Quake, storm-proof mud house launched

CEBU, Philippines - Considering the various natural disasters that hit Philippines, a family has started to build a scheme dubbed as Aguipo Heritage Project in Aguipo, Bohol.

The project was a dream of Malicse family who wanted their town to “redeem” its people.

Marnie Malicse said when Aguipo started to lose its populace, her family wanted to rebuild the place with the intent that it be more competent than other towns.

“Dili ko gusto nga akong barrio, mawala nalang. Murag dream ni nako ba nga guided by God,” she said.

Sheela Malicse said part of the project’s plan is the newly built Heritage Earthblock House which is made up of mud.

Sheela said it has essential benefits like its resistance to an 8.2-magnitude earthquake, strong typhoon and hurricanes. Aside from this, she said it’s also affordable, customizable, lasts a long time, fireproof, termite proof and has timeless architectural principles.

“Everything was made up of the earth. And earth is something we respect,” she said.

She said the Earthblock House is composed of a vault house and an emergency shelter dome. The vault house is where anyone could live comfortably while the emergency dome could serve as hiding place in case of disasters.

Sheela encourages people to build their own mud house to secure their families.

“A family can do it. A community can do it,” she said adding that the cost of a house would depend on the design and model.

She added that all it takes is a matter of time, effort and resources.

“Think about this, the materials used are mainly the earth underneath your feet.  With water, a little bit of stabilizing agent and minimal proprietary additives, you can build your walls and floors.  The roofing can be made of GI sheets, lightweight concrete or other local materials.  If this is built for victims of natural disasters, then this could cost nothing but time and effort with sponsors,” their presentation said.

Sheela said that the mud house could be suited perfectly for the victims of any disasters, adding that it would only cost time, effort and sponsors.

“We don’t want to build houses; we want to build lives,” Sheela said adding.

Parts of the Heritage Project are 14 Stations of the Cross, which would be finished this month, Rosary Garden, Redeeming Christ Statue and San Vicente Church Museum.

“Everything started with a dream. So let’s keep the dream in motion and be part of the dream,” Sheela said.

She added that interested sponsors are encouraged to contact them through aguipoheritage [email protected].

“Together we can provide shelter for people in the world. One deserving family at a time… especially those who don’t have the resources to help themselves, left without a voice to cry out for help,” their presentation read. (FREEMAN)