• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Members of the Federation of Sicogon Farmers and Fisherfolk Associations (FESIFFA) have reiterated their call for the Ayala Land Incorporated (ALI) to comply with its promise of job security, resettlement, and agricultural land distribution, which they have been waiting for almost 16 years already.
Jether Regodos, FESIFFA vice chairman, expressed during a press briefing his dismay that workers from outside Sicogon Island are being given priority to work, instead of them.
In 2010, Eduardo Sarrosa and his son Alfredo Luis “Dave” Sarrosa entered into a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) with Ayala Land Inc. (ALI), outlining plans to develop the 810-hectare property into a world-class destination.
The deal included provisions for agricultural land distribution to members of FESIFFA, alongside infrastructure investments.
Sicogon Island Tourism Estate Corporation (SITEC) is the incorporated Joint Venture Company established to own, market, manage, and operate the project.
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.
Regodos claimed that Sicogon residents also feel like a stranger in their community, expressing fears of being dislocated.
Dave Sarrosa, a stockholder owning at least 25 percent shares of Corral Holdings Incorporated, which owns 40.86 percent of SIDECO, said that he is committed to honor the promise made by his late father, Edgardo Sarrosa, for the development of Sicogon Island as a world-class eco-tourism destination, to look after the welfare of the people that they have nurtured, protected, and supported for decades, even during times of calamities and uncertainty.
He added that under a previously established JVA with ALI was reportedly expected to generate 10,000 job opportunities, specifically prioritizing the island’s direct beneficiaries.
However, that promise has not materialized, according to Sarrosa. “But jobs were not given. People are still searching for quality and stable livelihood to help them survive,” he lamented.
Regodos said Sicogon residents are still heavily dependent on fishing. Should there be bad weather, they have nothing to feed their respective families, he added.*
