CONCEPTS AND PERSPECTIVES
OF COMMUNITY
In the early 1980's, locals in a remote fishing village along the coast of Apo Island in the
Philippines observed that their fish catch was rapidly dwindling at an alarming rate. They
found out that, for years, some fishermen were using dynamite and cyanide fishing methods,
resulting to the destruction of corals and marine life. Confronted with this crisis, villagers and
fisherfolk came together and collectively decided to prohibit dynamite and cyanide fishing.
They also established a marine sanctuary, ensuring the protection and preservation of
the local marine life in the area. Since then, community life improved. Through their initiative
to protect their environment, villagers were also able to expand their source of livelihood
through adding handicraft production and eco-tourism. More so, it is because of their collective
action that Apo Island has become a source of local pride, serving as a model for coastal
communities. Apo Island is one of the oldest marine reserves in the Philippines.
Inspirational stories about community and community action like that of the Apo Island
fishing village illustrate the significance of the community as an indispensable part of everyday
life.
QUESTIONS
1. How Apo Island fishing village illustrate their community?
2. What does the articles say about your idea of a community?
3. Do you see yourself as a part of this community? For instance, how do you say so?