Online users have taken notice of an architectural Facebook page, which is currently receiving criticism for its project idea for Capones Island.
In a post made on their page, they wrote, “Thank you for all your feedback. First of all, this is just a WHAT IF idea. Second, a developing country like the Philippines may not be able to afford world-class facilities like the ones I propose. These facilities would work with nature, integrate with the environment, turn wastewater into drinkable water, provide access to the mountain summit for people of all ages, and offer educational opportunities for tourists to learn about our town and its people.”
“It’s interesting that many people are eager to visit Jeju Island, Miyajima Island, Sentosa Island, Phi Phi Island, etc., where the facilities are similar to the ones I envision, yet they seem hesitant about this kind of idea,” they continued.
They ended their post by writing, “I was struck by a brilliant idea the moment I stumbled upon a breathtaking picture of Capones Island. Imagine transforming it into an island resort where visitors can bask in the sun, explore the ocean, and marvel at its natural wonders for days on end.”
The post included a visualizer showing potential innovations for Capones Island.
For context, Capones Island is a small island off the coast of Zambales, Philippines, known for its abundant natural resources. Its pristine beaches and clear waters are rich in marine life, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and diving. The island also features a diverse ecosystem with lush vegetation and unique geological formations.
Thus, social media users seemed not to be fond of the page’s plan and shared their opinions in the comments.
One user wrote, Maganda yung idea mo pero not on this island, sa man made island mo na lang dapat ginawa yang WHAT IF mo. Kasi I think the REAL development would be installing proper waste management/disposal sa isla na yan and hire a caretaker for the island. Yung gilid niyan may caretaker ka na, mas maganda kung whole island meron. May lighthouse po diyan, hindi mo ba yun alam? May unfinished/abandoned buildings rin sa baba ng lighthouse na ngayon di rin napakinabangan. If your intention is to develop & preserve the island at the same time, you can start there. [Your idea is great but not on this island, you could have done your WHAT IF idea on a man made island. Because I think REAL development would be installing proper waste management/disposal on that island and hire a caretaker for the island. On the side you already have a caretaker, it would be better if the whole island has. There’s a lighthouse there, don’t you know that? There’s unfinished/abandoned buildings also at the bottom of the lighthouse which now are also not being used. If your intention is to develop & preserve the island at the same time, you can start there].”
Another user wrote, “Just let the island be bro. Maybe just focus on preserving its beauty by not polluting it. No need to alter anything.”
A third user wrote, “Wild idea…How about we leave this island alone, let it restore its natural beauty, and avoid turning it into another tourist trap?”
More users express discontent with the plan.
Upon receiving criticisms from social media users, they took to the comments to respond to the backlash and wrote, “Im fully aware, I also have ideas for that pero baka marami naman violent reactions na parang pinatay ko yung mga magulang nila for a mere idea. [I’m fully aware, I also have ideas for that but maybe there are a lot of violent reactions like I killed their parents for a mere idea].”
Despite the backlash, the architectural page remains committed to engaging with community feedback and refining their ideas. They hope to balance innovative development with preservation, aiming to spark meaningful discussions about the future of Capones Island while respecting its current state and addressing valid concerns.
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