Vigan, Ilocos Sur - Preservation and Reconstruction of the Cultural Heritage

Municipal Ordinance No. 04
Series of 2000

AN ORDINANCE ENACTING THE PRESERVATION AND CONSERVATION GUIDELINES FOR VIGAN ANCESTRAL HOUSES
(with annotations)

SECTION 1. PRINCIPLES OF CONSERVATION AND PRESERVATION

It is the policy of the local government of Vigan that before any conservation, preservation or restoration work can commence a thorough research and documentation of the building showing its original design in accordance with Ordinance No.14 series of 1997 shall have been undertaken.

Research and Documentation is very important in conservation. Ordinance No.14 series of 1997 can be a point of reference as to this aspect.

The pertinent provisions of the Fire Code and Building Code of the Philippines, Presidential Decree No. 260 as amended by Presidential Decree No. 756, and the ICOMOS Charter on Heritage Management and Tourism Guidelines shall apply in so far as this ordinance is concerned

SECTION 2. SCOPE – This ordinance shall apply to the preservation and conservation of ancestral houses located within the territorial jurisdiction of Vigan, Ilocos Sur

For purposes of this ordinance, the term ancestral house refers to structures, which has been in existence for not less than fifty years, the architecture of which is of Hispanic and Chinese influence

SECTION 3. GUIDELINES FOR THE FOUNDATION –

a) The foundations of Vigan ancestral houses shall be protected and its stability maintained through the rehabilitation of the Old Spanish drains and catch basins. To do this, the following shall be undertaken:

i. a study on the topography and geology of the place to determine the impact of the monthly tide cycle upon the natural drainage and quifers;

ii. proper planning of different utilities such as: drainage and sewerage systems to determine the present and future capacity thereof.

b) For repair purposes, the following shall be undertaken:

i. for slight cracking, repairing by temporary shoring of foundation and underpinning it with concrete; repairing of walls by brick wall with lime mortar, and if necessary, by replastering the underground wall;

ii. for severe cracking or complete separation of the wall and foundation, repairing by using the strap foundation technique, which is a more complicated structural repair approach.

SECTION 4. GUIDELINES FOR GROUNDFLOOR FLOORING –

a) The following shall be observed in protecting and maintaining ground floor tiles

i. the tiles should be cleaned regularly with a damp rag, mop or sponge with light scrubbing;

ii. glazed cement tiles shall be cleaned as follows:

ii.i. clean heavily soiled areas with scouring powder and a soft rag or sponge;

ii.ii. rinse and wipe dry.

iii. unglazed cement tiles shall be cleaned as follows:

iii.i. mix scouring powder to a paste-like consistency mop the solution over floor;

iii.ii. let it stand for about five minutes, then scrub vigorously with a brush.

iii.iii. rinse thoroughly and wipe dry.

iii.iv. apply mildew stain remover with a stiff brush to prevent the growth of mildew along tile grout joints.

iii.v. the cleaning of quarry stone slabs shall be as follows;

iii.v.i. clean the area thoroughly with an all-purpose cleaner or scouring powder;

iii.v.ii. rinse the area completely and repeat if necessary.

b) The following shall be observed in the repair of Groundfloor flooring:

i. the repair of a sunken floor area shall be as follows:

i.i. note the axis of the cracking or lowered floor area;

i.ii. carefully remove the paving stones in the affected area;

i.iii. tamp it with wooden tamper.

i.iv. put layer of sand until it is level with existing floor line;

i.v. return stone to its original position.

ii. the repair of tiled floor area shall be as follows:

ii.i determine whether the crack is alongside with or perpendicular to the tiles without causing any damage to the tiles, or crack is diagonal thus ausing damage to the tiles;

ii.ii for perpendicular crack, chisel out the joints along tile perimeter; carefully lift out the tile; clean the area and tamp it with sufficient pressure; lay sand an fine gravel and then retamp the area; apply lime mortar; then return tiles to original position;

ii.iii for diagonal crack, follow the same process as above; however, mend broken tiles with ceramic glue before returning them to original position.

iii. the total repair of the groundfloor flooring shall be as follows:

iii.i carefully remove the paving stones,

numbering them in sequence according to

position;

iii.ii determine new finish floor line;

iii.iii tamp in gavel fill;

iii.iv where applicable install 6 mm

polyethylene sheeting;

iii.v return each stone to original position.

SECTION 5. GUIDELINES FOR WALLS –

a) The following shall be observed in removing stains from the surface of walls:

i. clean surface with water and soap, and a soft- bristled brush;

ii. sprayed graffiti paint can be removed with acetone, varnish solvent or commercial paint strippers;

iii. oil and grease can be removed with chlorinated solvents, petroleum solvents or hot water;

iv. to remove rust stain use oxalic acid or the local substitute – the “pias” fruit. To do this, crush the fruit, and scrub the surface with its juice using the brush;

v. to clean algae, molds and mildew on walls, use commercial mildew remover, household bleach, chlorinated lime, bleaching powders or peroxides. Make sure to wet the surface first.

vi. to remove tar, chewing gum and adhesives stuck on the walls, harden the affected area with ice, then scrape or peel it off;

vii. to remove lichens, moss, ivy and various weeds, use commercial herbicides.

b) The following shall be observed in lime washing:

i. brush down the surface with stiff bristled brush to remove dust, old scaling lime wash and loosely adhering particles. Painted surfaces not the old lime-integrated) of modern manufactured acrylics can be removed by applying mild chemical paint strippers with a stiff brush;

ii. apply lime wash when wall is cold and in thin applications with a 4 – inch brush.

c) The following is the procedure in preparing lime wash:

i. mix 1 part lime to 7 parts water;

ii. place in a large container or drum and stir the mixture from time to time for about 7 hours;

iii. allow mixture to stand overnight.

iv. remove film at the surface of lime wash mixture

v. use the water solution only in washing masonry surfaces.

vi. for brick surfaces, apply once the lime wash, after the surface shall have been cleaned of grime and plant growth. Use herbicide to remove stubborn weeds.

vii. in place of lime wash, lime poultice can be used.

d) The following shall be observed in repairing disintegrating plaster finish, mortar and missing bricks:

i. determine if joints need repointing, if mortar joints are firm, intact and not eroded by more than 1/3 inch, they should be left as is; if joints are open, that is mortar is deeply eroded (more than 1/3 inch) or has fallen, there is a need to repoint. If joints are separated, that is, mortar and masonry do not adhere, resulting in crack or gap between them, or mortar is sitting loosely on joint, there is a need to repoint.

ii. if there is a need to repoint, follow the methods below: to ensure adequate bonding:

- rake the joint to a depth equal to 2 or ½ times the width of the vertical joint.

- Clean the area from dust, efflorescence (white residue), mildew, and plant roots.

- Remove old mortar totally from bricks, square corners and flat surface at the back of cut. To remove mortar, use a small headed chisel but be careful that the brick beneath is not damaged.

- Mix lime and sand carefully to ensure uniform strength and avoid lumps. Let the mixture to stand overnight before use.

- Wet the joints before placing the new mortar or grout. Push mortar unto joint from a board and iron it with maximum pressure. Use improvised pointing iron to suit particular work. Push mortar evenly unto joint for full width. Keep mortar face back within original joint.

- Fill joint in successive layers, allowing each layer to harden first before filling the next layer. Fill first deeper joints.

- For large empty joints, fill the joint to the required depth by tamping with mortar. Remove loose mortar and bricks. Chisel out the area and then replace bricks. Cover bricks with mortar.

- Photograph, sketch and label for documentation purposes existing details(e.g. moldings, trims) then replaster them with lime-sand mixture.

- To give mortar smooth and dense outer layer, insert a narrow tool inside the joint.

- Finally, see to it that mortar is flushed to existing masonry face.

iii. for severe cracking, the following method is recommended after the wall has been consolidated either by grouting, doweling, stabilizing the foundation, clamping of separated or split wall sections, and removal of large vegetation whose roots are disturbing the foundation walls:

- Cut out cracked bricks at interval.

- Follow the cleaning method of repointing.

- Wall up the crack with new bricks.

- To reduce the likelihood of the crack reasserting itself, insert a strip of metal mesh within the metal joint across the line of crack.

- After a thorough cleaning and lime-washing, replaster exposed bricks with lime-sand mixture. Use unsieved sand as ungraded sand sticks better.

- For superficial cracks, fill them with lime plaster mix after thorough cleaning.

iv. for cracks that had developed near door or window openings and are usually diagonal from corners at the top of the frame, there is a need to reinforce the wood lintel that supports the weight of the bricks above the opening. Do this upon advise of an engineer or architect.

If there is a need to replace the lintel beam, the following procedure shall apply:

- Shore up door or window opening with adequate support.

- Remove splintered or damaged wood frame.

- Replace it with a similar type of wood or one which closely resembles the old.

- Carefully position replacement then dowel it with wood joints.

- Place reinforcing bars above the frame as added support to weight of bricks.

- Place needed forms and braces using conventional plywood and wood in spaces between frame and wall.

- Mix 1 part cement, 1 part lime and 4 parts sand, and pour mixture in concerned spaces.

- Remove forms and braces after 2 to 3 days when mortar shall have been cured.

SECTION 6. GUIDELINES FOR DOORS –

a) The following shall be observed in the repair of sagging and misalign doors:

i. carefully remove door panels from the jambs;

ii. remove jambs or header from brick wall;

iii. reinstall jambs or header into brick wall, carefully checking alignment by plumb bob;

iv. secure with 1& ¼ mixture of cement, lime and sand mortar connections to have jambs have failed;

v. re-attach door panels or planks to jambs.

b) The following shall be observed in replacing door jambs or headers:

i. shore up door opening with adequate support;

ii. remove splintered or damaged wood frame;

iii. replace it with a similar type of wood or one which closely resembles the old;

iv. carefully position replacement, then dowel it with wood joints;

v. place reinforcement bars above the frame as added support to weight of bricks;

vi. place needed forms and braces using conventional plywood and wood in spaces between frame and wall;

vii. mix 1 part cement, 1 part lime and 4 parts sand, and pour mixture in concerned spaces;

viii. remove forms and braces after 2 to 3 days when mortar shall have been cured.

c) The following shall be observed in replacing door panels or door planks:

i. remove damaged door panels and door planks;

ii. replace with a similar type of wood or one which closely resembles the old and similar in design;

iii. carefully position replacement following similar wood joints connections.

SECTION 7. GUIDELINES FOR WINDOWS –

a) The following shall be observed in replacing window jambs:

i. shore up window opening with adequate support;

ii. remove splintered or damaged wood frame;

iii. replace it with a similar type of wood or one which closely resembles the old;

iv. carefully position replacement then dowel it with wood joints;

v. place reinforcement bars above the frame as added support to weight of bricks;

vi. place needed forms and braces using conventional plywood and wood in spaces between frame and wall;

vii. mix 1 part cement, 1 part lime, and 4 parts sand, and pour mixture in concerned spaces;

ix. remove forms and braces after 2 to 3 days when mortar shall have been cured.

SECTION 8. GUIDELINES FOR SECOND FLOOR AND STAIRCASE –

a) The following shall be observed in the repair of wooden floor defects:

i. or minor damages, use wood fillers and patches which will be sanded smoothly;

ii. for wooden floors or wood members which have abrasions, use finishing solutions;

iii. protect timbers by using chemicals.

b) The following shall be observed in replacing deteriorated materials:

i. replace, when necessary, deteriorated materials by matching the old as closely as possible in size, shape, and texture.

ii. Replace with concrete slab, when necessary and finish with original floor planks and other planks of similar material.

SECTION 9. GUIDELINES FOR ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SYSYTEMS –

a) Old chandeliers and lamps shall be repaired when possible or replace them with simplified versions of the original designs;

b) The following shall be observed in the installation of electrical wiring:

i. use appropriate type of wiring;

ii. install wires parallel to and beneath mouldings. On plain surfaces where there are no mouldings, install wires on corners and edges of walls;

c) The following shall be observed in the installation of electrical system during construction and repairs:

i. use appropriate type of electrical wires and PVC pipes;

ii. embed the electrical connections in walls.

d) The following shall be observed in the installation of circuit breakers and safety switches as per standard of the Philippine Electrical Code:

i. install circuit breakers and safety switches on plain surfaces which are accessible to occupants;

ii. in the construction of new walls or repair of old walls, flush mount said equipment on walls.

e) The following shall be observed in the installation of lighting fixtures:

i. the use of historically appropriate lights is hereby enjoined;

ii. the use of materials such as:

a) Lampposts or street lights: wrought-iron or cast-iron;

b) Wall bracket lamps: wrought-iron, cast-iron or copper;

c) Gate post lamps: wrought-iron or copper;

d) Lamps (farol): wrought-iron, copper, plain or frosted glass planes.

f) The following steps shall be observed in the installation of electric meters

i. install the meter at the exterior of the building, preferably at the façade where the gadget and the service entrance conduit pose no hindrance to any moving parts of the house;

ii. in order to preserve the historic character, install the meter in an area that is least conspicuous.

g) The following shall be observed in the installation of air-conditioning units:

i. install in areas such as walls or windows, where these units are not conspicuous from the outside;

ii. air-conditioning units may be installed at the ventillas of a building façade provided, however that grilles are designed to minimize exposure from view;

iii. maintain a very minimal alteration of the historic building materials in areas where installations are made;

iv. split type air-conditioning units shall be installed in a place where it is well integrated with the interior of the building. Outdoor condenser units shall be installed at the back of the building or any other inconspicuous place;

h) In the installation of telephone and cable television units, cables should be concealed wherever possible in conduits within false ceilings, mouldings, or behind interior panels.

SECTION 10. GUIDELINES FOR ROOF AND CEILINGS –

a) Roof and ceilings should be retained and preserved and their functional and decorative features, that are significant in defining the historic character of the building, must be identified;

b) The following shall be observed in the repair and replacement of structural roof parts like beams, rafters, trusses, and joists:

i. inspect and identify portions which are ravaged by termites and fungi;

ii. remove or chisel out decayed portion;

iii. replace decayed portion with wood similar to the original;

iv. if replacement is in direct contact with lime plaster wall, treat it properly with chemicals such as solignum;

v. attach replacement using dowels made of bamboo or hard wood if iron spikes are not available;

vi. use commercial glue as an option but nonetheless use dowel in joining the wood member;

vii. use nails and bolts only when necessary or if approved by supervising engineer or architect;

c) The truss system may be replaced with wood or lightweight steel provided original dimensions such as height, slope and rise are followed;

d) Missing and broken mouldings and decorative elements of the ceiling may be replaced by copying the dimensions of any existing portion of the wood element, and by using material that closely resembles the old wood species;

e) The following shall be observed in the repair and replacement of brick roof tile:

i. carefully remove the broken tile/s;

ii. chip off the lime grout;

iii. check for defects of the wood batters;

iv. apply appropriate degree of intervention for wooden truss members;

v. replace broken brick tile with a new one that matches the old as closely as possible in size, shape and material. Secure in place with lime frout;

SECTION 11. GUIDELINES FOR ARCHITECTURAL ORNAMENTATIONS AND DETAILS –

a) The following shall be observed in the protection and maintenance of decorative soffit vents and G.I. fascia:

i. clean rust with the use of stiff steel brush;

ii. remove debris that has clogged the vents;

iii. paint it with anti-rust red oxide and enamel paints.

b) The following shall be observed in the protection and maintenance of wrought iron grilles:

i. regularly clean it with solution of rust remover;

ii. paint it with anti-rust red oxide and enamel paints.

c) The following shall be observed in the protection and maintenance of embossed tinsmithed ceilings:

i. document the area through photographs and sketches to determine

its dimensions;

ii. clean it with applicable brushes.

d) The following shall be observed in the repair and replacement of Architectural Ornamentations:

i. severely deteriorated soffit vents and decorated G.I. fascia shall be repaired and replaced with one that is similar in design;

ii. loose parts of wrought iron works shall be repaired by welding, re-clamping, or riveting, depending on the kind of attachment used in the original design;

iii. severely deteriorated iron grilles shall be replaced with a replica that is faithful to the original design;

iv. severely deteriorated portion of embossed tinsmithed ceiling shall be repaired and replaced with one that is similar in design;

v. missing turned wooden balusters and intricate wood vents shall be replaced with a replica that is faithful to the original design.

SECTION 12. GUIDELINES FOR SIGNAGES –

a) The following shall be observed in the installation of signboards:

i. Signboards shall be placed only at the building’s structural members that are sturdy enough such as columns and brick walls;

ii. Depending on the façade and road width, the maximum size of a signboard is 85 centimeters x 85 centimeters.

b) The following are acts are allowed in the installation of signboards:

i. Nailing, screwing, punching, and riveting of signboards on wood surfaces of buildings;

ii. Bolting of signboard on brick walls;

iii. Hanging of exterior signs (attached to the building) parallel or perpendicular to the street;

iv. Using wrought-iron wood panels or cut-out and GI sheet painted or varnished.

SECTION 13. GUIDELINES FOR PAINT –

a) The original exterior and interior finish of the buildings and its functional decorative features that are significant in defining its historic character must be identified, retained, and preserved. Such features include the colors and designs, and the original dye materials used;

b) The original interior finish shall be protected and maintained through the use of cleaning fluids;

c) The original interior finish can be uncovered by carefully peeling off the layers of modern paints;

d) The following shall be observed in repainting the interior of a building:

i. document existing interior paint designs such as geometric, floral, trompe o’leil;

ii. repaint missing portions of the interior;

iii. repaint the interior with the following suggested colors:

a. yellow ochre

b. dark pink

c. medium blue

d. bottle green to light olive green

e) Exterior walls shall be repainted with a 3-tone finish of any of the following suggested colors:

i. yellow ochre

ii. dark pink

iii. medium blue

iv. bottle green to light olive green

SECTION 14. GUIDELINES FOR OPEN SPACES –

a) The following shall be observed in landscaping and maintaining open spaces:

i. pave the grounds with the following applicable materials:

a. concrete and concrete blocks

b. San Esteban stones

c. brick tiles

d. Chinese granite (“piedra china”)

e. river stones

ii. plant unpaved areas with the following:

a. appropriate ground cover such as carabao grass, native or bermuda grass

b. trees available in the area such as santol, mabolo, narra, acacia, banaba, kakawati

c. shrubs such as kalachuchi, palmera, bougainvillea, santan, adelfa, hibiscus and cactus

iii. plant unpaved areas of private inner courts, gardens, patios with tress and shrubs such as achuete, chico, avocado, guava, guyabano, cacao, mango and papaya;

iv. to protect and maintain building setbacks, conform with the National Building Code of the Philippines (PD 1096) on allowable percentage for buildable and non-buildable areas;

b) The following shall be observed in protecting and maintaining vacant areas and lots:

i. keep it clean and pleasant to look at;

ii. plant and maintain vegetation, i.e. trees, shrubs and grass;

iii. fence off or enclose with wooden or bamboo poles or slats;

c) To protect and maintain the streets, keep it unobstructed.

SECTION 15. GUIDELINES FOR STREETSCAPES –

a) The following shall be observed in protecting and maintaining streetscape:

i. list the sources of aesthetic or scenic impressions along the
stretches of streets;

ii. maintain sources of such impressions;

iii. add sources of such impressions to enhance existing ones;

iv. provide all streets with sources of such impressions;

v. conform to or harmonize the designs of street and building signs,
exterior and street lighting, outdoor/street benches, garbage
receptacles, street floors, plantboxes and building facades with the
historic character of the conservation area.

b) Replace or redesign existing modern or mediocre designs of sources of
impressions in order to enhance aesthetic or scenic values;

SECTION 16. GUIDELINES FOR INFILLING AND NEW ARCHITECTURE –

a) The following shall be observed in allowing and maintaining new architecture:

i. FEATURES:

i.i repetition of details in the facades;

i.ii roof form;

i.iii size of windows and proportion of window walls;

i.iv building height;

i.v materials;

i.vi color;

i.vii predominating lines of vertical, horizontal, angular and segmental arches.

ii. HEIGHT REGULATIONS:

ii.i. Building Heights – the following requirements shall govern the heights of buildings on a floor-to-floor basis:

1. Minimum room heights:

a. Third floor – 3.0 to 3.50 meters;

b. Second floor – 3.0 to 3.50 meters when it is the top floor;

c. Mezzanine – 2.50 meters;

d. First or ground floor – 3.50 meters; 3.0 meters when used with cellar, window, or mezzanine; 2.50 meters for basements which are regularly occupied; 2.0 meters for cellars used for storage purposes.

2. Maximum Building Height to Cornice (bottom of cornice). Measurements may be taken from either inside or outside the building:

a. Two-storey without mezzanine – 7.50 meters;

- Second floor – 3.50 meters

- Ground floor – 3.00 meters

Without basement or cellar – 6.50 meters

- Second floor – 3.50 meters

- First floor – 3.50 meters

- Cellar window – 1.0 meter

With basement – 7.50 meters

b. Two-storey with mezzanine – 9.50 meters

- Second floor – 3.60 meters

- Mezzanine – 2.50 meters

- First floor – 3.00 meters

Without cellar or basement – 9.10 meters

- Second floor – 3.0 meters

- Mezzanine – 2.50 meters

- First floor – 3.00 meters

- Cellar – 1.0 meter

With cellar or basement – 9.50 meters

c. Three-storey with mezzanine – 11.50 meters

- Third floor – 3.00 meters

- Second floor – 3.00 meters

- Mezzanine – 2.50 meters

- First floor – 3.00 meters

Basement below ground level – 11.50 meters

d. Three-storey without mezzanine but with basement

- Third floor – 3.50 meters

- Second floor – 3.00 meters

- First floor – 3.00 meters

- Cellar window – 1.00 meter

Basement below ground level – 10.50 meters

e. Overhangs

- Mezzanine – 0.20 meter

- Second floor – 0.20 to 0.80 meter

- Third floor – 0.22 meter

f. Roof line (overhang) – 0.40 meter to 1.20 meters from cornice but it shall not exceed property line.

g. Attics shall be allowed depending on the type of roof. Towers and water tanks shall also be allowed on a case-to-case basis.

ii.ii. Roof

1. Any of the following types of roof shall be allowed:

a. Pitched, hip, or gable based on historical precedent, with or without lantern-type air vents.

b. Flat-deck azoteas with balustrades and/or parapet walls.

2. Roof finishes shall be any of the following types:

a. Clay/brick roof tiles

b. Corrugated galvanized iron

c. Galvanized tile sheet

d. Tiled decks

3. The eaves shall be detailed and shall, whenever applicable, conform to the following requirements for each portion enumerated herein as may be required by the design:

a. Fascia/edge of roof

b. Downspout and gutters

c. Under eaves/soffit treatment which shall be in wood, sheet metal or masonry

d. Cornice which shall be in wood or masonry

e. Brackets

ii.iii. Exterior Wall

1. The requirements for the second and third floor facades shall consist of the following:

a. Any of these types of materials shall be allowed:

- Wooden sidings which shall be painted or varnished.

- Masonry sidings which shall be made of reinforced concrete or concrete hollow blocks, which shall may be plastered and painted, tooled or faced with brick.

b. Decorations of the following kind shall be detailed:

- Mullions

- Columns

- Pilasters

- Mouldings

- Grilles

- Balconies

- All panellings and carvings

c. Windows can be any of the following:

- Sliding

- Swing-out

- Swing-in

- Louvered

d. Types of sashes allowed are capiz shell and glass (clear, frosted or colored).

e. Sash frames shall be made of wood, wrought iron or steel bars.

f. Grilles shall be optional and may overhang up to 0.45 meters maximum from the face of the wall and may be made of wrought iron, cast iron steel bar or wood.

g. Balconies shall be grilled or balustered and may overhang by 0.80 meters maximum.

2. The following shall be the requirements for the ground floor and the mezzanine façade:

a. Sidings shall be reinforced concrete, concrete hollow blocks or bricks.

b. Finishes can be any of the following:

- Plaster

- Paint or

- Brick Veneer

c. Doors shall be in any of these types:

- Wrought-iron sheet and frame

- Wrought-iron grilles

- Solid wood panel doors

- Solid wood plank doors

d. Windows may be grilled. Grilles shall be in any of these materials:

- Wood

- Wrought-iron which may be plain, square, turned and decorated like balusters.

e. Cellar windows shall be in wrought-iron frames with grilles for ventilation.

f. Entry passage shall be in any of these types:

- Piedra China

- San Esteban stones

- Bricks

- Tiles

SECTION 17. VIGAN CONSERVATION COUNCIL (VCC) –

The Vigan Conservation Council is hereby created with the following powers and functions:

a) To formulate, recommend, evaluate and approve development plans, policies and programs relating to the conservation and development of the Core and Buffer Zones of the Historic District in Vigan.

b) To serve as an advisory council to the Sangguniang Bayan on conservation matters.

c) Monitor the conservation, upkeep and maintenance of historical buildings, public areas, open spaces, streets and rivers found within the core and buffer zone as defined by ordinance no. 12 and 14 both of 1997 and recommend appropriate actions to be taken for the preservation thereof.

d) Assist the building official / municipal engineer in the implementation of laws, ordinances, and policies relative to the protection of the ancestral houses and other historic structures within the core and buffer zones.

e) Exercise all powers necessary or incidental of conservation objectives including the power to review, recommend or disapprove construction projects within the historic district.

f) Serve as the clearing house for all applicants for Building Permit within the Historic District and refer such applicants to the National Museum or the National Historical Institute as the case maybe, for their clearance based on the issuance of the VCC’s Certificate of Approval.

SECTION 18. COMPOSITION OF VIGAN CONSERVATION COUNCIL –

The Vigan Conservation Council shall be composed of the following:

a) The Municipal Mayor

As Chairperson

b) The SB Chair on Tourism

As Vice Chairman

c) The SB Chair on Infrastructure

As Member

d) The SB Chair on Education Culture & Sport

As Member

e) The SB Chair on Finance

As Member

f) A Minority Member of the SB

As Member

g) An Architect representing the U.A.P.

As Member

h) A member of the Academe, Representing U N P

As Member

i) The Director of the Archdiocesan

Commission on Cultural Heritage of Nueva Segovia

As Member

j) The Municipal Engineer

As Member

k) The President of SVAHAI

As Member

l) The President of the Fil-Chinese Chamber of Commerce

As Member

m) . The President of the Vigan Tourism Council

As Member

n) The Manager of the Ilocos Sur Electric Cooperative

As Member

o) The Manager of the Metro Vigan Water District

As Member

p) The Executive Director of the Vigan Heritage Village Commission

As Member

q) The Fire Marshall of the Bureau of Fire Protection of Vigan

As Member

r) The Local Planning and Development Coordinator

As Head of Secretariat

SECTION 19. TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP –

The following members of the VCC shall compose the Technical Working Group:

19.1

a. The SB Chair on Tourism As Team Leader

b. A Representative of the UAP As Member

c. A Representative from the Academe As Member

d. The Building Official (Local Engineer) As Member

19.2

e. The Local Planning and Development Coordinator of Vigan Member As Secretariat

The Office of the Engineer and other pertinent local office as may be created by law shall provide technical assistance to homeowners on matters of conservation.

SECTION 20. FUNCTIONS OF THE TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP

a) Formulate the Conservation Guidelines and recommend the same to the VCC for approval.

b) Review all architectural plans for the construction and/or restoration of all structures within the core and buffer zones of the historic district and submit their findings and recommendations to the VCC prior to the issuance or non-issuance of the VCC Certificate of Approval.

c) Conduct an inventory and documentation of all ancestral and historical structures in Vigan and assist in the formulation of a master Plan for the conservation of the historic district.

SECTION 21. VCC CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL -

No structure shall be erected, restored, reconstructed, adapted for reuse, moved or demolished within the core and buffer zones of the historic district without first obtaining VCC’s Certificate of Approval.

This Certificate is an attestation that the conservation process applicable in the circumstances has been thoroughly studied taking into consideration the cultural significance of the place and state of its fabric and that proper documentation has taken place and the capability of the homeowner to undertake the project.

SECTION 22. CONSTRUCTION / CONSERVATION BOND -

A construction / conservation bond shall be paid by an applicant of a building permit, the amount of which shall be determined by the Vigan Conservation Council taking into consideration the cost of construction and/or conservation.

The bond shall be subject to reimbursement if the Vigan Conservation Council finds the construction/conservation in accordance with this ordinance otherwise, it shall be forfeited in favor of the local government of Vigan for the purpose of rectifying errors.

SECTION 23. REPEALING CLAUSE –

All Local Executive Orders, Ordinances, Policies, and Regulations found inconsistent with this are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 24. PENAL CLAUSE –

Any person found violating this ordinance shall be subject to a fine of:

a) First Offense P1,000.00

b) Second Offense P 1,500.00

c) Third Offense or more P 2,500.00

SECTION 24. EFFECTIVITY CLAUSE - This Ordinance shall take effect immediately.

Approved, April 24, 2000