Online users have become aware of a Facebook page for architects that is currently coming under criticism for its project idea for Capone’s Island.
In a post on their page, they wrote: “Thank you for your feedback. First, 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 am proposing. These facilities would work with nature, integrate with the environment, convert wastewater into drinking water, provide access to the mountaintop for people of all ages, and provide educational opportunities for tourists to learn about our city and its people.”
“It is interesting that many people are keen to visit the islands of Jeju, Miyajima, Sentosa or Phi Phi, etc., because they have similar facilities to what I envision. Yet they seem to be hesitant about such ideas,” they continued.
They ended their post by saying, “When I stumbled upon a stunning picture of Capone’s Island, I had a brilliant idea. Imagine turning it into an island resort where visitors can spend days basking in the sun, exploring the sea and admiring its natural wonders.”
The post included a visualizer showing possible innovations for Capone’s Island.
For context, Capones Island is a small island off the coast of Zambales in the Philippines known for its rich natural resources. Its pristine beaches and clear waters are rich in marine life, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. The island also boasts a diverse ecosystem with lush vegetation and unique geological formations.
Social media users were apparently not enthusiastic about the site’s plans and shared their opinions in the comments.
One user wrote: Maganda yung idea mo buto not on that island but an artificial island mo na lang dapat ginawa yang WHAT IF mo. Kasi I think the REAL development would be to set up proper waste management/disposal on the island and hire a caretaker for the island. Yung gilid niyan can caretaker ka na, mas maganda kung whole island meron. Can lighthouse po diyan, hindi mo ba yun alam? Unfinished/abandoned buildings may also be found near the lighthouse. If you intend to develop and preserve the island at the same time, you can start from there. (Your idea is great, but not on this island. You could have implemented your WHAT IF idea on an artificial island. Because I think REAL development would be to set up proper waste management/disposal on this island and hire a caretaker for the island. You already have a caretaker, it would be better if the whole island had one. There is a lighthouse there, don’t you know? There are also unfinished/abandoned buildings under the lighthouse that are now also not in use. If you want to develop and maintain the island at the same time, you can start there.)”
Another user wrote: “Just leave the island alone bro. Maybe just focus on preserving its beauty by not polluting it. Nothing needs to be changed.”
A third user wrote: “Crazy idea… How about we leave this island alone, allow it to restore its natural beauty and avoid turning it into another tourist trap?”
More and more users are expressing their dissatisfaction with the plan.
When they received criticism from social media users, they responded to the backlash in the comments, writing: “I am fully aware that I also have ideas for it, although there are strong reactions, even though it is not just an idea. (I am fully aware of this, I have ideas about it too, but there may be a lot of violent reactions, along the lines of, I killed her parents just because of an idea.)”
Despite the backlash, the architecture site remains committed to engaging with community feedback and refining their ideas. They hope to balance innovative development with preservation and encourage meaningful discussions about the future of Capone’s Island while respecting its current state and addressing legitimate concerns.
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