GROUP 1 HERITAGE TOURISM

SIXTO CASTELO LOPEZ

ANCESTRAL HOUSE
BALAYAN, BATANGAS
SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS

GROUP MEMBERS SUBMITTED TO:

Anselmo, Jamie P.
Cuasay, Diana Anna N.
Pelayo, Glen Angela Mae
Tamares, Jean Carla B.
Umali, Miriamme Audrey F.
Mr. Enrico Cruzada
In partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the subject
Heritage Tourism
Situational Analysis Sixto Castelo Lopez Ancestral House

BACKGROUND
OF THE SITE

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 Situational Analysis Sixto Castelo Lopez Ancestral House

BACKGROUND OF THE SITE

1.1 BATANGAS
Large population centers existed in Batangas even before the Spaniards came to the Philippines. A
significant waterway, the Pansipit River, was surrounded by native communities. From the Yuan Dynasty to the
initial stage of the Ming Dynasty in the 13th and 15th centuries, the province has been trading with the Chinese.
The province's citizens traded with Japan and India as well. On their journey to Manila in 1570, the Spanish
generals Martin de Goiti and Juan de Salcedo explored the Batangas coast and discovered a Malay
encampment at the Pansipit River mouth.
The town of Taal was then established in 1572, and its convent and stone church was later built. Soon after
that, in 1578, Spain formally established the Province of Bonbon with Father Estaban Ortiz and Father Juan de
Porras. It was given its name based on the moniker given to it by the local Muslim population. The Spanish
government disbanded the Bonbon Province in 1581 and established the Balayan Province in its place. The
current provinces of Batangas, Mindoro, Marinduque, southeast Laguna, and Camarines made up the new
province. The ancient town of Taal, now known as San Nicolas, was buried by the Taal Volcano's destructive
eruption in 1754. In fear of more eruptions, the capital was eventually moved to Batangas, which is now a city
and has remained there ever since (Province of Batangas, 2022).

1.2 BALAYAN
People claim that Balayan was already a thriving
community and a bustling trading hub before the
arrival of the Spaniards. Balayan was one of the first
cities to be organized after the arrival of the
Spaniards. The Municipality of Balayan in 1578 included
the present-day town of Balayan as well as portions of
Calaca, Calatagan, Lian, Nasugbu, and Tuy. For nearly
150 years, it even served as the provincial capital. What
we know as "Batangas" now, was formerly known as
"Balayan". Balayan is a town with a long history and a
rich cultural heritage. A number of national heroes
have come from Balayan, including Don Galicano
Apacible, a co-founder of the Nacionalista Party and
La Solidaridad, and Don Sixto Lopez, a fervent
Map view of Balayan (Roson, 2021)
supporter of Jose Rizal who helped him out financially
among other things. Numerous ancestral homes in the
town also provide a glimpse into the past scattered
across the town (Dimen, 2012).

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 Situational Analysis Sixto Castelo Lopez Ancestral House

BACKGROUND OF THE SITE

1.3 DON SIXTO LOPEZ

According to the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (2022), The eldest child of Natalio Lopez and
Maria Castelo, Sixto Lopez was born on April 6, 1863, in Balayan, Batangas. His parents sent him to study at the
Ateneo Municipal in Manila to finish his elementary education after he completed his primary education at a
public school in Balayan in 1875. In 1880, he also received education from Dr. Cipriano Gonzales. Consequently,
Lopez resumed his studies at The Colegio de San Juan de Letran and the University of Santo Tomas for his
secondary education. Lopez showed interest in Rizal's work, Noli Me Tangere, and El Filibusterismo, and became a
fervent supporter. He then discreetly donated money to Rizal and his work. Lopez also secretly distributed Rizal's
works across the nation. His activities raised suspicions among the local Spanish authorities, who searched his
Balayan residence. The Spanish authorities seized letters and a copy of the Noli Me Tangere as proof that Lopez
had in fact taken part in a plot to topple the Spanish colonial government. Lopez sought refuge in Jose Guido's
home in Manila and managed to avoid capture.

When Lopez first learned of the Philippine Revolution

in 1896, he was in England. He started devoting his time
to propagandizing, publishing press releases, and
writing articles for various European newspapers. He
sought to be accurate in his portrayal of the
Philippines' situation under Spanish control, which
eventually won him the respect of the English and
other foreigners. When they traveled to the United
States for diplomatic negotiations, Lopez also acted
as Felipe Agoncillo's secretary. He wrote to the United
States Secretary of State, John Hay, asking for
Agoncillo to be allowed an audience on January 5,
1899, on behalf of the Philippines. Although their plea
was turned down, Lopez and Agoncillo were still
determined to get the attention of the US
administration. They made an additional five
attempts, each time pleading with the American
administration not to ratify the Treaty of Paris on the
grounds that they were still allies. Each of their letters
was disregarded. Thus, on January 23, 1899, the
Malolos Constitution was written, ratified, and
promulgated, which marked the beginning of the First
Philippine Republic. On February 4, 1899, the Philippine-
American War began. Lopez went to Boston,
Massachusetts to notify the American people of the
condition the Filipinos were in. Lopez attempted to stir
up American public opinion over the issue with the
support of American anti-imperialists Erving
Sixto Lopez and Jose Rizal in Europe (National Historical
Commission of the Philippines, 2022)

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 Situational Analysis Sixto Castelo Lopez Ancestral House

BACKGROUND OF THE SITE

Winslow, William Lloyd Garrison Jr., and Fiske Warren. He
produced a number of pieces in the American press arguing for
the independence of the Philippines. He even succeeded in
convincing some powerful Americans, including the future U.S.
Justice Louis Brandeis of the Supreme Court.

Even though not all of Lopez's siblings favored Philippine

independence, the Americans nonetheless detained three of
them on December 13, 1901, while Lopez was in Hong Kong
advocating for the Philippines. Lopez later returned to Manila in
1903 along with Fiske Warren to observe firsthand the conditions
under which the Filipinos were struggling to fight the American
forces' power and better equipment. For refusing to take an
oath of loyalty to the United States, the American colonial
authorities forbade his return and deported him two months
later. In order to reunite with the other Filipino dissidents there,
Lopez returned to Hong Kong.

Due to Lopez's persistent belief that the Philippines had been

Sixto Lopez and Felipe Agoncillo (National Historical
Commission of the Philippines, 2022)
unjustly seized by the United States since its people had
explicitly proclaimed their desire for self-determination, he
became an alien in his own country. He was only able to stay a
short time after being allowed to return as an immigrant in 1915.
Fortunately, after the Philippines gained its independence from
the United States and gained recognition as a sovereign nation
in 1946, Sixto returned permanently to Balayan, Batangas, where
he lived in seclusion and cared for his farm. Lopez passed away
on March 3, 1947.

1.4 SIXTO CASTELO LOPEZ ANCESTRAL HOUSE

The home of Don Sixto Lopez,
the Grand Old Man of Balayan,
is the oldest in the town. Like
many other historical homes in
the area, his home has large
windows that are framed by
capiz shells. Lopez is a part of
a wealthy, prominent family
with extensive stretches of
sugarcane farms in Batangas
(Balayan Batangas, 2016).
Don Sixto Lopez Ancestral House (Photo taken by team member)

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 Situational Analysis Sixto Castelo Lopez Ancestral House

BACKGROUND OF THE SITE

Accessibility of the Ancestral House (Photo taken by team member)

Street in front of the Ancestral House (Photo taken by team member)

The ancestral house is located at Don Sixto Lopez Street in Balayan, Batangas. Due to its size and
accessibility, the house is easily seen and noticed by passersby. Travellers can locate the house easily
as it is only a few minutes away from one of Balayan’s entrances. Although, there are no parking
spaces outside, the caretaker of the house, Mr. Ferdinand Cuenca, mentioned that the space inside
the property is sometimes used as a parking lot when there are events held in the location.

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 Situational Analysis Sixto Castelo Lopez Ancestral House

BACKGROUND OF THE SITE

Don Sixto Castelo Lopez's Historical Marker
(Photo taken by team member)
Clemencia Castelo Lopez's Historical Marker
(Photo taken by team member)
The house has two historical markers, one for
Don Sixto Castelo Lopez and her sister, Clemencia
Castelo Lopez who were both significant people in
the history of the Philippines. From the exterior of
the house, there are evident areas that need
improvement. Some parts of the large windows
that are framed by capiz shells are damaged as
well as some parts of the roof. The lights hanging
by the windows are also severely damaged. Some
of the wooden frames and windows located in the
lower area of the house have several cracks on it.
Consequently, when observed closely, the sides of
the metal door grills also have areas that are
impaired. When asked if the owners have plans to
renovate or restore the house, Mr. Ferdinand
discussed how there were ongoing repairs,
however, due to changes in the management, it is
now currently on pause. He also mentioned that,
when he was newly hired as a caretaker, he
initially wanted to fix some damages as he
formerly worked as a carpenter. When people
from tourism offices and museums heard about
his proposal, he was advised not to make any
changes without considering the materials used
and the authenticity of the house. Since the house
is predominantly made of wood, termite
extractions were done regularly before the
pandemic. But due to safety issues brought by the
pandemic, it was also momentarily discontinued.

Damaged roof and lights Impaired wooden window Slightly damaged metal door grills Broken capiz shells
(Photo taken by team member) (Photo taken by team member) (Photo taken by team member) (Photo taken by team member)

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 Situational Analysis Sixto Castelo Lopez Ancestral House

BACKGROUND OF THE SITE

Inside the Sixto Castelo Lopez Ancestral House (The Lopez Family History Balayan, Batangas, Philippines, 2017)

Bed in the Sixto Castelo Lopez Ancestral House Chairs in the Sixto Castelo Lopez Ancestral Spiral stairs in the Sixto Castelo Lopez
(The Lopez Family History Balayan, Batangas, House (The Lopez Family History Balayan, Ancestral House (The Lopez Family History
Philippines, 2017) Batangas, Philippines, 2017) Balayan, Batangas, Philippines, 2017)

For the interior of the house, Mr. Cuenca mentioned that most of Don Sixto’s furniture is still
inside such as chairs (around 14), oil lamps (langisan), and beds that he and Dr. Jose Rizal used,
candles, etc. The house allows visitors but can only accommodate 10 people at a time due to its
weakened foundation.

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 Situational Analysis Sixto Castelo Lopez Ancestral House

BACKGROUND OF THE SITE

LIMITATIONS
Upon conducting an initial site visit, the researchers identified the following potential limitations to
the study:
Since the site is privately owned by the Lopez of Balayan, Batangas Foundation, the researchers
faced challenges concerning entry restrictions. Without approval or permission from the
owners, visitors are restricted from entering the property. Furthermore, the caretaker finds it
uncomfortable to offer or provide the contact details of the owners, and suggests finding the
owners on social media instead. However, after reaching out to several members of the Lopez
family and the Lopez of Balayan, Batangas Foundation, the researchers were not able to secure
a permission or approval for entry due to lack of response.
A book called “Balayan Architectural Treasures” by Architect Ivan G. Bagang is one of the few
sources that includes the floor plan and a detailed explanation of the structure of the ancestral
house. Upon inquiry, the team discovered that the number of books currently available is
limited and expensive, and there are no virtual copies available for purchase.

Inside the Balayan Architectural Treasures book (The Lopez

Family History Balayan, Batangas, Philippines, 2017)

The Balayan Architectural Treasures book (The Lopez Family

Gate of the Sixto Castelo Lopez Ancestral House (Photo taken by team
History Balayan, Batangas, Philippines, 2017)
member)

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Situational Analysis Sixto Castelo Lopez Ancestral House

ASSESSMENT OF
HERITAGE MERITS

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 Situational Analysis Sixto Castelo Lopez Ancestral House

ASSESSMENT OF HERITAGE MERITS

The following are the heritage merits of Sixto Castelo Lopez Ancestral House in Balayan Batangas:

SYMBOL OF FILIPINO
RESISTANCE
This house represented how Filipinos resisted
and fought for the country during American
Colonization. It is a reminder of how the United
States of America made us bow under the threat
of water and fire in their so-called 'pacification
campaign' (Ramos, 2016). Sixto Castelo Lopez
was one of the most adamant people to not take
an oath of allegiance to the Americans, who has
significantly influenced other personalities, Sixto Castelo Lopez Clemencia Castelo Lopez
including the generals of Batangas. In addition,
to help Sixto regarding their brothers’
imprisonment, his sister, Clemencia Castelo
Lopez bravely went to the United States to meet
Theodore Roosevelt, as a representative of the
American Anti-Imperialist League in 1920. She
was one of the Founders of a Feminist
Association which dedicated to the promotion of
social welfare and the encouragement of
participation of women in public affairs (Buhay
Batangas, 2018).

SIGNIFICANCE TO FILIPINO CULTURE

It is an undeniable fact that the nation’s cultural heritage has a great influence on the Filipino
identity. They impart a sense of national pride that is important to keep us grounded amid the era of
globalization by exhibiting to the younger generations what makes us all Filipinos. It could be in the
field of literature, music, painting, sculpture, decorative arts, distinctive cuisine, and architecture, one
of which is the concept of “Bahay na Bato”. In general, the house represents how our country’s
traditional culture changed overtime. The Sixto Castelo Lopez Ancestral House depicts the wealthy
and socialite, as well as the middle and lower class lifestyles of the Filipinos in the past which can be
highlighted in the grand parties and feasts held in the house. Moreover, the furniture and
memorabilias in the house represents the religiousness, and value for traditions, as well as the
Filipino’s value for strong and close family ties, most noticeable on the size of the Lopez family’s
antique dining table.

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 Situational Analysis Sixto Castelo Lopez Ancestral House

ASSESSMENT OF HERITAGE MERITS

The following are the heritage merits of Sixto Castelo Lopez Ancestral House in Balayan Batangas:

PROMOTES FILIPINO ARCHITECTURAL IDENTITY

The Bahay na Bato was a combination of indigenous and medieval Spanish architecture that was
designed similarly to the native house Bahay Kubo which aims to withstand earthquakes and other
environmental situations in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period. As we continuously
adapt to the modern world, Bahay na Bato can now only be seen on remaining ancestral houses and
heritage sites across the country, one of them is the Lopez Ancestral House also known as Casa
Grande or “Big House”.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The two-story mansion is considered to be the oldest in Balayan, Batangas which was built in the
1850s and served as a home for Sixto Castelo Lopez, a patriot and propagandist during the Philippine
Revolution against Spain and the Filipino-American War, and his sister Clemencia, known to be the
first Filipina to enter the White House together with the Anti-Imperialist League and the founder of
Philippine Feminist Association in 1905. Due to their significant contribution to the Philippine
Revolution, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) has installed two markers on
the family’s house recognizing Lopez as a “supporter and friend” of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal and
the patriotism of his sibling, Clemencia. Moreover, Maria Corazon, a third-generation heir, stated that
the family is currently working to also have Mariano’s (the eldest sibling) contributions to the
Philippine Revolution recognized by the government.

The two surviving Lopez sisters during their final years taken at Juliana Lopez with best friend, Enchang... playing the piano at Casa
Casa Grande. (L-R: Enrique Solis-Lopez, Clemencia Lopez, Diego Grande. (Balayan, Batangas)
Olba-Lopez, Juliana Lopez-Manzano)

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Situational Analysis Sixto Castelo Lopez Ancestral House

DEFINING ISSUES/
SITUATIONAL
ANALYSIS (SWOT)

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 Situational Analysis Sixto Castelo Lopez Ancestral House

DEFINING ISSUES/SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS (SWOT)

STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES

Accessibility Termite infestation

Clean surroundings Damages from dilapidation
Close Proximity to the National Lack of adequate or appropriate
Capital Region presentation or interpretation of the
Near other historical attractions site
Historical background Entry restrictions
Lack of tourism activities

OPPORTUNITIES THREAT

Increase International Arrivals in Arts and Cultural Heritage looting

Balayan, Batangas Impacts of climate change
Generate investments for Natural disasters
conservation Abandonment / Mismanagement
Open learning opportunities about Development pressures
Filipino Culture Extinction
Promotes Heritage Tourism

Front of the gate and side of the Sixto Castelo Lopez Ancestral House (Photos taken by team member)

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 Situational Analysis Sixto Castelo Lopez Ancestral House

STRENGTHS
ACCESSIBILITY
The Sixto Castelo Lopez Ancestral House is located at Don Sixto Lopez Street, Barangay 6 in
Balayan, Batangas. The municipality of Balayan is accessible from all points via the Balayan Bay on the
southern side of the municipality (Municipality of Balayan Official Website, n.d.), and the site is
accessible through Palico-Balayan-Batangas Rd, a secondary asphalt road directly connecting the
municipality of Balayan to the national road (Google, n.d.). In addition, public transportation services
such as buses and jeepneys are available to reach the municipality of Balayan.

CLEAN SURROUNDINGS
Cleanliness can be observed around the vicinity of the site, suggesting that it is well maintained by
the caretaker, who has been knowledgeable in managing the site for almost 18 years. The
surrounding of the site is also appealing because of the presence of various plants, and no overgrown
grass.

CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION

The municipality of Balayan, where the Sixto Castelo Lopez Ancestral House is located is about 107
kilometers from Manila via Tagaytay Ridge and is about 48 kilometers from the capital of the province,
Batangas City (Municipality of Balayan Official Website, n.d.).

NEAR OTHER HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS

Balayan is a town with a long history and a rich cultural heritage. Since there are numerous national
heroes and significant figures in Philippine history that had resided in Balayan, Batangas, the remains
of their past lives still lives in the present with their ancestral homes. Among the historical sites near
the Sixto Castelo Lopez Ancestral House are the Balayan Church, Leo Martinez Ancestral House,
Ortega-Martinez Ancestral House, and other old houses with similar design as the ‘balay na bato’
architecture in Balayan (Arnaldo, 2011).

RICH HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The ancestral home has historical relevance due to Don Sixto Castelo Lopez's family persona and
background. As familiarity with historical and cultural objects is the strongest motivator for travel, its
historical value has a role in the growth of tourism in the area. The largest motivator for travel,
historical and cultural tourism can also encourage the expansion of resources for tourist engagement
(Ismagilova et al., 2015).

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 Situational Analysis Sixto Castelo Lopez Ancestral House

WEAKNESSESS

DAMAGES FROM DILAPIDATION

The Sixto Castelo Lopez Ancestral House, was built in 1812. As a result of its age, the structure of
the house, including its foundation and floors, has become weak over time. Based on the observation,
there are also obvious damages on the exterior of the ancestral house including the missing capiz
shells on the window panes, visible cracks on the large wooden frames and windows, and damages
on some parts of the roof and hanging antique light fixtures.

TERMITE INFESTATION
Although the ground floor of the two-story ancestral house was made of stone, the upper level was
predominantly made of wood, which makes the structure prone to termite infestation. Termite
extraction was regularly done in the past for the maintenance of the structure but was halted due to
the restrictions brought by the pandemic in 2020 (Cuenca, 2022).

Front view of the ancestral house (Photo taken by team member)

LACK OF ADEQUATE OR APPROPRIATE PRESENTATION OR

INTERPRETATION OF THE SITE
Presently, the Sixto Castelo Lopez Ancestral House was declared a National Historical Landmark, and
presently has two historical markers: for Sixto Catelo Lopez, and for Clemencia Castelo Lopez (War
and Dissent, n.d.). However, there is a lack of appropriate presentation or interpretation of the site’s
significance not just to the history of the municipality of Balayan, but also to the Philippines. Moreover,
information on Sixto Castelo Lopez Ancestral House is limited and not known to many, which may
result in a lack of understanding and appreciation of the culture and heritage of the site for both the
visitors and the local community. This lack of awareness can hinder or prevent the development of
public, political and governmental support and funding to protect and conserve the place (Brooks,
n.d.).

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 Situational Analysis Sixto Castelo Lopez Ancestral House

WEAKNESSESS

ENTRY RESTRICTIONS
The site is currently under the private ownership of the Lopez of Balayan, Batangas Foundation, a
non-government organization composed of the Lopez clan and aims to unite a family that bore
witness to the important events in Philippine History (War and Dissent, n.d.). Since the site is privately
owned, entry of visitors is strictly restricted unless approval of entry from the owners were granted
(Cuenca, 2022). Moreover, the Lopez family have been adamant on taking all the responsibility
concerning the ancestral house without any financial aid from any government agencies.

LACK OF TOURISM ACTIVITIES

Due to its entry restrictions and private ownership, the site is open to the public but only as a
museum that exhibits their old furniture and fixtures and for a limited number of visitors only.
According to Cuenca, the house is sometimes used to hold birthdays and death anniversaries but
only if it's hosted by the Lopez Family. Maria Corazon Lopez, a third-generation heir said that they
attempted many times to open the house to the public for tourism, but the house is already too old
and they had to secure its foundation, its floor, and to gather the funds for that (Cinco, 2018).

Damaged areas of the ancestral house (Photo taken by team member)

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 Situational Analysis Sixto Castelo Lopez Ancestral House

OPPORTUNITIES

INCREASE TOURIST ARRIVALS IN BALAYAN, BATANGAS

In December of 2009, an exhibit called “War & Dissent (The U.S. In The Philippines, 1898-1915), was
presented by the Lopez of Balayan, Batangas Foundation and in partnership with the National
Museum of the Philippines and Fundación Santiago, and was produced by the Presidio Trust, Presidio
of San Francisco, California, Golden Gate National Parks. The exhibit was held in the National Museum
of the Filipino People and was open to the public until March of 2010 (War and Dissent, n.d.). Events
such as the War & Dissent exhibit, the commemoration of Sixto Castelo Lopez’s death and birth, as
well as an exhibit displaying the antique furniture and memorabilias, could increase the tourist arrivals
in Balayan, Batangas.

GENERATE INVESTMENTS FOR CONSERVATION

In 2018, Maria Corazon Lopez, a third-generation heir, involved in the management of the site stated
they had planned to open the site to the public, but also considered the current state of the structure.
To push through with the said plan, she also mentioned that funds are needed for the conservation of
the site (Cinco, 2018). Since the site has a potential for cultural heritage tourism, there is also an
opportunity for the management to generate investments from other private organizations or with
the help of non-government organizations.

OPENS LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES ABOUT FILIPINO CULTURE

Since Lopez's ancestral house has the potential to serve as a museum again, it opens a learning
opportunity for people, especially for the young generations. It has the capacity to cultivate, learn and
appreciate more about our history and culture. Opening the house to the public with strict
measurements will inspire everyone to study, take an interest, develop and preserve our traditions,
beliefs, values, norms, and culture (Ramos, 2016).

PROMOTE HERITAGE TOURISM

In a research from Childs (2022), the site can have a positive impact on the local economy in addition
to promoting the active preservation and protection of significant local resources. Its history can also
help to improve the community's reputation and sense of pride, and it provides enjoyable
opportunities for both locals and tourists who are interested in the cultural arts, history, and
preservation. It can also encourage local investment in heritage resources and amenities that support
tourism services.

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 Situational Analysis Sixto Castelo Lopez Ancestral House

THREATS

ART AND CULTURAL HERITAGE LOOTING

Thousands of cases of missing or disappearing artifacts and antique weapons, paintings, accessories,
religious objects, and other antiquities that constitute the world’s archaeological and cultural heritage
have been recorded to be stolen or looted every year (Fannon, n.d.). Often illegal, antiquities trading
generates high economic value and high market demand (Shone and Fourneris, 2022). The Sixto
Castelo Lopez Ancestral House houses several antiquities, such as chairs, beds, oil lamps, and a piano,
which faces the threat of cultural heritage looting or theft.

IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE

Gradual changes in temperature, precipitation, atmospheric moisture, wind intensity, as well as rising
sea levels and changes in the pattern of occurrence of extreme events are some of the impacts of
climate change that have been affecting cultural heritage sites around the world. Moreover, some of
the factors that may significantly damage the ancestral house are corrosion of materials for both the
structure of the site and the collection of antiquities within the site, as well as the growth of
microorganisms that thrive on stone and wooden materials of the site (Sesana et al., 2021).

NATURAL DISASTERS
Cultural heritage is seriously threatened by natural calamities. It can occasionally suffer irreparable
damage from floods, earthquakes, fires, environmental exhaustion, or similar long-term climate
consequences, as well as total destruction of vast areas of cultural heritage, both movable and
immovable. On 12 January 2020, Taal Volcano in Batangas, Philippines erupted and spewed ash
across various parts of Luzon, including Calabarzon and Metro Manila. Balayan, Batangas in which the
site is located was also affected by the eruption.

DEVELOPMENT PRESSURES
The built environment and physical conditions of architectural heritage are an integral part of our
history, and are irreplaceable assets for any community and even the entire country. Its exposure to a
variety of risks makes them vulnerable to both natural and man-made hazards, which can have
catastrophic effects on architectural heritage. The structure and infrastructure the site has, which was
built centuries back has now become very vulnerable. In the current world, architectural heritage is
under danger due to the development process. In most cases, heritages are combined with
contemporary structures that face the ongoing threat of demolition (Chaudhary, 2018).

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 Situational Analysis Sixto Castelo Lopez Ancestral House

THREATS

EXTINCTION
According to reports, heritage homes in the Philippines are in danger of becoming extinct since new
successors often sell the ancient homes to others who want one in the region or remodel them to be
heritage resorts or other types of businesses. The demand for materials used to create ancestral
houses has drastically risen because so many people dream of building a home with an antique style
and environment (Guadiana, 2016).

ABANDONMENT / MISMANAGEMENT
Since the site is currently privately-owned by the family, there is a possibility of abandonment and/or
mismanagement due to certain circumstances such as conflict, migration of owner/s, etc. As per
Cuenca 2022, the family owns a lot of ancestral houses and other properties in the area which are
handled by different members of the family.

The Facade of Casa Grande (ca. late 1800's - early 1900's)

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Situational Analysis Sixto Castelo Lopez Ancestral House

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE
CONSERVATION
AND VISITOR
MANAGEMENT PLAN

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 Situational Analysis Sixto Castelo Lopez Ancestral House

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CONSERVATION AND VISITOR

MANAGEMENT PLAN

1. NATIONAL HISTORICAL COMMISSION OF THE PHILIPPINES

The heritage conservation plan is beneficial to the National Historical Commission of the Philippines as it
will serve as a reference in conducting research related to historical sites. On top of that, it also helps in
developing regulations in terms of restoration and conservation to properly retain the cultural value of the
ancestral house and producing collateral to help raise awareness about the history and current condition of
the site.

2. PRIVATE STAKEHOLDERS
The heritage conservation plan is beneficial to the National Historical Commission of the Philippines as it
will serve as a reference in conducting research related to historical sites. On top of that, it also helps in
developing regulations in terms of restoration and conservation to properly retain the cultural value of the
ancestral house and producing collateral to help raise awareness about the history and current condition of
the site.

3. TOURISM EDUCATORS
This study helps tourism educators by providing in-depth information regarding the history of the
ancestral house and its current situation. With this, tourism educators will have a reference in promoting the
site, sharing knowledge to the tourism industry, and empowering the local community.

4. TOURISM STUDENTS
This study provides the tourism students an insight on the challenges in preserving a cultural heritage that
includes natural occurrences, environmental factors, social circumstances, and human interventions.
Moreover, the tourism students will also have an overview on how to properly manage and preserve cultural
heritage sites.

5. FUTURE RESEARCHERS
This study serves as a guide for future researchers in performing additional research on
the Lopez ancestral house. Additionally, the study acts as a basis for future researchers in
creating a historic conservation strategy that will be of use to the NHCP, private
stakeholders, tourism educators and students, in widening their knowledge about the
importance of preserving cultural heritage sites.

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Situational Analysis Sixto Castelo Lopez Ancestral House

REFERENCES

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REFERENCES
Arnaldo. (2011, October 19). The Balay in Balayan. With One’s Past. https://withonespast.com/2011/10/19/the-
balay-in-balayan/.

Balayan Batangas (2016, April 10) The oldest house in Balayan is that of Don Sixto Lopez, the Grand Old Man of
Balayan [facebook post]. https://www.facebook.com/1469707190000406/photos/the-oldest-house-in-balayan-
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 Situational Analysis Sixto Castelo Lopez Ancestral House

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