Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology

Cabanatuan City

COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE
S.Y. 2022 - 2023

Urban Design Proposals:

Municipality of San Ildefonso, Bulacan

Submitted by:

Mika Angela Ramirez

BS Architecture 4 - A

Submitted to:

Ar. Analiza Gattoc

November 2022
 I. Introduction of the Design Problem

Administrative Map

(Municipality of San Ildefonso, Bulacan map. Source: San Ildefonso City Hall)

Brief Description

San Ildefonso is a landlocked municipality in the province of Bulacan. It has

a total land area of 16,281 hectares and is subdivided into 36 barangays with a total
population of 104,471 according to the 2015 census.

The municipality’s major industries include agriculture and manufacturing,

while bakeries, sweet preserves, rice, high value crops, and marbles are among its
major products.
Historical Data

San Ildefonso was formerly known as “bulak”— because of “kapok” trees’

(bulak in vernacular) abundance on the hill where the town proper is now situated,
long before the arrival of Spaniards in the Philippines. Bulak was then a barrio of
San Rafael, Bulacan with only about 3,000 inhabitants from neighboring towns who
settled there due to its good agricultural prospect.

Bulak was changed to Hacienda San Juan de Dios when the Spaniards arrived
as its 15,500 hectares of farming grounds was claimed by the friars. Although
antagonistic to the Filipinos, the Spanish friars couldn’t help but to admire the beauty
of the town which led them to change its name again to Hacienda Buenavista which
translates to “beautiful scenery”.

As the population grew, a chapel was then constructed under the parochial
jurisdiction of San Rafael and father Juan Dela Rosa was held as its first Filipino
priest in 1809. He was responsible for the name San Ildefonso in honor of Alfonso
XII, then the King of Spain and San Ildefonso, its patron saint. By the time this name
was given, a tribunal was created to finally make the barrio into a town. However,
during periods 1905-1906 it was merged to San Miguel, Bulacan and became a barrio
once again due to its financial incapability to operate a local government unit and low
income. Nonetheless, the population grew more as years passed which promoted
increase of income. Thus, meeting the expenditure demands and since then, became
an independent town.

II. Imaging of the Municipality

Poblacion is the town proper of San Ildefonso, thus it is where major

infrastructures, economic and leisure activities, and other essential services are
located. This includes groceries, shopping center, church, plaza, health facilities,
government facilities, schools, etc.

Pinaod, one of the town’s barangay, is currently growing economically as

more establishments, specifically commercial, are being constructed in the area. It
also hosts some minor events and leisure activities in the plaza where even residents
from neighboring barangays attend.

In addition, Gabihan, also known as “centro” as it is located centrally around

town, is also growing in terms of economy and population. More businesses and
livelihood opportunities such as agriculture and trucking related led individuals from
different parts of the country to try their luck and work in the barangay.

The above cited barangays are among the critical areas of the city that
necessarily need further development. They have the market potential to promote the
municipality’s economy, tourism, and quality of life. However, it is still lacking in
many aspects such as proper planning, pedestrianization, appealing public gathering
areas, and safe walkable neighborhoods.

Below are a few images that must be addressed and improved not only within
the three barangays but also to the city as a whole.

(Major road adjacent to plaza. Source: Google Maps)

The image clearly shows that it needs improvement in terms of safety as there
is no clear separation between the pedestrian and vehicles. Also, space allocation for
food stalls must be provided so that it doesn’t block the sidewalk.
 (Major road adjacent to the main commercial center. Source: Google Maps)

From the image shown, the risk of cycling is high as there are no bike lanes,
thus, making it unsafe for the bikers. Hence, it needs to promote active transport by
providing lanes for different uses.

(Monument beside the town proper’s plaza. Source: Google Maps)

This monument located beside the town proper’s plaza is blocked by food
stalls, and lacks identity and amenities, therefore making it unappealing to the crowd
and doesn’t pull tourists over.

(A highschool (left) and a municipality hall (right). Source: Google Maps)

It needs proper parking spaces and a tricycle terminal as the vehicles block the
narrow road. And again, the sidewalks must be improved as it is a populous area.
 (Public market. Source: Google Maps)

The public market lacks proper terminal and stall spaces for vendors which
frequently causes traffic. Facilitation of natural light and air, and building appearance
should also be taken into account. Another thing that must be developed here is the
separation of pedestrian and vehicular movement as it is also a populous area.

(Tricycle lane in between commercial spaces. Source: Google Maps)

Again, tricycle terminals must be provided in a proper location as it doesn’t

only block the driveway in a congested road but is also unsafe for pedestrians.
Moreover, it isn’t pleasing to the eyes.

(Pinaod plaza. Source: Google Maps)

 Provision of segregation bins is highly needed in this area. A lot of
developments must also be made since there is no distinct barrier between the road
and the plaza which makes it unsafe. Green spaces must be added and electric posts
must be minimized and placed accordingly. Amenities should also be added to be able
to fully engage the public.

(Pinaod plaza. Source: Google Maps)

Provision of green areas and amenities should be provided in this area.

Distinct separation of pedestrian and vehicles, comfortable sidewalk for cycling and
walking, barrier between the residential area and a more pleasing performing stage,
and an axis are among the transformations this plaza needs.

(Gabihan plaza. Source: Google Maps)

The image shows that the plaza really needs significant development such as
entry and exit points, stage, green areas, amenities, pedestrian and vehicular
separation, and partition from the road are among the major enhancements it must
undergo.
 (Gabihan plaza. Source: Google Maps)

Another thing that should be addressed in the plaza is the indirect separation
between it and the church since the plaza can be noisy and the church must be
solemn. Also, an attraction, such as a monument or a water feature, must be provided
in a way that it will create an axis along it and the church.

Permeability Analysis

(Analysis within the bounds of the town proper)

III. Issues and Challenges in the Municipality

The issues present within the three critical areas are also the common issues
that are present within the vicinity of the municipality. Thus, pertaining to the
presented images, it is evident that San Ildefonso needs a lot of improvement and
spatial developments to be able to maximize the potential that it possesses currently.

Firstly, from the sum of the observations gathered, the urban design impact of
the municipality is very poor. Though it can provide the necessities, it cannot attract
the public because of the absence of engaging amenities, sight, and leisure places.
From the unappealing appearance of plazas and establishments to improper situations
of certain spaces that’s causing inconvenience to the users. These challenges are a
hindrance into the urban design betterment of the municipality.

The most common issue being encountered in the city is the inadequate
provision of public sidewalks and bike lanes. And if there are any, it is either blocked
by vehicles and stalls, or is narrow enough to be comfortable to walk to. Thus,
making pedestrians use motorized vehicles more than encourage them to utilize active
transport, and also makes it unfriendly to differently abled persons. Furthermore,
public spaces aren’t well planned and integration of elements that will draw public
attention and make them want to go back and be there is missing.

The urban economy of San Ildefonso isn’t quite a big challenge as it is

capable of providing essential services to its citizens. This includes educational
facilities, public transport, government services, and crime/security and fire fighting
facilities. On the other hand, the municipality has quite some issues with the density
of its settlements and commercial buildings being unproportional with the desired
capacity of particular areas it is situated. This results in some parts being too
congested which causes traffic whether vehicular or pedestrian. Thus, creating
difficult access within the neighborhood and lowering the quality of urban living.

Among the significant issues here is the preservation of cultural and

architectural heritage. The governing bodies seem to care less about the cultural
fabric of the municipality. From what I have observed when I sometimes travel
around town, the scarcity of preserved heritage sites is high, it's actually close to
none. Even the old church was altered, ignoring its historical value, and taking away
its identity.

These issues and challenges are faced mostly by the denser barangays. This is
why the three critical areas— Poblacion, Pinaod, and Gabihan, are the selected
prospects of development proposal as these barangays have the qualifications, which
was discussed in the second part, of enhancing the quality of living and public
engagement in San Ildefonso.

IV. Proposals

Poblacion
Blow-up of Areas
Pinaod

Blow-up of Areas
Gabihan
Blow-up of Areas

General Discussion of Proposals

The proposals aim to implement a better quality of neighborhood within the

three critical areas selected. Among the proposed improvements are, first, an ample
width of sidewalk/path that is generally accessible for pedestrian and cycling use.
Next is the proper utilization of open spaces such as allotting various amenities to
engage people. Furthermore, incorporating visually pleasing elements to attract and
become landmarks of the town. This also aims to integrate the city within the
metropolitan structure through serving as the main gathering areas around its
neighboring barangay, thus, making these areas the center of the town.

Existing structures are carefully considered in planning the proposed

improvements of plazas. The pre-built churches in the two areas were utilized to
create an axis where fountains and monuments are built. Also, the residential areas
are strategically separated within the public to provide the privacy they require. As
per the accessibility, the pathwalks are designed to cater various user groups, and
assembly/gathering areas are of enough width to accommodate large groups and
regular events. Also, the micro areas are planned in such a way that users can access
them conveniently. Moreover, with the provision of wider sidewalks, traffic would
also improve as it can be a drop off point of public transport vehicles without
blocking the driving lanes. It would also be a great way to introduce a new way of
mobility in these areas, which is active transportation, since it is not common as there
was no pedestrianization utilized in the city.

The selection of proper materials will aid in reducing the urban heat island
and control the storm and wastewater issues. Instead of using concrete, pavers were
utilized to avoid the heat being trapped on the ground which then releases hot gas that
causes urban heating. It also promotes absorption of excess water which controls
water-related issues. The plazas were elevated and can be accessed through a sloping
manner, this strategy will reduce the possibility of flooding and also lead the water
run-off directly through the sewers.

Green spaces were inspired by the shape of the kapok or bulak tree’s fruit
which is abundant and was the former name of the town. This is utilized to create a
character and identity in the plazas. Open spaces were provided with various
amenities inspired by the concept of 10+ reasons why people would go to a place.

In planning the proposed areas, safety and security is also considered. To

avoid undesirable activities, there were no enclosed and other malicious acts inviting
spaces built on the plazas. Additionally, it is also strategic that the selected areas were
adjacent to church, police station, and barangay hall. Clear separation of vehicular
and pedestrian movements are considered to provide safety to the users as well.

To provide livelihood opportunities and help in the economic matters of the

municipality, an area for food stalls and multi-purpose large open spaces were
provided to hold community business activities such as bazaar, night market,
profitable events, and the like.
 Another significant element considered in designing the proposals were
cultural fabric and heritage of the municipality. Instead of renovating, the concept was
to blend with the existing structures and design according to its context. This gives a
more distinct character to the town and preserves its heritage.
References

Google. (n.d.). Poblacion, San Ildefonso, Bulacan. Retrieved November 12, 2022,
from
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Poblacion,+San+Ildefonso,+Bulacan/@1
5.0796955,120.9385727,15z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x3397030380f707
8b:0xef00eb455e3c92d8!8m2!3d15.0809116!4d120.9489091!16s%2Fg%2F1
1f0wm_qqt

Google. (n.d.). Pinaod, San Ildefonso, Bulacan. Retrieved November 12, 2022, from
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Pinaod,+San+Ildefonso,+Bulacan/@15.0
849838,120.9554079,14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x3397036921843fd5:
0xf73cca0c33d4fd45!8m2!3d15.0863288!4d120.9732917!16s%2Fg%2F11fy
xddnk7

Google. (n.d.). Gabihan, San Ildefonso, Bulacan. Retrieved November 12, 2022, from
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Gabihan,+San+Ildefonso,+Bulacan/@15.
0598222,120.9862938,14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x33970463c236405
7:0x2b02e5040fe4f752!8m2!3d15.0564678!4d121.0163079!16s%2Fg%2F11f
0wl69vs

San Ildefonso – Provincial Government of Bulacan. (n.d.).

https://bulacan.gov.ph/cities-and-municipalities/san-ildefonso/

Drive link for proposals image (.jpg) file:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/19SZQlrjpzFe2c2OHvUkyP4PFmwSZ4IUm?u

sp=share_link