COMMUNITY

ENGAGEMENT,
SOLIDARITY, AND
CITIZENSHIP
LESSON 1
Concepts and
Perspectives of
Community
APO ISLAND STORY
In the early 1980s, locals in a remote fishing
village along the cost 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.
APO ISLAND STORY
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 a source of local pride, serving as
a model for coastal communities. Apo Island is one
of the oldest marine reserves in the Philippines.
What are your takeaway
from the story

What significance learning you learn

from the story
LEARNING ABOUT COMMUNITIES
It is said that the only time that we
realize WHO and WHAT we are is
when we have immersed ourselves
within the community.

We would not discover our essential,

unless we mingle with other people.
LEARNING ABOUT COMMUNITIES
So, what is this COMMUNITY?

What are its distinctiveness

and how are these connected
to our chosen future careers?
LEARNING ABOUT COMMUNITIES
Learning about the communities is the
key to appreciating our daily interactions
with others, as we locate ourselves in a
web of social connections.

Being entangled in these connections

constantly help us realize that we are
PART of a larger social group.
LEARNING ABOUT COMMUNITIES
Learning about the communities is the
key to appreciating our daily interactions
with others, as we locate ourselves in a
web of social connections.

Being entangled in these connections

constantly help us realize that we are
PART of a larger social group.
LEARNING ABOUT COMMUNITIES
We associate with social groups for many
reasons – we form relationships/bonds.

We appreciate the value of the meaningful

actions and contributions that we impart to
our community.

We understand the community needs/ aid to

the collective challenges we face.
LEARNING ABOUT COMMUNITIES
And to address those challenges
through COMMUNITY INIATIVES and
INTERVENTIONS, it requires: PEOPLE,
HISTORY and ISSUES from the
community.
Make an illustration that describes
your LOCAL COMMUNITY.

Guide Questions:
1. What is your idea of community?
2. Who makes up your community?
3. Do you see yourself as part of this
community? How do you say so?