Sicogon farmers, fisherfolk protest Sideco, Ayala Land

The Federation of Sicogon Farmers and Fishers Association (Fesiffa) camped out in front of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) central office in Quezon City to protest the ongoing construction being conducted by the Sicogon Development Corporation (Sideco) and Ayala Land Corporation on the Sicogon Islands, a part of Carles, Iloilo.

The protesters, who are reportedly still recovering from Super Typhoon Yolanda, which struck the area in 2013, claimed the corporations are taking advantage of the “weakened capacity of residents,” with blue guards bringing an “intimidating presence” and allegedly harassing locals.

Fesiffa is calling for DAR to issue a cease and desist order on the construction and want Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program lands reinstated.

In 2014, a compromise framework agreement was signed between the three parties, where Ayala Land and Sideco set aside land for a housing development and farming, along with providing a development

fund and livelihood support.

According to a Fesiffa press release, the agreement served as the basis for the conversion of land from agricultural use to tourism; however, four years after the signing, the local organization reported, “Only the conversion of the island is ongoing while the residents are holding empty bags as the Ayala LandSideco joint venture failed to live up to its commitments.”/