LAKBAYAN: More Than the Timeless Grandeur of Tahanang Pilipino

On October 5, 2023, United Architects of the Philippines Las Piñas Luntian Chapter held its First Heritage Tour at Tahanang Pilipino, also known as the Coconut Palace, in observance of the World Architecture Day. Located within the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex, the palace was designed by the National Artist for Architecture Francisco Mañosa,  with a vision of a structure that embodies everything Filipino in terms of philosophy, material, design, and execution.

The Coconut Palace continues to be a recognizable representation of Philippine creativity and architectural artistry after all these years. The coconut's roots, trunk, bark, fruit, blossom, and shell are all echoed in the palace's form, architecture, and decoration highlighting the tree’s versatility and export potential.

The theme for this year, "Architecture for Resilient Communities," serves as a reminder of architecture’s core mission, to innovate architectural solutions that promote sustainability, disaster preparedness, and community well-being. The chapter see the Coconut Palace as both historically significant and responsive to the local conditions in which it was situated. It demonstrates the potential for incorporating locally produced goods into a sustainable movement that enhances people's quality of life.

Typhoons and other natural disasters are continuously met in the Philippines these days due to worsening climate crisis. The COVID-19 epidemic has increased the demand for better living conditions, particularly for vulnerable households residing in densely populated areas. With this, continuous efforts in developing ideas and sustainable methods are necessary in finding long-term and systemic solutions for building resilient communities. Furthermore, given the state of human settlements in the Philippines, public health objectives should be considered in building design, as well as in the efficient enforcement of design standards, through suitable planning with the aid of the right professionals.