Amid the ongoing land dispute on Sicogon Island, located within the jurisdiction of Carles, Iloilo, the two private resorts operating on the island, Huni Sicogon and Balay Cogon, are expected to resume business later this month. The two earlier halted operations due to environmental issues and are currently settling the matter with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

However, despite the said issues, Provincial Tourism Office head Bombette Marin affirmed the local tourism industry is still going strong as both resorts are currently fully booked and visitors continue to visit Buaya Beach, where there is a camping site.

Last month, the Department of Agrarian issued a cease and desist order against ongoing development on the island after the Federation of Sicogon Farmers and Fisherfolks Association claimed developer Ayala Land Inc. was not compliant with a memorandum of agreement surrounding a proposed redevelopment project.

According to Marin, the island saw around 8,000 tourist arrivals last year./WDJ