Over 700 families seek return of 80 hectares in Iloilo island dispute

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).

Alcala said on Wednesday, May 27, that residents were seeking the revocation of titles covering 70 hectares claimed by FESIFFA and 10 hectares claimed by BUFFA because of what they described as SITEC’s failure to fulfill its commitments, including housing, livelihood, and employment opportunities.

Displacement

Juliet Bantillo, 61, of Barangay Buaya, told a press conference on Thursday that SITEC had informed residents that once the island was fully developed, sari-sari stores near the beachfront would no longer be allowed.

“Indi na kami ka tyange. Indi na kami ka tienda (We can no longer have sari-sari stores. We can no longer sell),” she said.

Jocelyn Supetran, 53, also from Buaya, said residents wanted SITEC to honor its commitments and added that they would not leave their homes and go to the relocation site in Purok 6, Barangay Buaya, without proof that they already own the houses and lots there.

“Budlay na na ‘ya nga wala kami kasiguruhan (It’s difficult because we still have no assurance),” Supetran added.

Milan de la Cruz, 47, said her family had lived on the island for more than 80 years and would not leave without land titles.

“We will fight for our rights based on the promises laid down by Ayala before the signing of the JVA in 2010 and the CFA in 2014 and 2021,” De la Cruz told Rappler.

Hever Magnate, San Fernando barangay chairman, said 278 families from his village had joined the petition seeking the return of the 80 hectares so they could continue their farming and fishing activities.

Magnate said the dispute had become a major concern for local residents. 

Operations ceased

The dispute comes as SITEC’s tourism facilities on the island have ceased operations.

SITEC was formed through the joint venture agreement between SIDECO and Ayala Land in 2010 and began developing portions of Sicogon Island in 2014, building the 52-room Huni Hotel, 50 villas at Balay Kogon, and an airport.

The airport closed in late 2025, while operations at Huni Hotel and Balay Kogon have also ceased amid the ongoing dispute over the islanders’ demand for land revocation.

Huni Hotel and Balay Kogon are now heavily guarded, with “No Entry” signs posted at their entrances.

A female employee of Huni Hotel, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Rappler that workers had been informed that the hotel and Balay Kogon villas would permanently close on June 15.

She said employees would receive an appreciation bonus on June 1 and termination pay before June 15 after eight years of service.

Rappler contacted Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region VI Director Sixto Rodriguez on May 28. He said: “The local governments of Carles or Estancia might have some initial information or reports, but as far as the office is concerned, we have not received notice yet.”

Rappler also sought comment from SITEC but had not received a response as of this posting.

What went wrong?

The 1,100-hectare Sicogon Island used to be 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 P1.7 million.

In 2010, SIDECO and Ayala Land entered into a joint venture agreement that led to the creation of SITEC.
Under the agreement, Ayala Land would develop the island and receive 77% of annual net income, while SIDECO would receive 21% and the broker 1%.

Of the island’s 1,100 hectares, the master-planned development covers 810 hectares. The remaining 280 hectares were designated as protected forest land.

In 2012, DAR announced that 334 hectares of the 810-hectare development area were covered by the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

To address the issue, SIDECO president Edgar Sarrosa filed an application seeking exemption from CARP.

Instead, a Comprehensive Framework Agreement (CFA) was forged between SITEC and island residents who had become CARP beneficiaries.

Signed in 2014, the CFA was designed to preserve the existing joint venture agreement while providing benefits to local residents.

Under the agreement, SITEC committed to providing housing, livelihood, and employment opportunities, with island residents given priority.

Residents said those commitments remained largely unfulfilled seven years later, prompting amendments to the CFA in 2021.

The amended agreement provided another five-year period to evaluate whether SITEC had complied with its obligations.

Broken promises

Islanders now say the promised benefits have still not materialized.

Whether the island development proceeds or not, they say they simply want the return of the 80 hectares of CARP-covered land so they can divide it among themselves and settle permanently.

Bernal acknowledged that SITEC had already built hundreds of houses for Sicogon residents at relocation sites.

“The problem is that the houses were built using substandard materials, and the areas where they were erected are landslide-prone. Worse, they have no titles to award to the beneficiaries,” Bernal said.

As for the livelihood programs, he said they have yet to materialize.

On the promised jobs, Supetran said: “Not true!”

Marita Qubing, 57, and Maribeth Selguera, 54, both from Buaya, said they would continue guarding their homes against demolition.

“For as long as we don’t have assurance that we will receive individual land titles for our respective houses, we will never vacate our present area,” Qubing said. “SITEC also needs to assure our livelihoods.” – Rappler.com

المصدر: Rappler (PH)