ILOILO CITY – Community-based tourism is being eyed at Sicogon Island in northern Iloilo province following the recent closure of hotels and resorts of Ayala Land Inc. due to unresolved land and livelihood disputes.

Gov. Arthur “Toto” Defensor Jr. and Provincial Tourism Officer Aulynn Yue Sin presented alternatives to people of Sicogon, an island part of Carles town, to address the fallout.

Tourism operations were halted last June in the island that preceded Boracay as Visayas’ most sought-after beach destination.

The Iloilo provincial government, the local government unit (LGU) of Carles under Mayor Arnold Betita II, and stakeholders, including Ayala Land Inc., are looking into ways to address concerns of various local groups such as FESIFFA, BUFA, AKAPKA, SICAFFA, and USWAGON.

Defensor vowed the provincial government will help improve infrastructure – accommodation facilities, roads, water systems, and health facilities – to make it easier for people to go to the island.

“Importante nga mabakod ang aton LGU nga magbaton sang turista…Panamion namon ang inyo nga barangay, tagaan namon kamo sang water system kag health center. Ang dalan ninyo atindiron man naton,” Defensor said.

Another planned project is making Sicogon part of the “Living Museum of Fisherfolk Tradition” that showcases the bounty of Carles, which faces the vast Visayan Sea.

Also present during the meeting were Provincial Administrator Raul Banias and other local officials.