By SAMMY JULIAN
Manila News Bureau Chief
AYALA Land Inc., the leading, most diversified and fully integrated property developer in the Philippines, envisions Sicogon Island as the new tourism hub in the Philippines.
Jose Emmanuel “Junie” Jalandoni, ALI senior vice president and concurrent president of Ayala Land Hotels, cited the centrality of Sicogon’s location and its accessibility to such other destinations like Boracay, Guimaras Island, Negros, the nearby Gigantes Island, Bantayan Island in Cebu and Malapascua, among others.
Tumaquin, a neighboring islet which is about a 150-meter walk during low tide, is another natural attraction for visitors.
Other natural features of Sicogon that will certainly lure tourists, Jalandoni pointed out, are the island’s 281-hectare protected forest area, home to diverse species of flora and fauna; Mt. Opao, which commands a majestic view of Sicogon’s environs, and the lagoon located in the northern part of the island that can be turned into a natural water reservoir.
A township is also being planned around the lagoon area.
Jalandoni said the decision of ALI to explore a joint venture agreement with Sicogon Development Corp. (SIDECO), owner of the prime island property located in Carles town, is anchored on the fact that the island was once a top destination famous for its crystal clear waters and long stretch of white-sand beach lined with coconut trees.
However, due to the peace and order situation during martial law, the development of the island was hindered and its popularity through the years faded. Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan later eclipsed Sicogon’s popularity as the playground of the rich and famous.
However, this will soon change as ALI is willing to transform Sicogon Island in partnership with SIDECO into a sustainable and master-planned tourism hub that will open doors to other island destinations in Western Visayas.
“Ayala Land will create a unique destination,” Jalandoni said.
In a presentation entitled “Sicogon: Changing the Eco-Tourism Landscape in Northern Iloilo” during the General Assembly of the Iloilo Economic Development Foundation, Inc. (ILEDFI) at Amigo Terrace Hotel in Iloilo City, the ALI head said the construction of a 1.2-kilometer airstrip will come first in the five-year development phase of the island.
Under Ayala Land’s initial development plan for Sicogon, the joint venture will develop a total of 60 hectares or, 7.4 percent, of the island’s total land area.
Aside from the airport, Ayala Land will also develop the jetty port as well as the coastal areas.
It will also build a resort, a town center, residential areas, forest trails, shopping centers, retail shops and diving spots, among others.
Jalandoni said the project is expected to generate 20,000 employment opportunities with revenues pegged at P3.2 billion.
Visitor arrivals are also expected to reach 500,000 in 2019.
During the same period, Jalandoni said, Sicogon Island tours and tour guides are projected to rake in P200 million, while souvenir makers are expected to earn P190 million.
Land transportation, including van rentals’ revenues, are projected at P100 million, with the boat transport sector surrounding Sicogon taking in a combined total of P85 million in earnings.
Jalandoni cited ALI’s successful eco-tourism endeavors in El Nido and Lio, Palawan; Nuvali, Laguna; Pangulasian Island Resort, and the brand hotels that are in the portfolio of Ayala Land Hotels and Resorts Corp. as well as the awards the company has received from operating these destinations.
“We are known for developing large-scale, master-planned, mixed-use and sustainable communities that become thriving economic centers in their respective regions,” Jalandoni told ILEDFI members, a number of them leading figures in the Iloilo business community led by their chairman, Dr. Alfonso Uy and president, Narzalina Lim.
ALI’s success in creating the Makati Central Business District, Alabang Business District, Cebu Park District, Bonifacio Global City, NUVALI and other growth centers, he added, serves as platforms for Ayala Land’s full line of real estate products that generate value over time.
“We are also the first property developer to introduce practices that promote sustainable land development, from solid waste and storm water management to local community engagement.
We are committed to fulfil our role as a strong partner in nation-building as we enhance land and enrich lives for more Filipinos,” Jalandoni said./PN
