BY GLENDA SOLOGASTOA
ILOILO City – Disappointed by the delay in the tourism redevelopment of Sicogon Island, officials of the municipality of Carles, Iloilo will seek the intervention of no less than President Benigno Aquino III.
A letter will be sent to the President this week, said Mayor Arnold Betita.
“We want the President to intervene already. This project has long been delayed. Nagadali na ang kalabanan sa mga pumoluyo nga umpisahan ang project (People want the project to start immediately),” said Betita.
A signature campaign pushing for Sicogon’s redevelopment to start immediately kicked off yesterday during a gathering attended by island residents, barangay captains of Carles’ 33 villages, local officials, representatives from Sicogon Development Corp. and Ayala Land, Inc., among others.
“We are targeting not less than 300 signatories,” said Betita.
Emilita Azucena, 50, of Barangay San Fernando and Othelo Andrade, 54, of Barangay Buaya, both residents of Sicogon, recalled how the once thriving tourism industry in the island helped improve their lives in the 1970s.
Azucena worked as a waitress while Andrade worked as a bar tender in various resorts.
They lost their jobs when Sicogon’s allure faded through years of neglect and peace and order concerns.
They said some of their colleagues left Sicogon to find employment elsewhere while others resorted to fishing.
Azucena and Andrade hope that Sicogon’s redevelopment will push through. They believe it will benefit their families once more.
Letters seeking support will also be sent to Vice President Jejomar Binay, Department of Tourism, Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Department of Interior and Local Government, among others, said Mayor Betita.
“We are gathered….to declare our solidarity with the people of Sicogon in their desire that the tourism development of the island should now (begin) without delay…,” read part of the “pledge of support” that yesterday’s attendees signed.
Leading the signing were Mayor Betita, members of Carles’ Sangguniang Bayan, members of Carles’ Liga ng mga Barangay, and memters of Uswag Sicogon Homeowners Association.
Mayor Betita also appealed to those opposing the redevelopment.
“Kon may ara sila gusto i-settle, just settle it with the owner or developer. Pero indi lang nila pagpunggan ang development,” said Betita.
Sicogon Development Corp. of the Sarrosa family owns much of Sicogon Island. It has found a partner in Ayala Land to revive the island as a top tourist destination that it once was in the 1970s.
Sicogon boasts of white sand beaches and pristine waters. It used to be the playground of the rich and famous but fell into neglect. It was eventually eclipsed by Boracay Island./PN
