AGPAY SARIGAN: Exploring a Revamped Alangan Tribe Communal House

Abstract

Architecture evolves in response to modernization and emerging environmental challenges; however, Indigenous communities residing in traditional dwellings remain particularly vulnerable to the intensifying impacts of climate change. This study focused on the Alangan tribe of Mindoro, one of the island’s eight Indigenous sub-groups, whose communal housing system known as the balay-lakoy has been increasingly compromised by severe typhoons. Traditionally constructed from bamboo, cogon grass, rattan, and tree bark, the balay-lakoy embodies the Alangan philosophy of collective living, mutual support, and cultural unity. Recurrent disasters have led to cycles of destruction and rebuilding, contributing to material depletion, displacement, and gradual erosion of communal housing practices.
In response, the Bayani Challenge 2013 introduced a revitalized balay-lakoy prototype in Mayabig, Baco, Oriental Mindoro, integrating concrete and steel with traditional materials. Guided by the principle of Agpay-Sarigan (“togetherness”), the initiative aimed to enhance disaster resilience while preserving Indigenous cultural values. This study examined the lived experiences and perceptions of Alangan residents who occupied the revamped communal house from 2013 to 2023, employing interviews, participant observation, and video documentation.
In conclusion, residents reported greater family cohesion, reduced maintenance burdens, and strengthened trust in the durability of their homes. By aligning with SDGs 1 (No Poverty), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), 11 (Sustainable C ities and Communities), and 13 (Climate Action), the study offers a replicable model for sustainable housing interventions among Indigenous communities in Mindoro and beyond, contributing to broader discussions on heritage preservation, climate adaptation, and community-centered design