BACOLOD City — A Negrense stakeholder of Sicogon Island is calling for stronger government involvement in future development efforts to ensure transparency, faster implementation, and direct benefits for local residents, stressing that tourism growth must go hand in hand with inclusive community development.
Alfredo Luis “Dave” Sarrosa, a shareholder of Sicogon Development Corporation (SIDECO), said he intends to pursue a people-oriented development framework that prioritizes jobs, housing, and infrastructure for island residents, while pushing for greater government oversight in the island’s long-delayed development initiatives.
Sarrosa said he plans to meet with Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) to revisit the original commitments under their joint venture agreement, which envisioned inclusive tourism development, livelihood opportunities, and resettlement programs for Sicogon communities.
During a Zoom press conference on February 1, attended by several Sicogon residents expected to benefit from the project, Sarrosa said the revised development plan would prioritize employment for local residents, particularly indigenous workers, as well as the timely completion of key infrastructure projects, including housing, roads, ports, and other essential facilities.
He also raised concerns over the hiring of foreign workers for certain projects, noting that this practice limits employment opportunities for Sicogon residents.
“For decades, the people of Sicogon have waited for the promised development that would improve their lives. Livelihood and housing are essential so families can send their children to school, have stable income, and enjoy the benefits of progress,” Sarrosa said.
The Sicogon joint venture project, launched in 2010, aimed to transform the island into a world-class eco-tourism destination while ensuring that farmers and fisherfolk would benefit from the development.
However, Sarrosa and SIDECO noted that commitments related to employment, land distribution, and community development were not fully realized over the years.
Local residents and advocates have long called for sustainable development that protects livelihoods and the environment while ensuring that communities remain the primary beneficiaries of tourism growth. They said improved infrastructure, skills training, and government-supported economic programs could help position Sicogon as a major tourism hub in Panay Island while uplifting local communities.
Sarrosa stressed that stronger government participation is crucial to ensure accountability and inclusive development outcomes, emphasizing that the goal is not merely to boost tourism but to enable Sicogon communities to thrive through equitable and sustainable progress.
Sicogon Island, located in northern Iloilo and known for its beaches and rich marine biodiversity, has long been identified as a potential eco-tourism destination. However, development has been hampered by legal disputes, stakeholder disagreements, and community concerns over land ownership and displacement.
Local groups and residents continue to call for transparency, community participation, and equitable development policies that will secure jobs, housing, and long-term economic opportunities for Sicogon’s population./PN
