CHARL
DARAPISA
Landscape Architect
Biodiversity Conservationist
Scholar
FIELDWORK
Thesis Title:
“Guraan, Kaingin, at Gulang
(Village, Swidden Farms, and Virgin Forests):
Discovering the Landscape Identity of the Mangyan Iraya Tribe through Ethnographic Study and Social Learning”
Adviser: Professor Junsuk Kang, PhD / Professor Kim Sung-kyun, PhD
A 215-page thesis submitted in partial-fulfilment of the requirements for
Master's degree in Landscape Architecture at Department of Landscape Architecture, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University
Abstract:
The persistence of 134 ethnic groups in the Philippines contributes to characters in the landscape that are immensely unique. However, with this many ethnic groups and only a handful of researchers on vernacular landscapes, an extensive and well-defined understanding of Philippine cultural landscape remains vague and scant. To ameliorate, this research argues that a comprehensive landscape-scale approach in discovering the landscape identity of the vernacular landscape of the Mangyan Iraya tribe is rational. The study adopts the Deliberative Value Formation (DVF) model that utilizes social learning processes to uncover complex, intangible and often interrelated systems thinking of the human sphere. To apply the model and advance innovative research tools in an ethnographic study, the researcher performed three social learning processes: community participatory mapping, visual resource mapping, and supervised sketching. Results show that the landscape identity of the Mangyan Iraya’s vernacular landscape are shaped by strict obedience to the rules and belief systems for Apo Iraya, the tribe’s superior God. This shared-meaning system is tangibly and intangibly embedded in guraan (residential houses), kaingin (a traditional Indigenous farming system), and gulod (the combined forest and mountain landscape) of the tribe’s vernacular landscape. Results of the analysis are summarized to three interpretations, namely ‘code of the laws of nature and the harmony of man and nature, the triadic relationships that conceive the present vernacular landscape, and the perceptual and visual ‘truths’ in the landscape. Discovering the landscape identities of the Mangyan Iraya tribe enables a methodological and innovative pilot study on Philippine vernacular landscape informed by social learning, plural traditional knowledge, and Indigenous belief systems. This study establishes a particularly important stage in Philippine vernacular landscape literature that may invite similar conceptualizations of how other vernacular landscapes are formed in the country.
Keywords: Deliberative Value Formation model, community participatory mapping, tangible and intangible heritage, Indigenous knowledge
Sitio Kuli-kuli, Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines
Sitio Calomintao, Sta. Cruz, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines
Thesis Defense Day, June 10, 2020
PRESENTATION DRAWINGS
Site Development Plan / Site Analysis / Application
of the Proposed Landscape Health Assessment Index
Soundscape Planning / Section-Elevations /
Ecological Infrastructure Studies
Thesis Title:
“Indayog sa Musika ng Kalikasan
(To the Rhythm of Nature’s Music): Preservation of Natural Soundscape Using Mimetic Biophony and Revitalization of Kawit, Cavite’s Wetland Areas as Vital Component of Adaptive Ecological Infrastructure
Adviser: Professor Zenaida Galingan / Professor Vic Dul-loog
A 316-page thesis submitted in partial-fulfilment of the requirements for
Bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture at the Landscape Architecture programme, College of Architecture, University of the Philippines - Diliman
Abstract:
It is very evident that noise pollution can adversely affect humans in various ways, but recent studies also concluded that it can also conjure negative effects and detrimental changes to animals in many biological ways. This is critical because sounds, although cannot be seen and only heard, play a vivacious role in numerous ecological processes like animal’s communication, the establishment of territory, predator invasion and protection and nourishment of young animals. This research study takes a scientific and mathematical approach to measuring landscape health using animal calls and sounds that are found in nature. It specifically taps to the potential of creating a landscape design that masks the noises made by humans to preserve the natural soundscape via strategic use of different ecological and landscape architecture elements, spatial planning strategies and state-of-the-art landscape designs. Specifically, the proposed wetland park includes an outdoor recreational area for bird watching, canoeing and different nature trails that highly stimulate the awareness, appreciation and passion for nature of the visitors and residents living nearby. The park also serves as the scientific field for students to learn more about ecological processes and the innate vitalities of our nature in various fields of research and knowledge. Thus, the park encourages public education in the context of a wetland eco-park. The wetlands are also envisioned to be sustainably converted into a new eco-park that highlights not only a visual experience but also auditory means of enjoying nature’s music. This thesis study specifically focuses more on the study of different bird species in a wetland ecosystem and their biophonic sounds. Since the proposal aims to reduce and completely mask the present anthrophony of the area, the newly[1]rejuvenated wildlife grounds invite more birds and wildlife that will make the area in perfect harmony with nature’s orchestra.
Keywords: soundscape planning, biophony, anthrophony, ecological security pattern
Awards:
Cum laude
Best Landscape Architecture Thesis 2016
Student of the Year
First Place Phillip Recto Awards for Best Theses
Design Excellence Award for Best Student in Design Class
Best Thesis in Landscape Architecture 2016