Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Bohol, which is one of the many islands of the Philippines, boasts a unique place
in this culturally-rich country. Located in the Central Visayas region, Bohol is renowned
for its remarkable natural beauty, cultural legacy, and historical significance. Located
approximately 21 kilometers (13 miles) away from Tagbilaran City is Maribojoc, a town
blessed with history and culture.

Maribojoc has a rich historical legacy that finds its origins in the pre-colonial period
of the Philippines wherein indigenous populations thrived in the region. The Spanish
colonial era, which spanned a considerable duration, is a critical phase in the town's
history marked by culture, governance, and religion. The arrival of the Spanish colonizers
in the 16th century had a persisting impact on Maribojoc's cultural and architectural
landscape, leaving behind an excess of historical monuments, such as the Punta Cruz
Watchtower, that bear testimony to the town's colonial past.

Located a few kilometers west of Maribojoc, is the most westerly point of Bohol
island. The Spaniards finished a fort here in 1796 as part of their defense system against
the pirate raiders from the south. The fort named Castillo de San Vicente was built in the
shape of a perfect isosceles triangle – the only structure so formed in the country. The
tower was blessed in honor of Saint Vincent Ferrer, the town's patron saint, and has since
been cherished with the holy way crucis devotion. Over the ramparts rises a short
hexagonal tower. With the inscriptions over the entrance (Castillo de Nuestro Señor San
Vicente y Nuestro Señor Santa Cruz) and Spanish coats-of-arms on the walls are
highlighted by reddish earth tint. This significant structure stands as a testament to the
area's cultural heritage and historical importance.
 The study aims to provide valuable knowledge and resources to community
leaders, environmental activists, and the public at large, with the goal of safeguarding this
iconic watchtower for generations to come. The tower serves as a testament to the area's
storied past and represents a source of pride and a symbol of heritage preservation. The
preservation of the Punta Cruz Watchtower is not only an architectural necessity but also
a cultural imperative. Understanding the value of this watchtower can benefit historical
preservation and tourism by raising awareness of local history and identity.

As a symbol of colonial power, the watchtower has had a significant impact on the
local community, and it's important to ensure its long-term survival through maintenance
and conservation efforts. Historical records and documents provide further insights into
its past and how it may have influenced the development of local culture and traditions.

1.2 Background of the Study

Documentation creates a historical record of events, actions, and changes, which

can be valuable for historical analysis and learning from past experiences. The Punta
Cruz Watchtower in Maribojoc faces a series of critical challenges that need to be
addressed for its preservation and sustainable utilization. These challenges include
structural deterioration, inadequate maintenance, limited funding for restoration, and the
need to balance tourism development with heritage conservation. Furthermore, the
vulnerability of the watchtower to natural disasters, such as earthquakes and typhoons,
poses a significant risk to its long-term survival.

This study seeks to compile historical data about the Punta Cruz watchtower and
assess its current structural condition. Researchers believed that there is a pressing
necessity for a technical documentation of the tower, as it holds significant value for
historians, preservationists, and individuals intrigued by the history and architectural
aspects of the Punta Cruz Watchtower.
1.3 Objectives of the Study

The study aims to:

To gather information that can help us understand the importance of the Punta
Cruz Watchtower, including both physical and non-physical sources of evidence. This
includes gathering information about the watchtower's history, construction, purpose, and
use.

To create a comprehensive record of the watchtower's current state and its

physical dimensions

To provide technical plans and a 3D model. This will involve inspecting the
watchtower's structure, identifying any areas of deterioration, and measuring the severity
of the damage.

To compile a research book that provides the essential information about the Punta
Cruz Watchtower, which can be used as a foundation for developing future preservation
plans.

To share information with the public about the importance of preserving historical
landmarks, such as the Punta Cruz Watchtower, which represent our cultural heritage
and embody the beauty of the old.

1.4 Significance of the Study

The researchers assert that the study would be essential to the student,
instructors, residents of Maribojoc, local government, tourists, Boholanos, and to the
future researchers. To students and instructors, this research may help them gather data
and will serve as a guide for future researches in accordance to technical heritage
documentation. To the residents of Maribojoc, this research may encourage them to
promote their own cultural heritage and architecture. To the local government, this
research may help the officials to conduct actions and build solutions on the preservation
of the Punta Cruz Watchtower. To the tourists, this study may serve as an engagement
to the visiting tourist and serve as a platform to know about the significance and
importance of the cultural heritage. To the Boholanos, this research may help them
appreciate the importance of the cultural heritage and will serve them as a guide for
cultural awareness. To the future researchers, this research may serve as a reference in
gathering information corresponding to related researches, and enhance the scope of the
study in investigating other information and other functional data.

1.5 Scope and Limitations

This study aims to create a comprehensive technical documentation of the Punta

Cruz Watchtower, following current professional standards. The study will focus on the
watchtower's current condition, historical significance, and construction methods. This will
include documenting the watchtower's physical features, present condition, history, and
technical mapping of building materials and deterioration.

The study may not be able to include recommendations for all aspects of the
watchtower's preservation, such as the long-term management of the site.