Abstract:

Space is the integration of the physical and social realms. The existence of the physical space is driven by the function assigned to it by the society. This phenomenon has been observed recently in the impending changes on Hambil, or Carabao Island, one of the islands of Romblon situated at the south of Tablas Island and north of Boracay Island, the hub for international visitors.

Carabao Island has attributes that can be considered "natural" to the area. The tourism department of the country has recently declared Hambil as the next Boracay, given the potential destinations. Recent developments on the island and its nearby waters have received different feedbacks from the residents of Carabao Island, mostly in a positive light because of the prospects of alternative sources of income.

Nevertheless, the Hambilanons are adamant in preserving the beauty of their island landscape; they have witnessed and learned from what they perceive as degradation of Boracay Island. Communal efforts have been undertaken to develop policies before the development of the land for commercial purposes. Such policies include those that involve their landscape such as forest reserves, space allocation on residential and commercial areas, and fish sanctuaries. So as to preserve the landscape that is engraved into a Bisayan culture of the Hambilanons, collaborative effort and communal solidarity are apparent to the members of the community. The aesthetics of the coastal landscape is appreciated through its inherent features and also its role for the subsistence of the community.