Land dispute delays Sicogon Island's redevelopment

ILOILO, Philippines — The present land dispute and tension at the controversial Sicogon Island in Carles, Iloilo may cause quite a delay in the multi-billion island's redevelopment, the Department of Tourism-6 said.

DOT-6 Director Atty. Helen Catalbas stressed the island's development could not be stopped but the Sicogon Development Corp. of the Sarrosa family should also do their part in providing the needs of those families who were displaced by the said project.

Catalbas said the joint venture between the SIDECO and its investor - the Ayala Land Inc. - is now being finalized.

So far, the director stressed that the present tension in Sicogon Island could not affect the entire tourism industry of the region particularly in northern Iloilo.

"The tension will not affect totally the tourist destinations of Carles and its neighboring towns of Concepcion and Ajuy where most tourists used to adventure," she said.

Catalbas mentioned the Isla de Gigantes in Carles where tanke lagoon is located and attract local and foreign tourists.

Also, the town of Concepcion where most of its island villages have white-sand beaches like the islands of Tambaliza, Agho, Bolobadiangan, Polopiña and among others.

The nearby Ajuy town also has white beaches such as Marbuena and Calabazas Islands.

Earlier, a relocation site was assured by the SIDECO to 956 families living from three affected villages of San Fernando, Alipata and Buaya, all in the said island.

The island's development has started last May but Federation of Sicogon Fisherfolk and Farmers Association president Raul Ramos claimed that majority beneficiaries who availed the relocation site and lands covered by the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program of Department of Agrarian Reform-6 are allegedly "fake claimants" or not residents of the affected villages.

Ramos blamed SIDECO behind those fake claimants and their interventions made were part of their plan to claim the entire island.

He added those who preferred to remain on their respective residences were being harassed by the land owner - Sarrosa clan, who forced them to leave their respective homes while others were being offered either to receive P 150, 000 cash assistance and leave or a relocation site in Estancia, Iloilo.

FESSIFA is now waiting the Writ of Amparo filed by one of their members to be approved by the Court of Appeals so that they will be protected by law. — (FREEMAN)