By Edwin L. Terrecampo
ILOILO CITY, Aug.30(PNA)- In a brief but no-holds barred media interview, Iloilo 5th District Representative Niel “Jun-Jun” Tupas, Jr. on Friday, made it clear that hehas nothing against the future development of Sicogon Island off the municipality of Carles in Iloilo.
But he said what is giving him some sleepless nights is the fate of the long-time residents of the original “jewel” of Western Visayas who are presently locked in a battle with its owners, the Sarrosa family over land ownership wherein settlers have pending claims on lands they say were inherited from their anscestors.
Tupas, who has had talks with the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) said the lingering land dispute have to be resolved first, and any resolution should favor both owners and claimants before pursuing grand plans to turn Sicogon Island into a thriving economic enterprise.
“We have to get to the bottom of the dispute and then try to find a win-win solution,” he said.
It could be recalled that Sicogon Island, with its beaches of mesmerizing white sand and enchanting sunsets first gained fame in 1974 when the blockbuster movie starring 1969 Miss Universe Gloria Diaz and another beauty titlist, Elizabeth Oropesa “Pinakamagandang Hayop Sa Balat ng Lupa” was shot there on location.
Thereafter, local and foreign tourists alike were flocking into it, but it was unfortunately, a short-lived success. And then came Boracay, and the rest is history. (PNA)