La Wis: A Wave of Tradition

Project idea

The municipality of Madridejos, located in Bantayan Island, Cebu, Philippines, has long been recognized for its abundant fishing industry, earning it the title of the "Little Alaska of the Philippines." The local Isda Festival, celebrated every December 8th, highlights this abundance, commemorating the rich marine resources and the invaluable contributions of the fishing community. However, despite this recognition, the local fishing culture and industry face challenges that threaten their sustainability and preservation.

In recent years, the community has struggled with issues such as illegal fishing practices, the degradation of marine life, and the gradual decline of cultural appreciation among the younger generation. Many young individuals are drawn to urban opportunities, often leaving behind the traditions and knowledge passed down through generations. Furthermore, fishermen face economic hardships due to inadequate compensation for their catch, as much of the local seafood is transported elsewhere for higher market prices. This has led to a paradox wherein locals often pay more for fish sourced from other towns rather than benefiting from their own natural resources.

The LA WIS: A Wave of Tradition project seeks to address these challenges by providing a dedicated space that uplifts the fishing community, promotes sustainable marine life practices, and revitalizes the local economy. Through this initiative, the project aims to:
a. Empower Fishermen – Create a space where local fishermen can gather, share knowledge, and receive support for fair trade and sustainable fishing methods.
b. Preserve Marine Life – Advocate for responsible fishing practices and marine conservation through educational programs and research initiatives.
c. Revitalize Cultural Appreciation – Strengthen the local identity by celebrating fishing traditions and history, ensuring that younger generations remain connected to their heritage.
d. Support the Local Market – Establish a direct marketplace where fishermen can sell their catch at fair prices, benefiting both the fishing community and local consumers.
e. Encourage Community Engagement – Foster collaboration between fishermen, researchers, students, and tourists to promote environmental awareness and sustainable coastal development.

Project Objectives:
a. Establish a Marine Heritage and Tourism Center that serves as a cultural and economic hub for the fishing community.
b. Create educational programs focused on sustainable fishing practices, marine conservation, and the historical significance of the local fishing industry.
c. Provide a designated marketplace for fishermen to sell their products directly to the local community, ensuring fair pricing and accessibility.
d. Develop interactive exhibits showcasing the evolution of fishing traditions, endemic marine species, and innovative solutions for preserving marine life.
e. Host regular community events and workshops that promote local craftsmanship, marine research, and knowledge exchange among different generations.

Through this project, it envisions a thriving coastal community that honors its past while embracing a sustainable and prosperous future. By bridging tradition with innovation, the initiative aims to restore pride in the local fishing industry and reinforce Madridejos' identity as a beacon of marine heritage in the Philippines.

Project description

The LA WIS: A Wave of Tradition project is a comprehensive initiative designed to support the fishing community, promote sustainable marine practices, and preserve local culture. This project integrates multiple functional spaces that serve both practical and educational purposes, ensuring that the people of Madridejos benefit from a sustainable and community-driven approach.

At the heart of the project is the Reception Area, which serves as the main entrance and welcome space for both locals and tourists. This area provides essential information about the project’s mission, ongoing events, and exhibits. Additionally, it functions as a guest assistance and orientation hub, ensuring that visitors gain a deeper understanding of the site’s significance.

One of the key features of LA WIS is the Marine Exhibit, which showcases local efforts in coral restoration, including man-made corals. It highlights sustainable fishing and marine conservation practices through engaging displays and infographics. Visitors can learn about the importance of marine biodiversity and the ecosystem’s role in maintaining the fishing industry’s sustainability.

The Fishing Exhibit is another crucial element of the project, providing insights into endemic fish species found in Madridejos. It showcases traditional fishing tools and techniques while celebrating the cultural heritage of local fishermen. Through interactive galleries and displays, visitors can understand how fishing communities have sustained their livelihoods while respecting the environment.

For the fishing community, the Fishermen’s Area offers a dedicated space for workshops, training sessions, and educational programs focused on safe and sustainable fishing practices. This area also serves as a venue for fishermen to mend their nets, seek assistance, and engage with experts from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), fostering a sense of collaboration and continuous learning.

The Water Research Laboratory provides an innovative space for students, researchers, and marine experts to conduct studies on marine ecosystems and water quality. Equipped with large glass windows, this facility allows visitors to observe research activities without interfering with ongoing experiments. The laboratory also includes an office for BFAR, ensuring proper monitoring and research on marine resource conservation.

To support the local fishing industry, Buwaran, a dedicated drying area for fish products, provides a proper marketplace for fishermen to directly sell dried fish and other seafood products. This facility addresses the lack of infrastructure for a dried fish market, ensuring that local fishermen have a fair and direct platform to sell their goods, ultimately benefiting both producers and consumers.

Lastly, the Pagpangisda (Fishing Supply Shop) serves as an essential resource hub for fishermen, offering fishing tools and equipment at affordable prices. The shop prioritizes the sale of environmentally friendly fishing gear, promoting sustainable fishing practices. By providing access to responsible and eco-conscious fishing materials, the project ensures that the local fishing community continues its tradition while reducing environmental impact.

Technical information

The construction of LA WIS: A Wave of Tradition is designed with sustainability and resilience in mind, utilizing locally sourced and repurposed materials to create an eco-friendly and durable structure. The project’s structural framework employs Concrete-Bamboo Framing Technology, a hybrid system that integrates reinforced bamboo with concrete to provide strong load-bearing support. This innovative approach enhances the building’s durability while significantly reducing its carbon footprint compared to traditional concrete structures. Additionally, bamboo’s flexibility and tensile strength improve earthquake resistance, ensuring the structure's stability in a seismically active region.

The roofing system features a cogon thatched roof, a material widely used in traditional Filipino architecture for its natural insulation properties. Cogon grass helps regulate indoor temperatures by providing a breathable yet protective layer, reducing the need for artificial cooling. To enhance safety, the material is treated with fire-resistant solutions, ensuring durability and protection against environmental hazards.

For the walls and partitions, treated reclaimed/recycled wood is utilized, sourced from planks of abandoned boats and old wooden structures. This repurposed wood undergoes treatment to prevent decay, termite infestation, and weather-related damage, ensuring its longevity. Additionally, recycled ropes and nylons, salvaged from discarded fishing nets, are integrated into the interior as partitions and decorative elements. These materials not only reinforce the connection between the building and the local fishing industry but also contribute to waste reduction by repurposing discarded marine debris.

The flooring system combines polished concrete flooring and bamboo floor panels in select areas. The concrete flooring ensures long-term durability and requires minimal maintenance, while its thermal mass properties help regulate indoor temperatures. In elevated sections or platforms, bamboo floor panels add a natural aesthetic that aligns with the project’s sustainability goals, maintaining an eco-friendly design while providing warmth and visual appeal.

For windows and ventilation, Aereus glass panels are incorporated, featuring UV-reactive coatings that generate electricity from sunlight, contributing to the building’s renewable energy supply. These panels allow ample natural daylight while reducing heat penetration, improving indoor comfort without excessive energy consumption. Additionally, passive cooling design is implemented through strategically placed windows and vents, promoting cross-ventilation and reducing reliance on mechanical cooling systems.

To further reinforce its commitment to sustainability, LA WIS integrates various energy-efficient and eco-friendly features. Solar panels are installed on the roof to harness renewable energy, reducing dependence on external power sources. A rainwater collection system is also implemented, with gutter systems integrated into the roofing to collect and filter rainwater for non-potable uses such as irrigation and sanitation. Lastly, recycled plastic decorations are creatively incorporated into the design, transforming plastic waste into artistic and functional elements that enhance the space while promoting environmental awareness.

By utilizing these innovative and sustainable construction techniques, LA WIS: A Wave of Tradition not only provides a functional and culturally significant space for the fishing community but also sets a precedent for eco-conscious design in coastal developments.