NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines – A long-simmering land dispute has resurfaced on Sicogon Island in Iloilo, where more than 700 families are seeking to reclaim 80 hectares included in a tourism development project backed by Ayala Land Incorporated, arguing that the developer failed to deliver promised housing, livelihood, and employment opportunities.
The families filed a petition for revocation before the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) on May 20, targeting land covered by agreements between the Sicogon Island Tourism Estate Corporation (SITEC) and agrarian reform beneficiaries on the island.
The families from the island’s three villages – San Fernando, Buaya, and Alipata – are seeking to reclaim about 80 hectares, a portion of the 810 hectares covered by a joint venture agreement between Sicogon Development Corporation (SIDECO), owned by the Sarrosa and Marañon families of Negros Occidental, and Ayala Land signed 16 years ago for a tourism development project.
Leading the petition on behalf of the Federation of Sicogon Island Farmers and Fisherfolks Association (FESIFFA) were Jan-Jan Bernal and Eufemio Alcala, while Jether Regodos represented the Buaya Farmers and Fisherfolks Association (BUFFA).
