Thesis Dissertation Development

PHASE I and II : General Thesis Development 

Phase I 

    The research was commenced at the start of the second term as part of the Sustainable Design Principle, Perspe ctives and Practices (DDM002) module. The experience was set to find a stable network of interrelated ideas in otherwise disparate learnings from vernacular and sustainable designs. The majority of the study was based on scant written work that represents the limited scholarly pieces on vernacular design and the recently emerging research on sustainable design. The main objective of the study was to investigate the shared practices between vernacular and sustainable design,and to possibly create a guiding rubric or a paradigm that can reinforce both studies in terms of structure and a clearer ontology. 

DDM002: Sustainable Design Principles, Perspectives and Practices Output.
Charting reinforcing practices for the participatory approach within the current studies in vernacular design. 

     It also tries to bring the studies closer to not only designers but to the general population the fact that sustainable design is not a conception of the modern world. Our ancestors had (and some people still carry on their traditions) successfully sustained their civilisations guided solely by what we now refer to as vernacular design. 

     Linking these disciplines together sheds light to a confusing network of theories already observed but are sometimes redundant and are observed to be more effective when integrated. 

     The research directions were defined by focusing on the participatory approaches of both VD and DfS. Participation, multi-laterally was found to be a key to establishing strong connections among program stakeholders. The linkages are forged during the engagement activities as well as by managing systems of collaboration. 

    The methodologies inherently ingrained in vernacular design was found to be the most participatory of all the present schools of thought and are subscribed to be adapted to the participatory approaches of DfS.

Phase II

PHASE II : Continuing the "Discovery" Stage 

    The research design of the DDM003 (major design project) has been anchored on the findings described in 002. It was meant to explore a practical angle to the findings; first by testing the results further, then reinforcing the claims, and finally to design a public, online database of proven engaging and truly participatory design methodologies for the use of all relevant stakeholders. The data gathering was commenced with a focused group discussion between project managers of different non-profit organisations based in Manila. The FGD turned out to be an exploratory meeting that delved into the various ways where the thesis can be directed and conducted. Scoping reports had been crucial in shaping and later informing the development of the thesis topic. These scoping reports became brief, modified “ethnographic design” research that made it possible to formulate observations (and later conclusions) that are assumed to be sensitively and holistically considered. KII, ad hoc immersions, and photo documentation were part of a series of methods employed. The areas for study were several provinces in Mindanao Island, Philippines--host to a massive third party intervention and grassroots development work mainly involving indigenous peoples and peoples in conflict. Chronicling the participatory practices of the identified organisations reaped common key learnings. Among these, integration of values, emerged focal.

Phase III

Processual 

    Echoing the findings in DDM002, the process was again highlighted as a crucial component in the participatory approach. This time integrating values became the primary benchmark for deciding whether programs are effectively set into the beneficiaries. It must also be noted that this process has to be iterative, and repetitions must be embedded in all points of participation from ice breakers during workshops to simple verbal reminders in order to ensure that the message was being put across. 

PHASE III : "Development" of the output and projected "Delivery"

    In sync with the topic, the audience for this study had continuously evolved. The compilation of participatory approaches formulated on the second phase targeted the non-profit organizations, development workers and their client communities as study audience and to a certain point as project beneficiaries (as design output was envisioned to be of practical use). After finalizing research directions and choosing a single, outstanding data thread a third phase for the study had to be established to signify the development. From having several groups as study audience, the shift in topic thread also trimmed down entities to whom the project will be of best use. The focus was directed on designers. 


Toolkit Blog Site: http://empathicprojections.blogspot.com/

Reflection: Design Intervention

Mimicry - Art installation inside the University of the Philippines - Diliman 

   An intervention should be something that either mimics the context it is made for, or reinforces its inherent strong points. 


Toolkit Blog Site: http://empathicprojections.blogspot.com/

Project in Photos II

1. Ceiling design of "Kublai" a vernacular-themed hotel and restaurant featuring the endemic designs of Davao and its rich network of indigenous peoples groups. 

2. Antropomorphic jars found in Maitum, Sarangani. The discovery of the archaeological site has suddenly placed Maitum, a once backwards hamlet into the tourism spotlight prompting government offices to formulate a sustainable development plan to preserve the current social fabric while embracing the changes brought about by the tourism-based economic boom. 

3. BJA (Barangay Justice Advocates) is one of the several programs under Kalinaw sa Mindanao (Peace in Mindanao) that seeks to devolve peace building functions to local figures of authority while building capacities. 

4. The Philippine Eagle Center is one of the most successful model of a fully externally funded non-profit organisation. More than a decade in operations the conservation group is facing severe financial drought, their existence solely based on dole outs by private companies. 

5. Samal Island in Davao City is disputed to be modeled on a sustainable economic development plan. Results are expected to be seen in a couple of years. 

6. Trade fairs in city centres acts as local conduits for several groups to exchange not only wares but traditional knowledge. The Kadayawan fair in Davao City brings together all social sectors into looking at the sustained interaction with the City's IP groups. 

Toolkit Blog Site: http://empathicprojections.blogspot.com/

Case Study 3 - Sustaining Engagement

 Collection of crafts and material culture of the southern and northern 

           Mindanao tribes on display at the Museo de Oro

Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines

“Our methods are participatory” 

Dr. Erlinda Burton, curator of Museo de Oro and former director of the Research Institute of Mindanao Culture (RIMCu), has always espoused the importance of the participatory approach to her applied development projects. In this interview she detailed the process and methodology that she observed in one of her major projects, the community development program for the Matigsalug Manobos in Valencia, Bukidnon, Philippines. 

After visiting a community of Matigsalug Manobos in San Fernando, Bukidnon Dr. Burton and her then anthropology students initially decided to take on the infrastructure development of the area. However they soon realised after several community consultations that the needs of the community goes way beyond the provision of basic infrastructures. The venture was jump-started through the networking efforts of Dr. Burton’s team who went out of their way to gather whatever little aid they chanced upon, including an intra-school fund drive. The intervention had to be considered as immediate, emergency even, but this was no excuse not to plan the intervention as systematically, sensitively  and holistically as the circumstances then granted. The team organised the consultation process in what now appeared to be five different stages. 

What is your problem? 

During the first community consultation the majority of the members of the community were present, lead by their respected elders. The first question Dr. Burton recalled asking them was, “what is your problem?”. Instead of asking directly what they need (where there is a risk of misinterpretation of data) asking them their most pressing issue painted a more precise canvas of their woes and hence their most prompt needs. The table below summarises the initial findings. 

No	Problem/Issue	Identified Need
1	I want to learn how to read and write	Education/Literacy
2	We always get sick	Health and Sanitation
3	We don’t have any income	Livelihood
4	Our surroundings	Protection of Ancestral Domains

Table I Summary of Initial Consultation Findings 

Can you help us? 

The most significant milestone the program reached was when the community, after the problems (needs) had been identified, collectively asked for help, “Can you help us?”. So trusting the expectations check has been administered and all parties concerned had a clear idea where they are positioned in the system of flows the project was initialised. It should be noted says Dr. Burton that the desire for help should come from the stakeholder and should never be assumed. If it doesn’t automatically spring out this desire can be made “manifest” through effective facilitation, making the client community recognise the need to which they are blind to. By reiterating that they are the party in need of and requiring aid will they understand that everything that will transpire henceforward are FOR them. 

Which do I need first? 

Considering the financial state of the program seven years ago it was necessitated that the needs be met depending on the degrees of immediacy, prioritisation was key. Based on the workshops that were conducted by the team there were four pressing needs they want to direct attention to: livelihood, education, health and environmental protection and conservation (in decreasing order). From here it was clear that the first program focus on livelihood. 

With a partnership forged with Salamanca University in Spain the program was graced with a decent amount of funding to slowly implement the programs. The service rendered by a graduate anthropologist from Xavier University who volunteered as a community organiser significantly embed the presence of Dr. Burton’s team in the tribal village, trust was established. 

Inculcating sense of ownership: an iterative process

Just by asking the community what exactly are their most pressing issues/problems the cornerstone of the program was cast. It should be highlighted that only through inculcating a “sense of ownership” that development programmes can thrive, survive even. Dr. Burton emphasised the need to constantly remind the program beneficiaries that the program is theirs,  this can be done most effectively through non-verbal means. Making the community part of the program implementation has always been effective in inculcating a sense of ownership, among many others. A very good example of this given by Dr. Burton was their move to enlist the community in constructing their own water supply/irrigation system. During the inauguration ceremony after the tap was turned open and water gushed out, the Matigsalug Manobos were in tears as if competing with the flowing water. 

We want a People’s Organisation (PO)

“We were surprised when they said they want to form a PO, just when we were about to suggest it to them”. When the people started mobilising themselves one could have easily discerned the brimming sense of empowerment they have created for themselves Dr. Burton noted. There were a few times that the community went overboard citing instance when they asked if they can put up a cooperative. Due to the requirements this would entail including a more complicated profit sharing scheme, auditing and bookkeeping the team decided that the community is still unfit to undertake the proposed venture to which the community conceded after a lengthy explanation. 

Evaluation 

If we count the number of Matigsalug Manobo kids that the program was able to send to school, intricacy of the irrigation system or how many adults can now read and write then it can be easily inferred how successful the programs implemented has been. These however are not the lone indicators, if not most telling. Dr. Burton stressed the importance of noting the little moments in each Manobo’s life that they thought and believe that they are better than they thought they are (or made to believe they are). Building capacities should not only be treated collectively, for it to be truly appreciated in its sheer mass it should first be broken down into its individual components and appreciate how each part informs the completeness of the whole. Besides, these little moments of joy is what keeps us organisers from going on and on and on, she concluded. 

Toolkit Blog Site: http://empathicprojections.blogspot.com/

Design Interventions..

Hamigit Falls, Samal Island, Philippines

As a designer studying cultures I compare myself to moving water. Having no form makes it possible to adapt easily. I feel and the same time make my presence felt. I accept the lay of the land before finally weathering the contours using my inherent natural force, never forgetting that I am an element of change that is neither too strong nor weak. 


Toolkit Blog SIte: http://empathicprojections.blogspot.com/

Project in Photos I

1.  An elderly B'laan woman watches over the proceedings of the interview filming 

2.  As a designated "School of Living Traditions" the master weavers of Lamlifew are encouraged to pass on their knowledge to the younger generation of B'laans. 

3.  Jola Kanda on implementing the "Kalinaw sa Mindanao", a peace and development program in Sarangani, Philippines where erratic wars in the past has ravaged some communities. 

4.  The typical woven bamboo mats used as a versatile building material: from walls to ceilings. 

5.  Shells like these are littered all over Sarangani Bay, one of the main source of food and livelihood (trinkets) of the seaside hamlets. 

6.  A fan decorated with Arabic calligraphy is prominently displayed in the Peace Center of the Notre Dame of Dadiangas University in GenSan City, Philippines where the dynamics of Christians, Muslims and Indigenous Peoples govern the daily activities of the city. 

7.  Mader Lily Modes talks about her early travails as a plain housewife of a rebel chief and her sudden thrust into peace and development work after the peace accord has been signed. 

8.  Brass instruments used for ceremonies and rituals 

9.  One of the valleys in Bukidnon, home of the Northen Mindanao tribes. 

10. Lamlifew separated and joined by streams and rivers, its main lifeline. 

11. Sunset over Camiguin Island

Toolkit Blog Site: http://empathicprojections.blogspot.com/

Case Study 2 - Identity Brings People Together

The many facets of the Lamlifew village womenfolk 

     Indigenous peoples embody the fragility of today’s societies, they are perched in the most precarious position in a world where homogenisation of cultures is regarded as favorable. Our vulnerability to the mass media as propagated by the West (them having the machinery and means to distribute and political position to merchandise) has crippled our already erratic sense of self and distorted the inherent meaning of our national identity in which the repercussions are counted as silent and irreversible, just like poison. While it is sustained that cultures are dynamic and ever changing, this position does not necessarily encompass sudden shifts of normalcy especially those triggered by external factors. The most potent leveller (antidote) to this gradual dilution of cultures is a communal consciousness that highly values heritage, that which has molded and is continuously shaping our systemic existence. This proactive stance on cultural resiliency has guided the womenfolk of the B'laan village of Lamlifew in Sarangani, Philippines to take into their hands the protection of their way of life; not in the form it was handed down by their ancestors but instead in the fabric woven by their present circumstances and informed by their current aspirations.


Toolkit Blog Site: http://empathicprojections.blogspot.com/

Methodology: Key Informant Interviews

Top Right: Dasuy of Peace Network Mindanao, Extreme Right: Sister Gladys

    Genos of the UNDD Peace Center, Bottom Right: Mader Lily Modes of Mindanao Peace and Development Corps (PDC)

Sarangani, Philippines - Swathed in bad publicity, this sleepy southern Philippine province has been plagued by erratic violence between government troops and muslim separatists for decades. Development has been slow on all accounts, from infrastructure projects to establishing social cohesion and unity. The province has been the focus of various aid-giving agencies both nationally and abroad among them include USAID and the biggest and most known  organisation to invest so far, UNDP. The current dynamics between these agencies and their stakeholders has been described as a “hit and miss” referring to the scenarios when programs are either holistically integrated into its target communities or outrightly discarded. A lot can be gleaned from the experiences of the groups, both grassroots and international. A gold mine for applied anthropologists and psychologists studying the dynamics between organisers and stakeholders. 

     The respondents for the KII was divided between project implementers and beneficiaries. Starting off with five standard questions the interview first examines the nature of the organisation until it zones in on a specific development program it has been conducting or has implemented. The major part of the interview was spent on dissecting the methods used to engage all project stakeholders, from pre-program activities to post-program visits. The table below details the short description of the organisation, background of the interviewee and a summary of their engagement practices: 

Program Implementers

Organisation	Interviewee/Contact Person	Key Learnings
Museo de Oro,  Xavier University Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines	Dr. Erlinda Burton, Curator	Projects should be started with the question: “What is the problem?”  Impact assessments need not necessarily be quantitative, most of the time intuition is a better measure of how the program is affecting the beneficiaries.  The implementers role should always be facilitative. There is no such thing as an obvious learning
Peace Network Mindanao  General Santos City,  Philippines	Dasuy, Project Manager	Values integration is key. A program, beyond being owned, should be able to inculcate or make manifest key values. These values are the cornerstones of programs, without them set nothing can be built/established.
PDA  General Santos City  Philippines	Mader Lily Modes,  Project Head	Participatory approaches is a reflection of the iterative nature of inculcating ownership. Procedures should be done several times, cyclic and never-ending before results can be observed.
University of Notre Dame-Dadiangas Peace Center  General Santos City,  Philippines	Sister Gladys Genoria, Director	The formulation and integration of a “peace and development” curriculum into the basic, core modules for student learning has been a key feature of the Peace Center at UNDD.  The development of lobbied advocacies into implemented policies is a testament to the efficiency of the bottom-up approach.  Engagement was established through a formally introduced method. The curriculum inclusion is complemented by a student organisation that runs in conjunction with the Peace Center.
Kalinaw sa Mindanao-Sarangani Province  Sarangani Provincial Capitol,  Sarangani Province,  Philippines	Jocelyn Lambac-Kanda, Program Head	Programs before being owned by the communities/beneficiaries should be “owned” by the implementers first. They must believe in what they do and be able to gauge the significance of the programs they implement as well as their roles in it.  Most development projects are aimed at integrating certain sets of values, like seeds being planted.

Program Beneficiaries 

Organisation/Project Beneficiary	Interviewee/Contact Person	Key Learnings
Lamlifew Village Womens Organisation  Lamlifew, Sarangani Province  Philippines	Helen Lumbos,  Director	Cooperation, even participation is ensured when the areas for improvement/grounds for aid are recognised by the beneficiaries themselves. To a certain extent, this recognition sets in place a more receptive view/attitude towards development. One that freely accepts without compromising discernment.  A need for identity brings people together

Toolkit Blog Site: http://empathicprojections.blogspot.com/