No Island is an Island: Understanding the Geo-social Interaction of Small Islands in the Philippine Archipelagoscape

Studies that focus on archipelagos and the interaction between and among islands in an archipelago are lacking. This study aims to contribute to this emerging discussion by determining the geo-social interactions of small islands in the Naranjo Group of Islands, Philippines. Using Social Network Analysis (SNA), descriptive network connectivity statistics — degree centrality, geographical centrality, and network density indices were generated. The geo-social interaction intensity (GSII) index was also calculated to assess the degree of geo-social interactions of the small islands. The geo-social interaction between and among islands in the Naranjo Group of Islands involves access or exchange of resources, goods, and services. The degree of geo-social interaction in the archipelagoscape was influenced by the islanders’ need to access resources, resource availability, distance, weather, transport, and sea condition. The degree of linkages between and among islands in an archipelagoscape serves as a safeguard during a disturbance by promoting resilience against challenges by ensuring continued access to resources or constraining its spread. The study recommends a strengthened geo-social interaction to ensure a continued flow of goods and services necessary for island existence, survival, and well-being. Further research on the relationship between island resilience and connectivity from an archipelagic perspective is also suggested.