Siocogon Island, Iloilo — Ayala Land, through Sicogon Island Tourism Estate Corporation (SITEC), has formalized the donation of 30 hectares of residential land and 33 hectares of agricultural land for members of the Federation of Sicogon Island Farmers and Fisherfolk Association (FESIFFA), advancing the implementation of commitments under the amended Compromise and Framework Agreement for the development of Sicogon Island in Carles, Iloilo.
The signing of the Deeds of Donation was held on Sicogon Island and attended by representatives from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), local government officials, community leaders, and FESIFFA members. The land donation provides beneficiary families with residential communities and agricultural land intended to support long-term livelihood opportunities in Sicogon Island.
The residential and agricultural land donation fulfills a key commitment under the amended agreement and forms part of a broader package of housing, livelihood, and community development initiatives being implemented for FESIFFA members and their families.
As part of the event, SITEC also released the remaining ₱29 million housing fund balance allocated for the construction of homes for beneficiary families.
Since the amended agreement was signed in 2021, SITEC has completed several major commitments for FESIFFA members:
- 30 hectares of residential land formally donated to beneficiary families;
- 33 hectares of agricultural land turned over to agrarian reform beneficiaries;
- ₱38 million in livelihood assistance fully released in 2024; and
- Total funding released to date for land development and housing construction amounting to ₱256 million, supporting the completion of 784 homes covered under the agreement.
“These milestones reflect the progress that can be achieved through sustained collaboration among communities, government, and the private sector,” said Cris Zuluaga, Head of Ayala Land Leisure Estates. “The formalization of the land donation is an important step in providing greater certainty for beneficiary families as they continue to build their communities in Sicogon Island.”
FESIFFA President Amelia Dela Cruz welcomed the signing and described it as a significant milestone for the federation and its members. “Masaya po kami na natupad na ang matagal naming hinihintay. Ang kasunduang ito ay nagbibigay ng katiyakan para sa aming mga miyembro at kanilang mga pamilya,” she said.
The milestone was also welcomed by members of the Sarrosa family, long-time stakeholders in the development of Sicogon Island. “As members of the Sarrosa family, we have consistently supported initiatives that promote the welfare and long-term development of Sicogon and its residents. Today’s signing reflects a commitment that we have worked towards alongside FESIFFA and our partners over many years. We look forward to continuing this collaboration for the benefit of future generations,” said Michael Andrew M. Sarrosa, President of SIDECO and Vice Chairman of SITEC.
The Sicogon Island initiative has involved years of collaboration among community organizations, government agencies, and private sector partners to address land tenure, housing, livelihood, agrarian reform, and community development needs.
Ayala Land said it remains committed to supporting the implementation of the remaining obligations under the agreement in coordination with FESIFFA, the Department of Agrarian Reform, local government units, and other stakeholders.
