THE PEACEFUL and picturesque Sicogon Island in the municipality of Carles, Iloilo, is once again making headlines.
This time, the islanders themselves have created a stir that has drawn the attention of the media. They are demanding the return of 80 hectares of land that has long been included in the 810-hectare area earmarked for a master-planned eco-tourism development on the island.
More than 700 families from the villages of Buaya, Alipata, and San Fernando have raised their voices in protest.
To strengthen their claim, they filed a petition for revocation before the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Regional Office VI in Iloilo City on May 20.
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).
Through their 12-page petition, the protesting islanders sought to reinforce their narrative that they had been promised housing, livelihood opportunities, and employment while the island was being developed by the Sicogon Island Tourism Estate Corporation (SITEC).
SITEC is the company undertaking the island’s eco-tourism development under a joint venture agreement (JVA) forged 16 years ago between Sicogon Development Corporation (SIDECO), owned by the Sarrosa and Marañon families of Negros Occidental, and Ayala Land Inc. (ALI).
Under the JVA, 810 hectares of Sicogon’s 1,100-hectare land area were designated for prime tourism development, including resort hotels, a condominium building, an airport, a golf course, and three jetty ports — one for each barangay.
The remaining 280 hectares were intended for protected forest land and sustainable conservation.
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE PROMISES?
However, just two years after the JVA was forged in 2010, the Department of Agrarian Reform delivered unexpected news to the islanders: 334 hectares of the 810-hectare development area had been placed under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).
To avoid disrupting the JVA, the islanders, DAR, and SITEC agreed to enter into a Comprehensive Framework Agreement (CFA) in 2014.
Under the CFA, the islanders were assured of housing, livelihood assistance, and priority employment opportunities.
But by 2021 — seven years later — the islanders claimed they were still waiting for those commitments to materialize.
This prompted DAR to facilitate amendments to the CFA, granting another non-extendible five-year period.
In return, SITEC renewed its commitments, including:
* 30 hectares for housing allocation and a P76-million resettlement fund;
* 40 hectares for agricultural land distribution; and
* P38 million for livelihood and training assistance.
Yet five years later, in 2026, the islanders say they are still waiting.
NO LAND TITLES?
Women residents of Barangay Buaya are now bravely speaking out about their frustrations.
Juliet Bantillo, 61, acknowledged that they had been provided concrete houses in Purok 6 of their barangay. However, she claimed that the houses were poorly constructed in an area prone to landslides.
She also lamented that they had not been given land titles.
For Milan de la Cruz, the issue is straightforward: “No land title, we will not vacate our present area.”
“Budlay na na ’ya nga wala kami kasiguruhan (It’s difficult because we still have no assurance),” said 53-year-old Jocelyn Supetran.
“We will not leave our houses and go to the relocation site in Purok 6, Barangay Buaya without any proof or land title that we are already the owners of the houses and lots there,” she said.
“For as long as we don’t have an assurance that we will receive individual land titles for our respective houses, we will never vacate our present area. SITEC also needs to assure our livelihoods because that was part of the deal,” she added.
Meanwhile, Marita Qubing, 57, and Maribeth Selguera, 54, both from Barangay Buaya, said they would continue guarding their homes against any demolition attempts.
CLOSURE HULLABALOO
Amid the growing noise surrounding Sicogon Island, another issue has surfaced — a looming closure controversy.
Residents and several unnamed hotel employees claim that two resort hotels on the island will cease operations starting June 15.
Atty. Sixto Rodriguez, regional director of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Western Visayas, said he has yet to receive any official information regarding the matter. However, one female hotel employee claimed that workers had already been informed of the closure and were told they would receive an appreciation bonus on June 1 and their termination pay on June 15.
As of this writing, no representative from SITEC could be reached for comment.
It is also worth noting that the Sicogon Airport, which was constructed from 2017 to 2019, reportedly ceased operations in late 2025.
QUIET, BEAUTIFUL ISLAND
Despite the controversy, Sicogon remains one of the most serene and beautiful islands in the Philippines.
The 1,100-hectare island was formerly owned by the Lacson, Tuason, and Arroyo families of Negros and Panay.
In 1974, SIDECO, owned by the Marañon and Sarrosa families of Negros Occidental, acquired the island for only P1.7 million.
Sicogon is renowned for its pristine beaches, powdery white sand, and lush greenery.
Believe it or not, the island also served as the filming location for two iconic Filipino movies:
• Ang Pinakamagandang Hayop sa Balat ng Lupa (1974), starring Gloria Diaz and Vic Vargas; and
• Virgin People (1984), starring Pepsi Paloma.
DAR AS AN ‘EMBER OF HOPE’
In the end, amid the ongoing land dispute in Sicogon, DAR may well serve as the “ember of hope” for the aggrieved islanders. As the government agency tasked with addressing the issue, DAR must act fairly and decisively.
The islanders’ demand is simple: the return of their 80 hectares of land—no more, no less.
For its part, SITEC must also protect its reputation. Carrying the Ayala name, the company should ensure that its commitments are fulfilled, regardless of the challenges.
May this present discord in paradise ultimately lead to a win-win solution before the island’s tranquility and serenity are placed at greater risk./PN
