENRO) - La Union, the following
threats with medium and high or severe ratings are identified. The interview is participated by 45
respondents composed of stakeholders from various organizations, institutions, and groups directly
involved in the management of ADPLS.

SUMMARY

Protected areas hold both local and national importance and are characterized by the
balanced interaction between people and the land. They offer opportunities for the public to
experience nature and the environment through recreation and tourism while maintaining the area's
usual lifestyle and economic activities. Meanwhile, tourism significantly contributes to local
governments' socio-economic development and the country's overall economic progress. It directly
impacts the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which reflects the total goods and services
produced within a specific period, indicating whether the economy is expanding or in recession. A
higher GDP means a healthier economy, more opportunities and more jobs for the people. It is
known to have a direct correlation to poverty. Although GDP does not account for other factors such
as levels of health and education, happiness or leisure, and other elements of social progress, it is an
essential indicator for the government to know the economy's performance and understand the
standard or quality of living of the majority.

In establishing Agoo Eco Fun World, the LGU envisions for sustainable development through
sustainable ecotourism. The municipality aims for a holistic approach through the optimal use of
available resources without compromising the environment and by investing in developments with
minimal ecological, cultural, and social impacts yet can provide maximum benefits for
environmental conservation and socio-economic opportunities for the local communities. However, it
is an extensive process and requires all forms of support.

Agoo Eco-Fun World is one of the tourist destinations in the entire province of La Union,
bringing joy and pride to the people of Agoo and neighboring towns. The park is among the most
visited places by tourists who wish to enjoy nature and at the same time have fun. The Agoo Eco Fun
World exudes excellent potential to become one of the first-rate ecotourism destinations in La Union.
If properly implemented, the proposed developmental project is a true manifestation that a
multi-stakeholder approach is the key to the realization of sustainable ecotourism, an
accomplishment not just for the Municipality of Agoo but of the entire Province of La Union.

References:
 Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 1. ADPLS Ecotourism Development
Management Plan.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Environment Management Bureau Agoo

Damortis Protected Landscape and Seascape.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 1. (2020). Agoo-Damortis Pr

Landscape and Seascape (ADPLS) Management Effectiveness Assessment (MEA) Report Calendar
Year 2020.

Local Government Unit - Agoo, La Union. (2015). Comprehensive Land-Use Plan 2015-2024

Philippine Statistics Authority. (2020). 2020 Census of Population and Housing (2020 CPH).
DOCUMENTATION
ACQUIRED SITE FROM THE TAX MAPPER OFFICE OF AGOO, LA UNION