Gabulan

Gabulan, also sometimes spelled Gabulanon, is a relatively obscure term primarily used in the Philippines, specifically in the Visayas region. It generally refers to a type of local, informal agreement or understanding, often pertaining to land use or resource sharing. It can also denote a customary right or privilege enjoyed by a community or individual based on long-standing practice and tradition rather than formal legal documentation. The term often carries connotations of reciprocity and communal benefit. Gabulan arrangements are frequently passed down through generations and are rooted in local customs and oral histories. Their enforceability can vary depending on the specific context and the recognition afforded to them by local authorities. They are often considered significant in resolving minor disputes related to land or resource access at the community level. Gabulan practices can be seen as a form of informal governance that operates alongside, or sometimes in contrast to, formal legal frameworks. The specific details and customs associated with Gabulan vary from one community to another within the Visayan region.