• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Claiming that Ayala Land Incorporated (ALI) failed to deliver its commitment on the development of Sicogon Island in Carles, Iloilo, through a joint venture agreement, Negrense businessman Alfredo Luis “Dave” Sarrosa is eyeing to push for a revised JVA, with a stronger focus on people-oriented and timely development strategies.
It’s time for justice to be served to the people of Sicogon Island. 15 long years of no development, no employment, and broken commitments – it’s time we make things right, Sarrosa, said in a statement.
Sarrosa said he and his father, Edgardo, initiated negotiations with ALI through Emmanuel Jalandoni in 2010 for the development of Sicogon Island as a world-class eco-tourism destination, with inclusive plans for livelihood, resettlement, and agricultural land distribution for the Federation of Sicogon Island Farmers and Fisherfolks Association (FESIFFA).
Sicogon Island Tourism Estate Corporation (SITEC) is the incorporated Joint Venture Company established to own, market, manage, and operate the project. Through the JVA, Sarrosa said SITEC became the absolute owner of the 810 hectares.
The plan was clear and exciting – develop the land, provide livelihood to the residents, build homes for the people and make their lives better as the island progresses.
However, the JVA with Ayala Land Inc. was a big failure, claimed Sarrosa, a stockholder owning at least 25 percent shares of CORRAL HOLDINGS INCORPORATED, which in turn owns 40.86 percent of Sicogon Development Corporation (SIDECO), which then headed by his father, Edgardo.
Sarrosa said he and his father, who were both looking after the welfare of the Sicogon people whom for decades they nurtured, taken care of, protected, supported even during times of difficulties, calamities and uncertainties, and wholeheartedly accepted as their own family, said they were so trusting with Ayala Land Inc., which failed to fulfill its responsibility.
Sicogon Island, which is described as a tropical paradise in northern Iloilo, known for its stunning beaches, clear waters, vibrant marine life, and mountain hikes, and offers activities to visitors, such as snorkeling, kayaking, and island hopping to nearby Gigantes Islands.
But this vision did not happen after long years of mismanagement, hidden agenda and no care to residents by its tripartite joint venture, Sarrosa further said.
The Negrense businessman also expressed his intention to meet with actual owners of Ayala Land Inc. to discuss the future of Sicogon Island, such as revisiting the JVA original commitments, as he also vehemently opposed ALI decision to replace indigenous Sicogon workers with foreign labor.
Sarrosa further said that he had already invested millions of pesos for the establishment of support infrastructure like batching plants, purchase of heavy equipment and other materials to support and fast track the construction of infrastructure projects like the housing units, roads, jetty port, and airport.
Stressing that he was led to believe that the JVA would deliver its promises, Sarrosa said it is now clear that the real agenda is to sell the island, and its future.
Sicogon Island and its people are not for sale, Sarrosa said, adding that the island can be developed sustainably, and that progress is within reach.*
