BY SAMMY JULIAN
THE municipal governments of Carles and Estancia unanimously approved separate resolutions supporting the immediate development of Sicogon Island into a tourism landmark destination in northern Iloilo.
Officials of Carles town headed by Mayor Arnold Betita said in Resolution No. 19-2014 that the revival of the more than 1,000-hectare tourism haven, with Sicogon Development Corp. (SIDECO) partnering with Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI), the country’s biggest real estate developer, “is sure to make Sicogon move beyond its past glory”.
Sicogon Island belongs to the municipality of Carles.
Also concurring with the resolution were Vice Mayor Siegfredo Betita and Sangguniang Bayan members Merije Tupas, Vicente Barbosa, Olga Golingan, Gere Sarrosa, Fortunato Marcelo, Lina Gregorio, Marlou Lopez, and Henry Golingan.
A massive eco-tourism development in Sicogon, the Carles officials continued, will provide thousands of alternative livelihood opportunities to the community folk who will no longer rely alone on fishing.
They noted that in the aftermath of super typhoon “Yolanda” seven months ago, people in northern Iloilo were so devastated not only because their houses and properties were destroyed but also because fishing activities as means of their income almost came to a halt for many months, with their bancas being washed away or torn to pieces by strong winds at the height of the howler, the strongest-ever recorded to hit the country.
Estancia leaders headed by Mayor Rene Cordero and Vice Mayor Rodoel Aclaro Sr. also batted for the immediate development of the island that earned the moniker as the playground of the “rich and famous” in the ‘70s, long before the advent of tourism boom in the country.
Also giving rise to the island’s popularity then was the film, “Pinakamagandang Hayop sa Balat ng Lupa” that top-billed 1969 Miss Universe Gloria Diaz.
Both Carles and Estancia municipal governments also lauded Ayala Land and SIDECO for providing free housing units to Yolanda survivors from Sicogon.
ALI, in mid-June 2014, turned over initially 150 houses out of the total 350 units in Barangay Jolog, Estancia in ceremonies attended by Secretary Panfilo Lacson, Presidential Adviser for Rehabilitation and Recovery; Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. of Iloilo and Vice Gov. Raul Tupas; local government unit and barangay officials, among others.
Ryan Ybanez, ALI project development manager, said Ayala Land, which marks its 25th anniversary this year, has allocated more than P100 million for the resettlement site in Barangay Jolog which the company is transforming into a model community for Yolanda survivors.
Aclaro and the Estancia Sangguniang Bayan members noted in Resolution No. 2014-042 that “aside from the pristine white sand beaches, clear blue waters and the wealth of its aquatic resources perfect for diving, Sicogon is highlighted by other unique natural features such as the lagoon, Mt. Opao, Tumaquin Island, and 282-hectare protected forest which serves as home to the island’s diverse flora and fauna”.
The vice mayor, together with Councilors Jeanie Olvido, Danilo Bataga, Mary Lynn Mosqueda, Leon Rogador II, Alain Ross Sumile, Rey Bataga, Alfredo Sulam, and Jacqueline Gealon, said in the same resolution that their support was anchored on the economic value of the proposed development not only to the LGUs surrounding the island and Western Visayasbut also the benefits it will generate to the national economy and tourism related industries.
The Iloilo Economic Development (ILED) Foundation Inc., an umbrella organization of influential business corporations and respected industry leaders in Iloilo City and Iloilo province, issued a separate statement supporting the plan of Ayala Land, in partnership with SIDECO, to revive Sicogon./PN
