Sicogon land conflict ends October 7, 2014 BY GLENDA SOLOGASTOA, Panay News ILOILO City – The long overdue redevelopment of Sicogon Island in the town of Carles, Iloilo will likely start before this year ends or early next year, according to Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. The announcement came following a meeting of Sicogon residents with the governor, 5th District’s Rep. Niel Tupas Jr. and National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) representatives over the weekend. “No single Sicogon resident voiced opposition to the redevelopment of the island,” said Defensor. Sicogon boasts of white sand beaches and pristine waters. It used to be the playground of the rich and famous in the 1970s up to the early 1980s but fell into neglect. It was eventually eclipsed by Boracay Island. Two segments of dialogue were held in Barangay Buaya and in Barangay San Fernando, the two of the three barangays in the island. Ayala Land Inc. (ALI), which will be partnering with Sicogon Development Corp. (SIDECO) to revive Sicogon tourism, presented its development plan to the residents. “They understand the benefits it will do not only to Sicogon and the town of Carles but specifically to them,” said Defensor. Other natural features of Sicogon that can lure tourists 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. Secretary Joel Rocamora of NAPC arrived Friday in Sicogon, ahead of the scheduled Saturday dialogue, for initial talks and discussion with the residents locked in a land dispute with SIDECO for years. According to Defensor, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) will be signed on Nov. 8 between SIDECO, ALI and leaders of Sicogon residents. “We expect also the groundbreaking toward the end of the year or early January and the construction of the airport,” said Defensor. ‘DON’T LET GO OF THE OPPORTUNITY’ The last time Defensor visited Sicogon was sometime in 1971 or 43 years ago. “Sa sulod sang 43 ka tuig, nag-asenso bala ang pangabuhi ninyo ukon amo man kamo gihapon (In 43 years, did your living condition improve or is it still the same),” the governor asked the residents who answered that their lives remained the same. “Sugot kamo nga amo man kamu gihapon (Do you like your lives to remain the way they are now),” the governor asked them again. They all replied no. “If you allow Ayala to develop the island, it means you are giving yourselves, your families and your children the opportunity to improve the quality of your lives…your children going to school and you living in an ideal community and having livelihood,” said Defensor./PN
Posted on: Mon, 06 Oct 2014 23:55:37 +0000
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