Republic of the Philippines

SORSOGON STATE UNIVERSITY

Sorsogon City Campus
Engineering-Architecture Department
Sorsogon City

Bachelor of Science in Architecture

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 5

A RESEARCH PAPER

Preserving Heritage: Cultural Significance and

Architectural Renovation of the Alindogan Ancestral
House in Juban, Sorsogon

Prepared by:
BS Architecture 3A

Submitted to:
Instructor

In partial fulfillment of the requirements in HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE 5

First Semester, A. Y. 2021-2022

A. HISTORY OF THE STRUCTURE

ALINDOGAN ANCESTRAL HOUSE
Juban, Sorsogon
 Juban, a municipality nestled in the province of Sorsogon in the Philippines, is a
place steeped in history and rich in cultural heritage. Its story is one that reflects the
broader history of the Philippines, from pre-colonial times to the present day. The
history of Juban dates to pre-colonial times when it was inhabited by indigenous
communities. During this colonial era, Juban emerged as a hub of Spanish colonial
administration, reflecting the town's importance in the broader colonial context. It
became a center where Spanish authorities established their presence and exerted
control over the local population.
One of the living testaments to the region's historical and architectural heritage is
the presence of the Alindogan Ancestral House along the South Luzon Maharlika
Highway in the municipality of Juban, Sorsogon. This ancestral house offers a glimpse
into the past and the rich history of the area. The Alindogan Ancestral House was built
in the early 1900s by Don Juan Alindogan, a wealthy merchant and landowner. It is a
two-story structure made of wood and stone. One of this house's most notable features
is its dedication to preserve the aesthetics and craftsmanship of the Spanish era. The
pre-Spanish windows, which are embellished with Capiz shells, as well as the use of
solid hardwood materials, demonstrate the exquisite design sensitivities of the time.
These aspects transport visitors back in time to a time when painstaking craftsmanship
and attention to detail were essential in building construction.
The "bahay na bato" or "casa Filipino" architectural style reflects the spirit of
Filipino tradition through its use of solid hardwoods and stones. These materials not
only last, but they also have a distinct sense of permanence. These mansions are more
than simply physical structures; they are the living embodiment of history, a link
between the past and the present.
The Alindogan Ancestral House, along with other historical sites in Juban, serves
as a window into the town's past, preserving the memory of its resilience and the
enduring spirit of its people. These sites are invaluable not only for the local community
but also for visitors and historians seeking to connect with and learn from Juban's rich
and diverse history. They offer a glimpse into the complex tapestry of events that have
shaped Juban over the centuries, making it a place where history comes alive and
where the past continues to inspire the present and the future.
However, The Alindogan Ancestral House is currently a private residence and
does not welcome visitors, unlike the other ancestral houses around the municipality.
The owner subsequently handed it over to the caretaker, a native from Juban,
Sorsogon, who lives nearby. The ground floor of the building was rented out and
utilized as a business space by locals, while the second floor is inaccessible to the
public. While it holds a significant place in Juban's history and cultural heritage, its
status as a private residence means that it may not be accessible to the public or
visitors seeking to explore its historical treasures.
While this may be disappointing for those interested in discovering the house's
history and artifacts, it's important to respect the wishes and privacy of the property
owners. Heritage preservation often involves delicate considerations, including the
preferences of those who maintain these historic sites.
Nonetheless, the Alindogan Ancestral House, even in its private state, remains an
important symbol of Juban's history. Its presence serves as a reminder of the need to
balance the preservation of heritage with the rights and preferences of property
owners. Although it may not be open to the public, its significance and role in the
town's past continue to be recognized and acknowledged.

B. OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

This study is intended to address the protection, recording, and promotion of the
legacy embodied by the Alindogan Ancestral House in a comprehensive manner. These
goals underline the need of identifying and protecting this historical landmark's cultural
and architectural value. By pursuing these goals, the researchers hope to make a
significant contribution to the preservation and appreciation of the rich legacy
represented by the Alindogan Ancestral House, ensuring that it remains a source of
pride and inspiration for the community and future generations. The researchers
specifically aim to accomplish the following:
  To develop a detailed renovation plan that outlines the architectural changes,
preservation measures, and design considerations while respecting the historical
and cultural value of the house.
 To ensure that all renovation activities comply with local heritage preservation
regulations and requirements.
 To explore the potential for the renovated Alindogan Ancestral House to become
a heritage tourism site, contributing to the local economy and promoting cultural
awareness.
 To assess the impact of the renovation on the local community and make
recommendations for any necessary adjustments or improvements.
 To ensure that the renovation work aligns with heritage conservation principles,
preserving and restoring architectural features.
C. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The Alindogan Ancestral House is a valuable historical and cultural landmark in

Juban, Sorsogon. The study's significance lies in its contribution to the preservation of
this heritage, ensuring that the house continues to serve as a living testament to the
town's history and cultural identity. It stands as a project of profound significance.
Beyond the physical restoration of a historic structure, this endeavor symbolizes a
commitment to safeguarding the town's heritage and celebrating its cultural and
architectural legacy. Particularly, this study will be beneficial to the following:

 The Researchers, the researchers can gain insights into heritage preservation
techniques and methods by observing how the renovation project aims to restore
and protect the original architectural elements of the house. This can provide
valuable historical context for researchers to understand the social, cultural, and
historical factors that influenced architectural choices in the past.
 Local Community, the renovation project can instill a sense of pride and
identity among the people of Juban. It serves as a reminder of their town's
history and the contributions of their ancestors to the community. It ensures that
 the town's rich history is not forgotten and can be passed down to future
generations, fostering a sense of identity and pride among the locals.
 Tourists, tourists visiting Juban can explore and enjoy the town's rich history
and culture by visiting the renovated ancestral house, which enhances their
vacation experiences.
 Educational Institutions, the renovated ancestral house can be used as an
educational resource by schools and educational institutions, providing students
with hands-on learning opportunities and increasing cultural and historical
awareness.
 Artisans and Craftsmen, may be able to participate to the renovation project
and demonstrate their historical restoration and traditional craftsmanship
abilities.

D. DOCUMENTATION
References:
NA. (NA). Juban History Gallery. https://www.jubansorsogon.com.ph/about-us/history/

Guerrero, P. (2019). Historical Analysis on Ancestral Houses: Heritage Tourism of Juban.

https://ojs.aaresearchindex.com/index.php/AAJMRA/article/view/10464

Layug. B. (2023). The Ancestral Houses of Juban (Sorsogon).

http://benjielayug.com/2023/03/the-ancestral-houses-of-juban-sorsogon.html

Malajito, Y. (2018). ‘Bahay na bato’ structures in Sorsogon face demolition threats.

https://nolisoli.ph/52940/juban-sorsogon-ymalajito-20181128/