by MBOnline
Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) and Sicogon
Development Corporation (SIDECO) will launch Sicogon Island Tourism
Estate development within the first half of 2016.
The ALI-SIDECO joint venture is expected to drive economic progress
in Western Visayas and the entire region as it serves as a tourism hub
for surrounding or nearby destinations like Gigantes, Bantayan and
Concepcion islands.
The 1,100-hectare
Sicogon Island will feature a balanced mix of developments, such as a
resort town center, hotels and resorts, as well as commercial and
residential establishments, supported by an on-site airstrip. The
ground breaking of the airport runway is scheduled for the second half
of the year.
“The initial development will concentrate on building the airport and
runway, to ensure accessibility to the island,” said Jose
Emmanuel Jalandoni, ALI Senior vice president and group head of
commercial business. “The 1.3-kilometer runway will allow immediate
access from Manila and Cebu to the island development,” he added, saying
further that test flights to Sicogon are being targeted for the first
quarter of 2017.
The project is supported by public, private and community
organizations, and government bodies alike because of the potential
economic benefits it will bring to the region. A framework agreement
was signed by ALI, SIDECO, and the Federation of Sicogon Island Farmers
and Fisherfolk Association (FESIFFA) in 2014 to pave the way for the
sustainable development of Sicogon Island. The group has been assisting
the local community through skills training and livelihood programs to
make them active partners in the development.
“We strongly believe and hope that poverty alleviation will be
achieved through tourism projects. These will give us various job
opportunities and help us improve farming and fishing methods,” said
Raul Ramos, president of FESIFFA.
Jalandoni stressed that sustainability will be a main focus of the
project. Aside from allocating more than 50% of the development for
open green space, ALI will also work with the Department of Environment
and Natural Resources to continue stewardship of Sicogon’s forested
area, and work on coastal protection and marine life rehabilitation in
support of sustainable development.
“More than becoming a premier tourist destination and a tourism hub
for the region, Sicogon is envisioned to provide inclusive growth and
economic development through long-term recovery and livelihood programs,
and job creation,” said Jalandoni.
ALI estimates that the Sicogon Island development will provide 20,000
jobs either directly or indirectly with increased tourism, and
approximately P1 billion in earnings for the community through business
opportunities that will come from the retail and commercial
establishments.
A REPOST Article from: http://www.mb.com.ph/ayala-land-to-start-sicogon-island-tourism-project/
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