Republic of the Philippines

Province of Ilocos Sur

CITY OF VIGAN

OFFICE OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD

Ordinance No. 07
Series of 2006

VIGAN CONSERVATION GUIDELINES AS AMENDED

SECTION 1. PRINCIPLES OF CONSERVATION – It is the policy of the local government of

Vigan that before any conservation, preservation or restoration work can commence, a thorough
research and documentation of the building showing its original design in accordance with
Ordinance No. 14, Series of 1997 shall have been undertaken and its significance stated.

SECTION 2. SCOPE – This ordinance shall apply to the conservation of ancestral houses,
monuments and infill areas in the core and buffer zones, located within the territorial jurisdiction of
Vigan City, Ilocos Sur. (a)

For the purposes of this ordinance, the term ancestral house refers to structures, which has been in
existence for not less than fifty years of Chinese, Hispanic and American influence or any structure
of cultural and historical significance.(a)

SECTION 3. TYPOLOGY OF VIGAN HOUSES. The ancestral houses within the City of Vigan
shall have the following types: (n)
1. Brick and Wood Type, straight facade
2. All Brick Type
3. Brick and Wood with Volada
4. American Colonial Period Type
5. Camarin

SECTION 4. DEFINITION OF TERMS:

a. Historical Fabric – is the evolution of accounts in history which dates back from the Malays,
Chinese, Indochinese, Japanese, Mexicans, Spanish and Americans, who have influenced
early settlers of Vigan.
b. Cultural Fabric – is the fusion of traditions, practices, arts, crafts of different nations.
c. Architectural Fabric – merging of Asian Building design and construction with European
colonial Architecture and planning
d. Town Fabric – historical buildings, landmarks, monuments, shrines, streets, plazas, open
spaces, rivers identified of cultural significance found within.
e. House Fabric – bricks, hardwood timber, lime mortar, capiz windows, iron grilles, lamps,
piedra china tiles and clay tiles, 18th century furniture and furnishing, flora and fauna. (n)

SECTION 5. RULES OF CONSTRUCTION AND INTERPRETATION- For purposes of this

ordinance, the general guidelines as provided for under Sections 6 to 19 hereof shall be directory in
character. However the technical and specific guidelines formulated by the Technical Working
Group shall be strictly construed in favor of conservation.

SECTION 6. GUIDELINES FOR THE FOUNDATION

(a) The foundations of Vigan ancestral houses shall be protected and its stability
maintained.
(b) For repair purposes, the following shall be undertaken:

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 i. for slight cracking, repair by temporary shoring of foundation
and underpinning it with concrete; repairing of walls by brick
wall with lime mortar, and if necessary, by replastering the
underground wall; damp proofing (a)
ii. for severe cracking or complete separation of the wall and
foundation, repair by using the strap foundation technique.

SECTION 7. GUIDELINES FOR GROUND FLOOR FLOORING

(a) The following shall be observed in protecting and maintaining ground floor
tiles:
i. the tiles should be cleaned regularly with a damp rag, mop or
sponge with light scrubbing;
ii. glazed cement tiles shall be cleaned as follows:
ii.i. clean heavily soiled areas with scouring powder and
a soft rag or sponge;
ii.ii. rinse and wipe dry.
iii. unglazed cement tiles shall be cleaned as follows:
iii.i. mix scouring powder to a paste-like consistency mop the
solution over floor;
iii.ii. let it stand for about five minutes, then scrub vigorously
with a brush.
iii.iii. rinse thoroughly and wipe dry.
iii.iv. apply mildew stain remover with a stiff brush to prevent
the growth of mildew along tile grout joints.
iii.v. the cleaning of quarry stone slabs shall be as follows;
iii.v.i. clean the area thoroughly with an all-purpose
cleaner or scouring powder;
iii.v.ii. rinse the area completely and repeat if necessary.

(b)The following shall be observed in the repair of Ground floor flooring:

i. the repair of a sunken floor area shall be as follows:

i.i. note the axis of the cracking or lowered floor area;
i.ii. carefully remove the paving stones in the affected area;
i.iii. tamp it with wooden tamper.
i.iv. put layer of sand until it is level with existing floor line;
i.v. return stone to its original position.

ii. the repair of tiled floor area shall be as follows:

ii.i determine whether the crack is alongside with or
perpendicular to the tiles without causing any damage to the tiles,
or crack is diagonal thus causing damage to the tiles;
ii.ii. for perpendicular crack, chisel out the joints along tile
perimeter; carefully lift out the tile; clean the area and tamp it
with sufficient pressure; lay sand and fine gravel and then retamp
the area; apply lime mortar or its equivalent; then return tiles to
original position;
ii.iii. for diagonal crack, follow the same process as above;
however, mend broken tiles with transparent ceramic glue before
returning them to original position.

iii. the total repair of the ground floor flooring shall be as follows:
iii.i. carefully remove the paving stones, numbering them in
sequence according to position;
iii.ii. determine new finish floor line;

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 iii.iii. tamp in gavel fill;
iii.iv. where applicable install damp proofing application
iii.v. return each stone to original position.

SECTION 8. GUIDELINES FOR WALLS

(a) The following are hereby recommended in removing stains from the
surface of walls:

i. clean surface with water and soap, and a soft- bristled brush;
ii. oil and grease can be removed with non-ionic detergent plus water(a)
iv. to remove rust stain use oxalic acid or the local substitute – the “pias”
fruit. To do this, crush the fruit, and scrub the surface with its juice using
the brush;
v. to clean algae, molds and mildew on walls, use commercial mildew
remover, household bleach, chlorinated lime, bleaching powders or
peroxides which were tested not to damage the affected wall. Make sure
to wet the surface first (a)
vi. to remove tar, chewing gum and adhesives stuck on the walls, harden
the affected area with ice, then scrape or peel it off;
vii. to remove lichens, moss, ivy and various weeds, use commercial
herbicides that were tested for acidity.(a)

b) The following are hereby recommended in lime washing:

i. brush down the surface with stiff bristled brush to remove dust, old
scaling lime wash and loosely adhering particles. Painted surfaces (not
the old lime-integrated) of modern manufactured acrylics can be
removed by applying mild chemical paint strippers with a stiff brush;
ii. apply lime wash when wall is cold and in thin applications with a 4 –
inch brush.
iii. for brick surfaces, apply once the lime wash, after the surface shall have been
cleaned of grime and plant growth. Use herbicide which were tested for acidity in
removing stubborn weeds in place of lime wash, lime poultice can be used.(a)

c) The following is the procedure in preparing lime wash:

i. mix 1 part lime to 7 parts water;

ii. place in a large container or drum and stir the mixture
from time to time for about 7 hours;
iii. allow mixture to stand overnight.
iv. remove film at the surface of lime wash mixture
v. use the water solution only in washing masonry surfaces.

d) The following shall be observed in repairing disintegrating plaster finish, mortar and
missing bricks:

i. determine if joints need repointing, if mortar joints are firm, intact and not
eroded by more than 1/3 inch, they should be left as is; if joints are open, that
is mortar is deeply eroded (more than 1/3 inch) or has fallen, there is a need
to repoint. If joints are separated, that is, mortar and masonry do not adhere,
resulting in crack or gap between them, or mortar is sitting loosely on joint,
there is a need to repoint.
ii. if there is a need to repoint, follow the methods below, to ensure adequate
bonding:

rake the joint to a depth equal to 2 or ½ times the width of the vertical
joint.

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Clean the area from dust, efflorescence (white residue), mildew, and
plant roots.

Remove old mortar totally from bricks, square corners and flat surface at
the back of cut. To remove mortar, use a small headed chisel but be
careful that the brick beneath is not damaged.

Mix lime and sand carefully to ensure uniform strength and
avoid lumps. Let the mixture to stand overnight before use.

Wet the joints before placing the new mortar or grout. Push mortar unto
joint from a board and iron it with maximum pressure. Use improvised
pointing iron to suit particular work. Push mortar evenly unto joint for
full width. Keep mortar face back within original joint.

Fill joint in successive layers, allowing each layer to harden first before
filling the next layer. Fill first deeper joints.

For large empty joints, fill the joint to the required depth by tamping with
mortar. Remove loose mortar and bricks. Chisel out the area and then
replace bricks. Cover bricks with mortar.

Photograph, sketch and label for documentation purposes existing details
or its equivalent (e.g. moldings, trims) then replaster them with lime-
sand mixture.

To give mortar smooth and dense outer layer, use a narrow trowel.

Finally, see to it that mortar is flushed to existing masonry face.

iii. for severe cracking, the following method is recommended after the wall
has been consolidated either by grouting, doweling, stabilizing the
foundation, clamping of separated or split wall sections, and removal of large
vegetation whose roots are disturbing the foundation walls:

Cut out cracked bricks at interval.

Follow the cleaning method of repointing.

Wall up the crack with new bricks.

To reduce the likelihood of the crack reasserting itself, insert a strip of
metal mesh within the metal joint across the line of crack.

After a thorough cleaning and lime-washing, replaster exposed bricks
with lime-sand mixture. Use unsieved sand as ungraded sand sticks
better.

For superficial cracks, fill them with lime plaster mix after thorough
cleaning.

iv. for cracks that had developed near door or window, openings and are usually
diagonal from corners at the top of the frame, there is a need to reinforce the
wood lintel that supports the weight of the bricks above the opening. Do this
upon advise of an engineer or architect.

If there is a need to replace the lintel beam, the following procedure shall
apply:

Shore up door or window opening with adequate support.

Remove splintered or damaged wood frame.

Replace it with a similar type of wood or one which closely resembles
the old.

Carefully position replacement then dowel it with wood joints.

Place reinforcing bars above the frame as added support to weight of
bricks.

Place needed forms and braces using conventional plywood and wood in
spaces between frame and wall.

Mix 1 part cement, 1 part lime and 4 parts sand, and pour mixture in
concerned spaces.

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Remove forms and braces after 2 to 3 days when mortar shall have been
cured.

SECTION 9. GUIDELINES FOR DOORS

(a) . The following shall be observed in the repair of sagging and misalign doors:

i. carefully remove door panels from the jambs;

ii. remove jambs or header from brick wall;
iii. reinstall jambs or header into brick wall, carefully checking alignment by
plumb bob;
iv. secure jambs or header with 1 part cement, 1 part lime and 4 parts sand
mortar.
v. re-attach door panels or planks to jambs.

(b) The following shall be observed in replacing door jambs or headers:

i. shore up door opening with adequate support;

ii. remove splintered or damaged wood frame;
iii. replace it with a similar type of wood or one which closely resembles the old;
iv. carefully position replacement, then dowel it with wood joints;
v. place reinforcement bars above the frame as added support to weight of bricks;
vi. place needed forms and braces using conventional plywood and wood in
spaces between frame and wall;
vii. mix 1 part cement, 1 part lime and 4 parts sand, and pour mixture in concerned spaces;
viii. remove forms and braces after 2 to 3 days when mortar shall have been cured.

(c) The following shall be observed in replacing door panels or door planks:

i. remove damaged door panels and door planks;

ii. replace with a similar type of wood or one which closely resembles the old and
similar in design;
iii. carefully position replacement following similar wood joints connections.

(d) Maintain metal and wooden hard wares

SECTION 10. GUIDELINES FOR WINDOWS

(a) The following shall be observed in replacing window jambs:

i. shore up window opening with adequate support;

ii. remove splintered or damaged wood frame;
iii. replace it with a similar type of wood or one which closely
resembles the old;
iv. carefully position replacement then dowel it with wood joints;
v. place reinforcement bars above the frame as added support to
weight of bricks;
vi. place needed forms and braces using conventional plywood and
wood in spaces between frame and wall;
vii. mix 1 part cement, 1 part lime, and 4 parts sand, and pour
mixture in concerned spaces;
viii. remove forms and braces after 2 to 3 days when mortar shall
have been cured.
(b) Maintain metal and wooden hard wares

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SECTION 11. GUIDELINES FOR SECOND FLOOR AND STAIRCASE

(a) The following shall be observed in the repair of wooden floor defects:
i. for minor damages, use wood fillers and patches which will be
sanded smoothly;
ii. for wooden floors or wood members which have abrasions, use
finishing solutions;
iii. protect timbers by using appropriate chemicals.(a)

(b) The following shall be observed in replacing deteriorated materials:

i. replace, when necessary, deteriorated materials by matching the
old as closely as possible in size, shape, and texture.
ii. Replace with concrete slab, when necessary and finish with
original floor planks and other planks of similar material.

SECTION 12. GUIDELINES FOR ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SYSTEMS

(a) Old chandeliers and lamps shall be repaired when possible or replace them with
exact replicas;
(b) The following shall be observed in the installation of electrical system during repair
and construction. :
i. use appropriate type of wiring;
ii. install wires parallel to and beneath mouldings. On plain surfaces where
there are no mouldings, install wires on corners and edges of walls;
iii. use appropriate type of electrical wires and PVC pipes;
iv. embed the electrical connections in walls.

(c) The following shall be observed in the installation of circuit breakers and safety
switches as per standard of the Philippine Electrical Code:
i. install circuit breakers and safety switches on plain surfaces which are
accessible to occupants;
ii. in the construction of new walls or repair of old walls, flush mount said
equipment on walls.
iii. In the installation of conduits and safety switches, circuit breakers on old
walls, it shall be concealed on a surfaced mounted with false walls.

(d) The following shall be observed in the installation of lighting fixtures:

i. the use of historically appropriate lights is hereby recommended;
ii. the use of materials such as:
a) Lamp posts or street lights: wrought-iron or cast-iron;
b) Wall bracket lamps: wrought-iron, cast-iron or copper;
c) Gate post lamps: wrought-iron or copper;
d) Lamps (farol): wrought-iron, copper, plain or frosted glass planes.

(e) The following steps shall be observed in the installation of electric meters:
i. install the meter at the exterior of the building, preferably at the façade where
the gadget and the service entrance conduit pose no hindrance to any moving
parts of the house;
ii. in order to preserve the historic character, install the meter in an area that is
least conspicuous.

(f) The following shall be observed in the installation of air-conditioning units:

i. install in areas such as walls or windows, where these units are not
conspicuous from the outside;

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 ii. window type air-conditioning units shall be installed at the ventanillas of a
building façade provided, however that grilles and balusters are designed to
minimize exposure from view;
iii. for houses without ventanillas, the use of split type air con is hereby
encouraged.
iv. maintain a very minimal alteration of the historic building materials in areas
where installations are made;
v. split type air-conditioning units shall be installed in a place where it is well
integrated with the interior of the building. Outdoor condenser units shall be
installed at the back of the building or any other inconspicuous place;

(g) In the installation of telephone and cable television units, cables should be
concealed wherever possible in conduits within false ceilings, mouldings, or behind
interior panels.

SECTION 13. GUIDELINES FOR ROOF AND CEILINGS

(a) Roof and ceilings should be retained and preserved, and their functional and
decorative features that are significant in defining the historic character of the
building, must be identified;
(b) The following shall be observed in the repair and replacement of structural roof parts
like beams, rafters, trusses, and joists:
i. inspect and identify portions which are ravaged by termites and fungi;
ii. remove or chisel off decayed portion;
iii. replace decayed portion with wood similar to the original;
iv. if replacement is in direct contact with lime plaster wall, treat it properly
with chemicals such as solignum;
v. attach replacement using dowels made of bamboo or hard wood if iron
spikes are not available;
vi. use commercial glue as an option but nonetheless use dowel in joining the
wood member;
vii. use nails and bolts only when necessary or if approved by supervising
engineer or architect;
(c) If truss system is beyond repair, it can be replaced with a closely similar wood or
lightweight steel, provided original dimensions such as height, slope and rise are
upheld.
(d) Missing and broken mouldings and decorative elements of the ceiling may be
replaced by copying the dimensions of any existing portion of the wood element,
and by using material that closely resembles the old wood species;
(e) The following shall be observed in the repair and replacement of brick roof tile:
i. carefully remove the broken tile/s;
ii. chip off the lime grout;
iii. check for defects of the wood battens;
iv. if found out to be decayed, remove or chisel off decayed portion with wood
similar to the original. Apply appropriate wood preservative.
v. replace broken brick tile with a new one that matches the old as closely as
possible in size, shape and material. Secure in place with lime grout;
(f) Exterior decorative ceiling should have GI artwork that serve as air vent and
protected with insect screens.

SECTION 14. GUIDELINES FOR ARCHITECTURAL ORNAMENTATIONS AND

DETAILS

(a) The following shall be observed in the protection and maintenance of decorative
soffit vents, exterior decorative GI Ceiling and G.I. fascia:
i. clean rust with the use of stiff steel brush;
ii. remove debris that has clogged the vents;

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 iii. paint it with anti-rust red oxide and enamel paints.

(b) The following shall be observed in the protection and maintenance of wrought iron
grilles:
i. regularly clean it with solution of rust remover;
ii. paint it with anti-rust red oxide and enamel paints.

(c) The following shall be observed in the protection and maintenance of embossed
tinsmithed ceilings:
i. document the area through photographs and sketches to determine its
dimensions;
ii. clean it with applicable brushes.

(d) The following shall be observed in the repair and replacement of Architectural
Ornamentations:
i. severely deteriorated soffit vents and decorative ceiling and G.I. fascia shall
be repaired and replaced with the same design;
ii. loose parts of wrought iron works shall be repaired by welding, re-clamping,
or riveting, depending on the kind of attachment used in the original design;
iii. severely deteriorated iron grilles shall be replaced with a replica that is
faithful to the original design;
iv. severely deteriorated portion of embossed tinsmithed ceiling shall be
repaired and replaced with the same design;
v. missing turned wooden balusters and intricate wooden caladus shall be
replaced with a replica that is faithful to the original design.

SECTION 15. GUIDELINES FOR SIGNAGES

(a) The following shall be observed in the installation of signboards:

i. Signboards shall be placed only at the building’s structural members that are
sturdy enough such as columns and brick walls;
ii. Depending on the façade and road width, the maximum size of a signboard
is 85 centimeters x 85 centimeters.

(b) The following acts are allowed in the installation of signboards:

i. Nailing, screwing, punching, and riveting of signboards on wood surfaces of
buildings;
ii. Bolting of signboard on brick walls;
iii. Hanging of exterior signs (attached to the building) parallel or perpendicular
to the street;
iv. Using wrought-iron wood panels or cut-out and GI sheet painted or
varnished.

SECTION 16. GUIDELINES FOR PAINT

(a) The original exterior and interior finish of the buildings and its functional decorative
features that are significant in defining its historic character must be identified. Such
features include the colors and designs.
(b) The original interior finish shall be protected and maintained through the use of
cleaning fluids;
(c) The original interior finish can be uncovered by carefully peeling off the layers of
modern paints;
(d) The following shall be observed in repainting the interior of a building:
i. document existing interior paint designs such as geometric, floral, trompe
o’leil;
ii. repaint missing portions of the interior;
iii. repaint the interior with the following options:

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 a. yellow ochre e. red burgundy (a)
b. dark pink f white (line or bone) (a)
c. medium blue
d. bottle green to light olive green

(e) Exterior walls shall be repainted with a 3-tone finish of any of the following colors:
i. yellow ochre
ii. dark pink
iii. medium blue
iv. bottle green to light olive green
v. lime white (a)

SECTION 17. GUIDELINES FOR OPEN SPACES

(a) The following shall be observed in landscaping and maintaining open spaces:
i. pave the grounds with the following applicable materials:
a. concrete and concrete blocks
b. San Esteban stones
c. brick tiles/blocks
d. Chinese granite (“piedra china”)
e. river stones
ii. plant unpaved areas with the following:
a. appropriate ground cover such as carabao grass, native or bermuda grass
b. trees in the area such as but not limited to santol, mabolo, banaba,
kakawati or any other as long as its roots will not cause damage to the
walls or floorings of the building;(a)
c. shrubs such as kalachuchi, palmera, bougainvillea, santan, adelfa,
hibiscus (gumamela) and cactus
iii. plant unpaved areas of private inner courts, gardens, patios with trees, shrubs
and herbs such as achuete, chico, avocado, guava, guyabano, cacao, mango,
papaya pasotes, malunggay, karimbuaya and kuchay;
iv. Maintain present existing open spaces.

(b) The following shall be observed in protecting and maintaining vacant areas and lots:
i. keep it clean and pleasant to look at;
ii. plant and maintain vegetation, i.e. trees, shrubs and grass;
iii. fence off or enclose with wooden or bamboo poles or slats;
iv. adopt Section 15.a

SECTION 18. GUIDELINES FOR STREETSCAPES

(a) The following shall be observed in protecting and maintaining streetscape:

i. list the sources of aesthetic or scenic impressions along the stretches of
streets;
ii. maintain sources of such impressions;
iii. add sources of such impressions to enhance existing ones;
iv. provide all streets with sources of such impressions;
v. conform to or harmonize the designs of street and building signs, exterior and
street lighting, outdoor/street benches, garbage receptacles, street floors, plant
boxes and building facades with the historic character of the conservation
area.
(b) Replace or redesign existing modern or mediocre designs of sources of impressions
in order to enhance aesthetic or scenic values;
(c) To protect and maintain the streets and sidewalks and keep it unobstructed

SECTION 19. GUIDELINES FOR INFILL ARCHITECTURE AND NEW STRUCTURES

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(a) The following shall be observed in allowing and maintaining infill architecture and
new structure:
i. FEATURES:
i.i repetition of details in the facades, such as cornice mouldings, window
and door mouldings with keystone, column mouldings;
i.ii roof form;
i.iii size of windows and proportion of window walls;
i.iv building height;
i.v materials;
i.vi color;
i.vii predominating lines of vertical, horizontal, angular and segmental
arches.
ii. HEIGHT REGULATIONS:
ii.i. Building Heights – the following requirements shall govern the heights
of buildings on a floor-to-floor basis:
Minimum room heights:
a. Third floor – 3.0 to 3.50 meters;
b. Second floor – 3.0 to 3.50 meters when it is the top floor;
c. Mezzanine – 2.50 meters;
d. First or ground floor – 3.50 meters; 3.0 meters when used with
cellar, window, or mezzanine; 2.50 meters for basements which
are regularly occupied; 2.0 meters for cellars used for storage
purposes.
Maximum Building Height to Cornice (bottom of cornice).
Measurements may be taken from either inside or outside the
building:
a. Two-storey without mezzanine – 7.50 meters;

Second floor – 3.50 meters

Ground floor – 3.00 meters
Without basement or cellar – 6.50 meters

Second floor – 3.50 meters

First floor – 3.50 meters

Cellar window – 1.0 meter
With basement – 7.50 meters

b. Two-storey with mezzanine – 9.50 meters

Second floor – 3.60 meters

Mezzanine – 2.50 meters

First floor – 3.00 meters
Without cellar or basement – 9.10 meters

Second floor – 3.0 meters

Mezzanine – 2.50 meters

First floor – 3.00 meters

Cellar – 1.0 meter
With cellar or basement – 9.50 meters

c. Three-storey with mezzanine – 11.50 meters

Third floor – 3.00 meters

Second floor – 3.00 meters

Mezzanine – 2.50 meters

First floor – 3.00 meters
Basement below ground level – 11.50 meters

d. Three-storey without mezzanine but with basement

Third floor – 3.50 meters

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Second floor – 3.00 meters

First floor – 3.00 meters

Cellar window – 1.00 meter
Basement below ground level – 10.50 meters

e. Overhangs

Mezzanine – 0.20 meter

Second floor – 0.20 to 0.80 meter

Third floor – 0.22 meter

f. Roof line (overhang) – 0.40 meter to 1.20 meters from cornice

but it shall not exceed property line.
g. Attics shall be allowed depending on the type of roof. Towers
and water tanks shall also be allowed on a case-to-case basis.

ii.ii. Roof
1. Any of the following types of roof shall be allowed:
a. Pitched, hip, or gable based on historical precedent, with or
without lantern-type air vents.
b. Flat-deck azoteas with balustrades and/or parapet walls.

2. Roof finishes shall be any of the following types:

a. Clay/brick roof tiles
b. Corrugated galvanized iron
c. Galvanized tile sheet
d. Tiled decks

3. The eaves shall be detailed and shall, whenever applicable, conform to

the following requirements for each portion enumerated herein as
may be required by the design:
a. Fascia/edge of roof
b. Downspout and gutters
c. Under eaves/soffit treatment which shall be in wood, sheet metal
or masonry
d. Cornice which shall be in wood or masonry
e. Brackets

ii.iii. Exterior Wall

A. The requirements for the second and third floor facades shall consist
of the following:
a. Any of these types of materials shall be allowed:

Wooden sidings which shall be painted or varnished.

Masonry sidings which shall be made of reinforced concrete
or concrete hollow blocks, which shall may be plastered and
painted.
b. Decorations of the following kind shall be detailed:

Mullions

Columns

Pilasters

Mouldings

Grilles

Balconies

All panellings and carvings
c. Windows can be any of the following:

Sliding or fixed capiz panels or its equivalent with the same
impression.

Wooden panels with bandeja

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wooden louvered

Glass panels may be allowed as long as it follows the
windows mentioned above

Steel windows are not allowed in the core zone but are
allowed in the buffer zone.

d. Sash frames shall be made of wood with capiz or glass (clear,

frosted or colored), wrought iron or steel bars.
e. Grilles shall be optional and may overhang up to 0.45 meters
maximum from the face of the wall and may be made of wrought
iron, cast iron steel bar or wood.
f. Balconies shall be grilled or balustered and may overhang by
0.80 meters maximum.

B. The following shall be the requirements for the ground floor and the
mezzanine façade:
a. Sidings shall be reinforced concrete, concrete hollow blocks.
b. Finishes can be plaster or paint
c. Doors shall be in any of these types:

Wrought-iron sheet and frame

Wrought-iron grilles

Solid wood panel doors

Solid wood plank doors
d. Windows may be grilled. Grilles shall be in any of these
materials:

Wood

Wrought-iron which may be plain, square, turned and
decorated like balusters.
e. Entry passage shall be in any of these types:

Piedra China

San Esteban stones

Bricks

Vigan/Cement Tiles

SECTION 20. VIGAN CONSERVATION COUNCIL (VCC) – The Vigan Conservation

Council is hereby created with the following powers and functions:

a.) To formulate, recommend, evaluate and approve development plans, policies and
programs relating to the conservation and development of the Core and Buffer
Zones of the Historic District in Vigan.
b.) To serve as an advisory council to the Sangguniang Panlungsod on conservation
matters.
c.) Assist the building official / city engineer in the implementation of laws, ordinances,
and policies relative to the protection of the ancestral houses and other historic
structures within the core and buffer zones.
d.) Exercise all powers necessary or incidental to conservation objectives including the
power to review, recommend or disapprove construction projects within the historic
district.
e.) Serve as the clearing house for all applications of Building Permit within the Historic
District.
f.) Serve as a clearing house for all applications for the repair and maintenance of
historic structures and building and refer such to the National Historical Institute
(NHI).
g.) Issues VCC Clearance prior to the issuance of the certificate of occupancy by the
Building Official.
h.) The VCC shall exercise such other functions, implement project and programs
related to Vigan Heritage Conservation

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SECTION 21. COMPOSITION OF VIGAN CONSERVATION COUNCIL – The Vigan
Conservation Council shall be composed of the following:

1. The City Mayor As Chairperson

2. Chairman, SP Committee on Tourism As Vice Chairman
3. The President of SVAHAI As Member
4. The President of the Vigan Tourism Council As Member
5. Representative from the Fil-Chinese Chamber of Commerce As Member
6. Representative from the academe As Member
7. Representative from Nueva Segovia
(Director of archdiocesan commission on cultural heritage) As member
8. Conservation Advocate As Member
9. Chairman, SP Committee on Environment As Member

Non voting members :

Building Official
Head of the Conservation Division
Architect/Consultant(expert on heritage conservation)
CPDO - Head of the Secretariat

SECTION 22. TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP – The Technical Working Group of the
Vigan Conservation Council shall be composed of the following:

1. Chairman, SP Committee on Tourism Team Leader

2. Representative from UAP-YLOCOS Chapter Member
3. Representative from UAP-Ilocos Ciudad Fernandina Chapter Member
4. Building Inspector Member
5. Electrical Engineer of the City Member
6. Representative from the Philippine
Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) Member
7. Architect from the conservation division Member

CPDO Head of the Secretariat

SECTION 23. FUNCTIONS OF THE TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP

1. Implement the Conservation Guidelines and to propose amendments for the consideration
of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

2. Review all architectural plans for the construction, and/or restoration of all structures
within the core and buffer zones of the historic district and submit its findings and
recommendations to the VCC prior to the issuance or non-issuance of the VCC Certificate
of Approval.

3. Perform such other functions as may be assigned by the VCC.

SECTION 24. AUTHORITY TO MAKE TECHNICAL GUIDELINES. Authority is hereby

given to the Technical Working Group to formulate technical guidelines in accordance with this
ordinance, and to include the homeowners manual as a reference material. (n)

SECTION 25. HONORARIUM –Members of the VCC and its Technical Working Group who
are not employees of the city government are hereby entitled to receive honorarium as may be
determined by the Local Chief Executive.(n)

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SECTION 26. CONSERVATION DIVISION
A Conservation Division in the Engineer’s Office is hereby created with the following
functions:
a. Monitor the implementation of the Conservation Guidelines;
b. Conduct inventory and documentation of all ancestral houses and historical structures.

The Building Official shall assist the Conservation Division in the implementation of the
conservation guidelines. (n)

SECTION 27. VCC CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL - No structure shall be erected, restored,

reconstructed, repaired, adapted for reuse, moved or dismantled within the core and buffer zones of
the historic district without first obtaining VCC’s Certificate of Approval.

This Certificate is an attestation that the conservation process applicable in the circumstances has
been thoroughly studied taking into consideration the cultural significance of the place and state of
its fabric and that proper documentation has taken place and the capability of the homeowner to
undertake the project.

SECTION 28. CONSTRUCTION / CONSERVATION BOND – A construction / conservation

bond in the form of cash, Surety Bond issued by accredited surety company, Manager’s Check or
any combination of the foregoing, in the amount equivalent to 10% of the total estimated cost shall
be posted by an applicant of a building permit. The amount of which shall be determined from the
estimated cost submitted by the architect and the owner. (a)

The bond shall be subject to refund upon the issuance of an occupancy permit or certificate of
completion from the VCC, if the Vigan Conservation Council finds the construction / conservation
in accordance with this ordinance otherwise, it shall be forfeited in favor of the local government of
Vigan for the purpose of rectifying errors.

SECTION 29. VIGAN HERITAGE CONSERVATION FUND – There is hereby created the
Vigan Heritage Conservation Fund of at least One Million Pesos to be included in the annual
development fund by the Vigan City Development Council and such other funds raised or received
by the Vigan Conservation Council (VCC) as grants or donations .

The Vigan Heritage Conservation Fund shall be administered by the VCC for their various projects,
programs and activities pertaining to heritage conservation.

SECTION 30. REPEALING CLAUSE – All Local Executive Orders, ordinances and policies
and regulations found inconsistent with this are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 31. PENAL CLAUSE – Any person found violating this ordinance shall be subject to
a fine of P5,000.00 per offense. (a)

SECTION 32. EFFECTIVITY CLAUSE - This Ordinance shall take effect immediately.

ENACTED on August 7, 2006

Revised on June 4, 2007

(Sgd.)
FRANCISCO P. RANCHES, JR.
City Vice Mayor & Presiding Officer

ALFREDO FIGUERRES, JR. (Sgd.) AUDIE Q. AGDAMAG

Sangguniang Panlungsod Member Sangguniang Panlungsod Member

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 (Sgd.) EVERIN F. MOLINA (Sgd.) HERMENIGILDO APELIN
Sangguniang Panlungsod Member Sangguniang Panlungsod Member

(Sgd.) GERMELINA S. GOULART (Sgd.) FELIX A. ANINAG

Sangguniang Panlungsod Member Sangguniang Panlungsod Member

(Sgd.) ANDRES ADRIATICO (Sgd.) HENRY A. FORMOSO

Sangguniang Panlungsod Member Sangguniang Panlungsod Member

(Sgd.) LORETO QUIBILAN (Sgd.) MAXIMO ALVES

Sangguniang Panlungsod Member Sangguniang Panlungsod Member

CONSTANTE V. BENZON (Sgd.) CHRIS DAN F. FIELDAD

Sangguniang Panlungsod Member Sangguniang Panlungsod Member

Attested:

(Sgd.) JAYSON P. AVILA

Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod
Approved:

(Sgd.) FERDINAND C. MEDINA

City Mayor

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