BY GLENDA SOLOGASTOA
ILOILO City – The much-anticipated redevelopment of Sicogon Island in Carles, Iloilo is being stalled by a land dispute between long-time residents and Sicogon Development Corp. (SIDECO) of the Sarrosa family that claims ownership of much of the island.
In recent months, however, there have been negotiations so that the redevelopment can push through without any more glitches, disclosed Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr.
Even Ilonggo senator Franklin Drilon has been enlisted to help, he said.
“There is a very bright prospect of the parties agreeing to put an end to the long-standing conflict between landowners and residents of the island,” said Defensor.
The governor, however, declined to divulge details of the agreement as these are still being finalized.
Defensor said he had already conferred with Drilon, the secretaries of the Department of Agrarian Reform and National Anti-Poverty Commission, activist and former Anakbayan representative Risa Hontiveros, officials of developer Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI), and the president of the homeowners’ association in Sicogon, among others.
ALI is partnering with SIDECO to revive the island as a tourism destination that it once was in the 1970s.
Defensor said ALI has presented a “reasonable” program and proposal.
“In principle, the parties involved agreed to settle the issue through an agreement. With this, we hope the redevelopment of Sicogon into a world-class tourist destination will kick off soon,” said Defensor.
The governor said the proposal of the developer appears to be an attempt at a “win-win” solution.
He is also hopeful that the tourism development in Sicogon will start before this year ends or early 2015.
There will still be a series of talks regarding the finalization of the agreement, Defensor said.
Disappointed by the delay in the tourism redevelopment of Sicogon Island, officials of Carles sought the intervention of no less than President Benigno Aquino III.
Led by Mayor Arnold Betita, they sent a letter along with a pledge of support signed by the residents of Carles./PN
