Sicogon Island Farmers and Fisherfolk Unite to Challenge Land Conversion Order
Leaders and members of various farmers and fisherfolk associations on Sicogon Island in Carles, Iloilo, have taken a united stand by filing a formal petition for the revocation of a Department of Agrarian Reform-Central Office (DARCO) order. This order covers a significant parcel of land spanning 334 hectares in Carles, which has been at the center of a long-standing development dispute.
Petition Filed Against Sedico and Ayala Land
Jether Regodoz, representing the Buaya Farmers and Fisherfolks Association (BUFFA) Inc., disclosed that the petition was submitted to DARCO on February 19, 2026. The action targets the Sicogon Development Corporation (SEDICO) and Ayala Land Incorporated (ALI), following the expiration of the land use conversion's validity from agricultural to tourism on March 1, 2026.
Regodoz emphasized that the petition seeks revocation due to ALI's non-compliance with DAR's directives for the island's development. The group sought assistance from DAR-Western Visayas to file the complaint, highlighting ALI's failure to adhere to the Comprehensive Framework Agreement (CFA). This includes unmet commitments on resettlement, livelihood and training projects, agricultural area provisions, and employment opportunities.
Background and Broken Promises
The development saga traces back to 2010, when Negrense businessman Alfredo Luis "Dave" Sarrosa and his father, Edgardo Sarrosa, initiated negotiations with ALI through Emmanuel Jalandoni. Their vision was to transform Sicogon Island into 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).
Sarrosa has been vocal in urging ALI to fulfill its commitments, stating, "Promises broken, development stalled, and a future hijacked by deceit -- marginalized people left in the dust. It's time for justice to be served to the people of Sicogon Island. Fifteen long years of no development, no employment, and broken commitments—it's time we make things right." He is seeking justice and public support to secure prosperity, quality of life, and progress for the island's residents.
Community Support and Ongoing Struggles
Eufemio Alcala Jr. and Jan Jan Bernal, representatives of FESIFFA, echoed these sentiments, noting they have waited nearly 15 years for ALI to deliver on its promises. "They implemented some projects, but many things remain unfinished," they said, citing failures in providing livelihood and employment opportunities.
The petition has garnered broad support, with Lyn Lacson of Alipata, Kapayapaan Pagkakaisa at Kaunlaran (AKAPKA), and Roland Velarde of Uswagon also backing the revocation effort. Group leaders expressed gratitude to Sarrosa, who, as a stockholder owning at least 25% of Coral Holdings Incorporated—which holds 40.86% of SEDICO—has continued to advocate for the welfare of Sicogon Island's 256 residents, even during times of calamity and uncertainty.
