BALABAC BASTION: DESIGNING A

MULTI-FUNCTIONAL NAVAL TRAINING

FACILITY AND FORWARD OPERATING
BASE FOR ENHANCED DEFENSE AND
DETERRENCE IN THE DISPUTED
SPRATLY
Presentation ISLANDS
by De Chavez, Michael Angelo

ARCH 4B UNIVERSITY OF BATANGAS

INTRODUCTION In recent years, the South China Sea has become a hotspot of conflict
due to its strategic military and trade significance, along with disputes over
resources like oil reserves. Its intricate geopolitics demand a comprehensive
approach to security. Balabac Bastion, beyond being a naval training center,
BACKGROUND
stands as a symbol of strength and deterrence in a region where military
readiness treads the line between peacekeeping and brinkmanship. The facility
represents more than training it embodies a nation's aspirations for stability,
PROBLEM serving as a sentinel against instability and a platform for regional
collaboration. This study delves into the sea's complexities, the rationale for
Bastion's location, its architectural design, and the nuanced aspects of defense
and deterrence, aiming for a future where security thrives through preparedness
THEOROTICAL rather than conflict.
FRAMEWORK

METHODOLOGY

DE CHAVEZ, MICHAEL ANGELO, C. | ARCH-4B| UNIVERSITY OF BATANGAS

INTRODUCTION

The Philippines grapples with complex geopolitical disputes in the South

BACKGROUND China Sea, marked by territorial conflicts, maritime tensions, and competing
claims over resources and shipping routes, notably centered around the
Spratly Islands. These disputes often escalate into diplomatic tension and
military standoffs, impacting Philippine fishermen and leading to encounters
PROBLEM with Chinese naval vessels. These interactions, justified by territorial claims,
emphasize the need for a stronger defense posture in the South China Sea,
crucial not only for the safety of Filipino fishermen but also for safeguarding
THEOROTICAL national sovereignty.
FRAMEWORK

METHODOLOGY

DE CHAVEZ, MICHAEL ANGELO, C. | ARCH-4B| UNIVERSITY OF BATANGAS

INTRODUCTION
This thesis addresses the complex challenges
faced by the Philippines in the contentious
BACKGROUND South China Sea. One of the central issues is
the recurring and often adversarial interactions
between Filipino fishermen and Chinese naval
vessels in disputed waters. This situation
PROBLEM highlights various critical problems, including
sovereignty disputes, safety risks, diplomatic
strains, national security concerns, and the lack
of naval training and deterrence facilities in the
THEOROTICAL
Philippines.
FRAMEWORK

METHODOLOGY

DE CHAVEZ, MICHAEL ANGELO, C. | ARCH-4B| UNIVERSITY OF BATANGAS

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OVERVIEW PROPONENTS

Research involving site selection, Centered around the need to establish a

PROBLEM interdisciplinary studies, and architectural naval training facility in the South China
design. Focusing on security, defense, Sea due to ongoing maritime conflicts,
infrastructure, and community engagement, it territorial disputes, strategic significance,
aims to align with national security, regional
and limitations in the existing naval
THEOROTICAL stability, and environmental responsibility,
infrastructure.
contributing to a nuanced understanding of
FRAMEWORK defense within a sensitive geopolitical context.

METHODOLOGY

DE CHAVEZ, MICHAEL ANGELO, C. | ARCH-4B| UNIVERSITY OF BATANGAS

INTRODUCTION Involves a systematic approach to gathering and analyzing
QUANTITATIVE data to address research objectives. It includes methods like
METHOD surveys, quantitative questionnaires, and secondary data collection
from various sources, aiming to assess the effectiveness of the
proposed naval facility in the Spratly Islands. Statistical analysis
BACKGROUND
techniques will be applied to measure aspects such as
infrastructure suitability, technology integration, security
measures, and local community compatibility.

PROBLEM
Comprises in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and
site visits. These qualitative approaches aim to gather nuanced
QUALITATIVE insights into the complex geopolitical context, community
THEOROTICAL METHOD perceptions, and strategic considerations surrounding the proposed
FRAMEWORK naval facility. It seeks to understand subjective aspects, such as local
sentiments, diplomatic tensions, and cultural implications, providing
a deeper understanding beyond numerical data.
METHODOLOGY

DE CHAVEZ, MICHAEL ANGELO, C. | ARCH-4B| UNIVERSITY OF BATANGAS

 The Balabac Bastion represents a critical solution for enhanced
defense in the Spratly Islands, serving beyond a naval training
center. It symbolizes regional stability, fostering collaboration
CONCLUSION amidst complex geopolitics. By addressing diverse aspects
comprehensively, integrating data and insights, this project
embodies a vision for a secure future through preparedness and
collaboration rather than conflict, contributing to global
stability.

DE CHAVEZ, MICHAEL ANGELO, C. | ARCH-4B | UNIVERSITY OF BATANGAS

 REFERENCES

REFERENCES 1
(Wilson and Lamb, 2012). Readiness for Future Development in Naval
Technology
REFERENCES 2
(Benford, 2008; Serpe and De Benedetto, 2015) Naval Architecture for
Non-Naval Architects.

DE CHAVEZ, MICHAEL ANGELO, C. | ARCH-4B | UNIVERSITY OF BATANGAS

 THANK YOU
Presentation by De Chavez, Michael

ARCH-4B UNIVERSITY OF BATANGAS