By ERWIN ‘AMBO’ DELILAN
WITH the formation of “misty clouds” the “weather” in Sicogon Island in northern Iloilo will soon be blustery, and such are expected to cause “blizzard” in th paradise island.
I am referring to an upcoming “high-profile” land dispute that may disrupt the tourism resuscitation of this “hidden gem” of Iloilo.
A giant developer is at the forefront of current elaborations in the island. It pledged sustainable developments that will nurture and sustain surrounding communities in Sicogon. The island’s pristine beaches, natural lagoons, secret coves, and mangrove forest will be preserved and protected.
But wait! There’s something about to be “scruffy”. The “lead actors” are ilustrados. And as projected by their peers in Negros, this kind of tenure dispute will surely last for decades.
The heirs of Negros liberation hero, the late Anecito Lacson, are preparing all their legal armaments against the giant developer and Sicogon Development Corporation (SIDECO) of the Saroras whose roots are in Sagay City, Negros Occ.
The subject of a possible legal intramural is 2.9 hectares out of the 809-hectare total land development in Sicogon.
Quite small, perhaps. But for Patrick Miguel (PM) Montilla, one of the great-great-grandsons of Anecito: “No matter is the size of our remaining land, ours is ours!”
And there’s another interesting matter – the Department of Environmental Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) might find themselves in “hot water”. This is all about Land Conversion Orders (LCOs), Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) coverage and exemption, and Comprehensive Framework Agreement (CFA), among others.
DENR regional executive director Levino Duran, in a phone interview, said their agency’s attorney is ready do legal representation on this matter.
“We will not side with any party. We’ll just see if they have legal valid document(s) to prove their respective claims,” Duran said.
“If the legal battle pushes through,” the DENR-6 boss added, “it will be up to the competent court to decide on the squabble.”
Too, via phone, I sought comment(s) from Iloilo’s DAR Provincial Program Officer II Harriet Loot. She assured me: “DAR is definitely outside of the current mess!”
At the moment, no one’s available to comment on behalf of SIDECO and the giant developer. Same with DHSUD.
ISLAND HISTORY
Question: Is PM one of the rightful claimants? Anecito was his great-great-lolo by blood.
Was Anecito an owner of Sicogon before? Yes!
In a previous article, acclaimed Ilonggo journalist-cum-historian Nereo Lujan said it was in 1891 when Anecito became the sole owner of Sicogon.
This was after the Ynchausti y Cia, the single largest sugar-producing conglomerate during the Spanish regime and owner of the island, sold such to agent Ramon Fontanet.
Fontanet, Lujan added, gave the island to Anecito in payment of a debt of 3,000 Mexican pesos.
Thus, Sicogon became part of the inheritance of Anecito’s eldest daughter Jesusa, who married Jose Maria Arroyo y Pidal – the grand parents of former First Gentleman (FG) Mike Arroyo, Lujan’s article further stated.
FG Mike and PM are primos or cousins.
In the 1970s, the Sarrosa family bought the island from the heirs of Jose Maria and Jesusa Arroyo, and established an exclusive membership club that was later opened to Europeans and other tourists.
In 1974, Sicogon became popular. That was because of the movie Ang Pinakamagandang Hayop sa Balat ng Lupa. It was filmed in Sicogon and starred 1969 Miss Universe Gloria Diaz and actor Vic Vargas.
In 2013 SIDECO inked a partnership agreement with Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI) for the island’s redevelopment. Their joint venture aims at transforming the island into a thriving resort community.
This contestable 2.9 hectares were probably overlooked. Por lo tanto, this could be a “costly headache” just in case.
We wish no complication on the matter but instead hope for a win-win solution not just for the sake of premium tourism promotions but also for the ultimate peace of the soul of our most adored Al Cinco de Noviembre hero, General Anecito Lacson./PN
