Architecture students at Foundation University are raising funds to build a floating building–the first of its kind–for the use of fish wardens guarding the Bantayan Marine Sanctuary in Dumaguete City.
The building, a triangular structure to be placed some 100 meters off the Bantayan shore, is being designed as part of the requirements for graduating architecture students at FU under the Estudio Damgo program.
Estudio Damgo is the only student-led design-build program in the Philippines. Now on its third year, Estudio Damgo works with needy communities and builds structures that will benefit the local population.
The first project of Estudio Damgo, completed in 2013, is a day care center for children in sitio Dungga, barangay Malaunay, in the town of Valencia.
The second project, completed in March 2014, is a multi-purpose building for the Habitat for Humanity and the Core Shelter settlers, who were resettled in Barangay Bajumpandan after Tropical Storm Sendong.
This year’s project, the floating building for sea wardens, has been favorably endorsed by the City of Dumaguete, through the City Council and the Office of the Mayor.
One of the fund-raising projects they are doing is selling plastic bottles and paper. Donations may also be made online through Global Giving, which are tax-deductible contributions for U.S.-based donors.
The unique feature about this building is the incorporation of the hip roof of the Ifugao house and the floating technology inspired by the Makoko floating school in Nigeria plus the Seaflex system .
Construction will start in November. (Ann Cale)
