BY GLENDA SOLOGASTOA
ILOILO – Almost 800 of the 1,200 families in Sicogon Island, Carles town accepted the resettlement package offered by Sicogon Development Corp. (SIDECO) and Ayala Land, Inc.
The two companies plan to redevelop the island into a tourist destination.
The residents were given two options:
* P150,000 plus additional P30,000 each for sharer-family if there is; or
* house and lot (free housing units with livelihood located in Brgy. Jolog, Estancia town).
The housing units were turned over by Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery Panfilo Lacson on Wednesday.
The number of families who declined the resettlement package was around 300, according to SIDECO vice president Dave Sarrosa.
SIDECO respects their right; the company will let the court decide on their fate, he stressed.
“… Eventually there will be evictions and when they get evicted, they will get nothing,” Sarrosa said.
Sarrosa, however, emphasized that their priority is the welfare of the island’s residents, especially those affected by super typhoon “Yolanda” November last year.
‘CRYING LADY’ NO MORE
One of the most vocal critics of SIDECO and resident of the island also accepted the company’s offer.
The 52-year old Elsa Bulaqueña, known as the “crying lady” of the Federation of Sicogon Island Farmers and Fisherfolk Association (FESIFFA), called it quits.
“I want my life back. I want to move on. I want to forget the false promises and live in peace,” she said.
Bulaqueña once resided in Brgy. San Fernando, Sicogon Island.
In recent years, her cries for social justice became banner stories. The supposed harassment of her children by SIDECO security men even caught the attention of the social media.
She took the lead, either under the scorching heat or heavy rains, as her group marched along Iloilo streets chanting “land for the landless” and “social justice.”
But Bulaqueña had a falling out with FESIFFA leaders and left the group last week of May this year.
She accepted the resettlement package (cash option).
“I want a peaceful life. I don’t want to create trouble anymore. I don’t want to go back to the old days,” said Bulaqueña, who expressed interest to be a part of the women’s cooperative being organized by SIDECO and Ayala Land for livelihood trainings.
Like Bulaqueña, Elma Sandoval, a widow at 54, is also looking forward to better days ahead.
Sandoval believed in the seriousness of SIDECO and Ayala Land in helping them, that’s why her family accepted the resettlement offer.
She chose option two. She is now one of the homeowners at the resettlement housing project in Brgy. Jolog, Estancia.
With their new house, Sandoval surmised that her family could now sleep well and comfortably and there will be no more chaos just like in the island./PN
