Archival opens eco-house to public

CEBU, Philippines - Former Cebu City councilor Nestor Archival has opened for public viewing, his 7,000 square-meter eco-residence, called “House-Close To Nature,” in his effort to promote eco-lifestyle and offer eco-tourism facilities in Cebu.Former Cebu City councilor Nestor Archival has opened for public viewing, his 7,000 square-meter eco-residence, called “House-Close To Nature,” in his effort to promote eco-lifestyle and offer eco-tourism facilities in Cebu.

Located in Talamban, Archival’s residence is now one of the newest eco-tourism destinations included in the itineraries of tourism operators in Cebu. A quick-tour to the eco-friendly abode would only cost a minimal amount for every tourist, which already includes organic lunch or snacks.

“This is my advocacy. I want to show to the people that maintaining an eco-friendly household is not impossible. In fact, it is inexpensive,” Archival said during a press tour to officially open his residence for commercial use.

The eco-house is a showcase of manifold green initiatives; recycling schemes and recycled waste products, water treatment and solid waste management, synergized in biogas digester, vermin composting and organic food production.

The lusty vegetable garden and lagoon add to the learning experience of tourists, as well as students and environment advocates.

The house itself is made of recycled and indigenous materials, vivified by a “renewal energy” coming from fresh rainwater catchment.

Archival, who also owns a construction company the N.A. Systems Inc (NASI), started to transform his residence into a total eco and environment-friendly in 2003, and now he is ready to open it up to the public.

Inside the vicinity, Archival is also showcasing a “house of the future” model, wherein a cooling system is sourced via sun and water, and an organic garden at the rooftop.

The opening of the “House Close to Nature” is just part of the bigger plan of Archival to establish more eco-friendly facilities, including the planned organic restaurant to be opened within the vicinity of his house, and the building up of a “Healing Garden” in his five-hectare property in Compostela, northern Cebu.— THE FREEMAN