When your hometown is evolving before your eyes, how do you make sure its heart grows with it?
For Trisha Damasco, the answer came in the form of architecture. Her thesis, “A New Government Center for Hinigaran,” is more than a response to congestion and outdated infrastructure—it’s a bold, thoughtful vision rooted in identity, culture, and civic pride.
“Hinigaran is changing,” she says. “We’re seeing new hospitals, innovative public markets, stronger governance. But our current municipal hall? It’s struggling to keep up.”
At just around 3,000 square meters, the existing municipal hall can no longer serve the growing population efficiently. Structural issues, overcrowding, and the lack of basic amenities reflect a mismatch between the town’s progress and its public spaces.
So Trisha imagined something better—a civic space built not just for function, but for the people it serves.
Anchored in the spirit of “Hugpong, Hinugyaw, Hijo de Ponggol, Hinigaranon,” her design celebrates unity, festivity, heritage, and resilience. From wide courtyards that bring people together, to open spaces designed for local events and everyday life, the building becomes a community hub, not just a place for paperwork.
Every detail tells a story:
The layout follows the symbolic path of a mythical snake, a nod to the town’s folklore.
A double-skin façade mirrors snake scales, blending meaning with sustainable design.
Natural ventilation, rainwater harvesting, and steel framing ensure long-term functionality and resilience.
It’s not just beautiful—it’s practical, inclusive, and forward-thinking.
Inside, waiting areas are designed for comfort and dignity. Hallways are wide enough to support population growth. The building is accessible from all directions, with ramps and tiered walkways that respect the natural slope of the site. And most importantly, it reflects a modern Filipino sensibility—an architecture that speaks our language and serves our needs.
“This is my way of giving back to Hinigaran,” Trisha shares. “I want this government center to be a symbol of who we are and who we’re becoming.”
As Hinigaran continues its journey as a model for sustainable development in the 5th District, this project becomes more than a thesis—it’s a commitment to the people, and a structure built with heart.
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