Principal Architects: Henna Dazo, Gloryrose Dy Metilla
Designers: Faroukh Guiabar
Project Type: Competition
In the heart of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, nestled between the scenic beauty of South Mindanao, lies a town that has been quietly preparing to become a beacon of sustainability, cultural preservation, and peace. Once called Sultan Gumander before 2006, the town of Picong, with a population of 14,136, is about to take a bold step into the future. As it transforms into the Picong Eco-Cultural Peace Village, this town is set to become a model village for green technologies, community engagement, and the harmonious coexistence of nature and culture.
A Strategic Location for Sustainable Development
Picong is a unique confluence of the Maguindanaoan, Maranao, and Irranun tribes, each with its own rich cultural heritage and history. These three ethnic groups will have their stories told through the architecture and design of the Eco-Cultural Village. As the region continues to emerge from a long history of conflict, the Picong Eco-Cultural Peace Village aims to be a symbol of unity, reconciliation, and progress—an example of what can be achieved through collaboration and respect for diversity.
In partnership with the municipality of Picong, our design team, led by Principal Architects Henna Dazo and Gloryrose Dy Metilla, along with Designer Faroukh Guiabar, has been tasked with conceptualizing a forward-thinking space that reflects the aspirations of the local community while preserving the essence of their heritage. This project will not only serve as a model for the promotion of green technologies and sustainability but will also pave the way for peacebuilding efforts in South Mindanao.
The Vision: A Sustainable, Peaceful Future
The Picong Eco-Cultural Peace Village is designed with two primary functions in mind: Peacebuilding Community Development and the establishment of a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) and Livelihood Center. These functions are integral to creating an inclusive, sustainable community that nurtures both the people and the environment.
The design of the village will embody the values of cultural preservation, peace, and sustainable architecture. Through careful research into the history and traditions of the Maguindanaoan, Maranao, and Irranun people, the village’s architectural design will reflect the ethnic identity of these groups. Drawing inspiration from the Maranao Torogan, the ancestral communal house of a Sultan or Datu, the village will incorporate elements of this significant cultural structure.
The Torogan is the highest and most prestigious house in the Maranao community, traditionally built by the collective effort of the people, signifying the power and unity of the group. Its construction requires community participation, with materials provided by the people and animals like horses and carabaos assisting in transporting the heavy parts. This spirit of collaboration and inclusivity is something that will be mirrored in the Eco-Cultural Village’s design and its role in peacebuilding.
A Model for Sustainable Living
The Eco-Cultural Village will also incorporate cutting-edge strategies for sustainable living. Central to these efforts is the Material Recovery Facility (MRF), which will not only support waste management practices but also act as a Livelihood Center for local residents. Through the MRF, the community will be empowered to recycle, reduce waste, and repurpose materials, while also generating income through various livelihood programs that promote environmental stewardship.
These initiatives will ensure that the village remains sustainable for generations to come, reducing its carbon footprint and promoting green technologies that can be adopted by surrounding communities in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
A Symbol of Hope for South Mindanao
The Picong Eco-Cultural Peace Village is poised to become a landmark for both environmental sustainability and cultural unity. By blending the rich history of the Maranao, Maguindanaoan, and Irranun tribes with modern principles of sustainable development, it will offer a blueprint for other municipalities in ARMM to follow. In the coming years, this village will not only contribute to the region’s environmental goals but will also serve as a shining example of what can be achieved when people come together in peace and mutual respect.
As South Mindanao enters its golden years leading up to 2050, the Picong Eco-Cultural Peace Village will stand as a testament to the region’s resilience, innovation, and commitment to a future where culture, peace, and sustainability coexist harmoniously. Through thoughtful design, community collaboration, and a shared vision for the future, Picong is set to become a symbol of hope and progress for all of Mindanao.
