By SAMMY JULIAN
Manila News Bureau Chief
ILOILO — The municipal governments of Carles and Estancia have expressed support to the development of Sicogon Island into a tourism landmark destination in northern Iloilo.
Local government leaders of the two towns recently unanimously approved separate resolutions anchored on the economic value of the proposed development.
Not only the local governments surrounding the island and Western Visayas but also the national economy and tourism-related industries will benefit from the project, they said.
In Carles, local officials led by Mayor Arnold Betita declared through Resolution No. 19–2014 that the revival of the more than 1,000-hectare tourism haven will “(surely) make Sicogon move beyond its past glory.”
The massive ecotourism development in Sicogon that will be undertaken by the Sicogon Development Corp. (Sideco) in partnership with Ayala Land, Inc., the country’s biggest real estate developer, will also provide thousands of alternative livelihood opportunities to local residents, the leaders of Carles said.
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.
Sicogon Island is under the jurisdiction of the municipality of Carles.
Estancia leaders headed by Mayor Rene Cordero and Vice Mayor Rodoel Aclaro Sr. also expressed their support to the project.
In Resolution No. 2014–042, Aclaro and the Sangguniang Bayan noted that “aside from the pristine white sand beaches, clear blue waters, and the wealth of its aquatic resources perfect diving, Sicogon is highlighted by other unique natural features such as the lagoon, Mt. Opao, Tomaquin Island, and a 282-hectare protected forest that serves as home to the island’s diverse flora and fauna.”
Those who supported the resolution included Councilors Jeanie Olvido, Danilo Bataga, Mary Lynn Mosqueda, Leon Rogador II, Alain Ross Sumile, Rey Bataga, Alfredo Sulam, and Jacqueline Gealon.
The municipal governments of Carles and Estancia also lauded Ayala Land and Sideco for providing free housing units to super typhoon “Yolanda” survivors from Sicogon.
The Iloilo Economic Development Foundation, Inc., an umbrella organization of influential business corporations and respected industry leaders in Iloilo city and province, issued a separate statement supporting the plan to revive Sicogon./PN
