The Sicogon Island Tourism Estate Corp. (SITEC) has formally donated 63 hectares of residential and agricultural lands for a group of beneficiary-families in the resort island of Sicogon in Carles, Iloilo.
The signing of the deeds of donation with the Federation of Sicogon Island Farmers and Fisherfolk Association (FESIFFA) was held at Huni Sicogon Hotel on June 17, in a ceremony witnessed by Carles Mayor Arnold Betita II and Sagay City, Negros Occidental Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva.
In a statement on Friday, June 19, the Carles municipal government underscored its “unwavering commitment to the welfare and development of Sicogon”.
“By standing alongside both organizations, Mayor Betita reaffirmed the administration’s priority – protecting land rights, expanding access to safe housing, and uplifting the lives of every resident,” it added.
SITEC comprises the Sicogon Development Corp. (SIDECO) and Ayala Land Inc. (ALI), which entered into a joint venture agreement for the development of Sicogon Island into a tourism and mixed-use destination in 2010.
SIDECO is owned by the Sarrosa and Marañon families of Negros Occidental.
On June 18, SITEC said in a statement that the signing fulfills two major commitments under the amended compromise and framework agreement (CFA) signed between SITEC and FESIFFA in 2021, witnessed by Iloilo government officials, including Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., and then Carles Mayor Seigfred Betita.
“This provides Sicogon families with residential land for community development and agricultural land to support long-term livelihood opportunities,” it added.
With the signing of the deeds of donation, SITEC released as well the remaining PHP29 million housing fund balance for home construction provided in the CFA.
Michael Andrew Sarrosa, president of SIDECO and vice chairperson of SITEC, said another important step has been taken toward fulfilling their commitments to the community.
“This process involved coordination among many stakeholders, and our shared objective has always been to secure better opportunities and a more stable future for Sicogon families,” he added.
Under the amended CFA, SITEC said it committed support for residential land, housing construction, livelihood assistance, and agricultural land allocation for FESIFFA members.
These include 30 hectares of residential land donated to beneficiary families and 33 hectares of agricultural land turned over to agrarian reform beneficiaries as well as PHP38 million in released livelihood assistance.
A total of PHP256 million funding has been released for land development and housing construction, it added.
Amelia de la Cruz, president of the 784-member FESIFFA, welcomed the long-awaited fulfillment of their agreement with SIDECO and ALI.
“We are happy. What we have been waiting for a long time has come true. This agreement provides certainty for our members and their families and provides a stronger foundation for the next generation,” she added.
This development came weeks after another faction of the FESIFFA represented by Eufemio Alcala and Jan-Jan Bernal and the Buaya Farmers and Fisherfolk Association led by Jether Regodoz sought a partial revocation of the land use conversion order for a portion of the 810 hectares covered by the SITEC joint venture agreement.
In a petition filed with the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) central office on May 20, they sought to take back about 80 hectares, claiming that the developer failed to deliver on their promises of housing, livelihood and employment opportunities.
“The group that filed the petition for partial revocation with the DAR is different from the beneficiaries under the CFA and deeds of donation, which are the members of FESIFFA. We haven’t received a copy of this,” SITEC said when asked for reaction.*
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