Sablot (Litsea Glutinosa), Lour Rob., in the Continuing Preservation and Conservation of the Cultural Heritage of Ilocos (Philippines): A Historic and Technical Approach

Research demonstrates that sablot (Litsea glutinosa), a traditional binding material, can serve as a viable substitute for modern cement in preserving historic structures like those in Vigan, Philippines. The study found that sablot paste, when used with sand and lime, achieves comparable compressive strength to contemporary concrete, particularly when soaked for 3–7 days. Historical interviews revealed that sablot was widely used in the construction of Ilocos churches before the introduction of cement in 1824, suggesting its potential for 'genuine' heritage conservation. The research combines historical documentation with experimental testing to validate this indigenous material's structural feasibility, offering a sustainable alternative for preserving UNESCO-listed sites.

Esguerra, N. A. (2018). Sablot (Litsea Glutinosa), Lour Rob., in the Continuing Preservation and Conservation of the Cultural Heritage of Ilocos (Philippines): A Historic and Technical Approach. Journal Sampurasun : Interdisciplinary Studies for Cultural Heritage, 4(1), 51–62. https://doi.org/10.23969/sampurasun.v4i01.435