Full Breakdown
The Struggle for Land in Sicogon: Ayala Land's Controversial Development
4/13/2026, 9:11:36 PM
Background of Land Displacement
In Sicogon, Iloilo, the agrarian reform struggle has intensified due to the actions of Ayala Land, a subsidiary of Ayala Corporation. The company, in collaboration with the administration of the late President Benigno Aquino III, has been accused of seizing 335 hectares of land designated for agrarian reform, displacing hundreds of small fisherfolk and farmers. Many of the affected individuals, now in their 70s and 80s, have died waiting for promised reparations, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
The Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries' Fight
Tay Albing, a prominent figure among the Federation of Sicogon Island Farmers’ and Fisherfolks’ Associations (FESIFFA), epitomizes the struggle for land rights. After applying to become an agrarian reform beneficiary in the early 2000s, Albing and his peers were initially hopeful when the Department of Agrarian Reform issued an “Order of Finality” in March 2010, awarding them the land. However, instead of implementing this ruling, government officials pressured them to abandon their claims in favor of a deal with Ayala Land.
The Controversial 2014 Agreement
In November 2014, under pressure from Joel Rocamora, then head of the National Anti-Poverty Commission, FESIFFA members reluctantly signed a deal that they later deemed unjust. The agreement offered them 70 hectares of land and cash in exchange for relinquishing their claim to the 335 hectares. This deal has been criticized as a betrayal, as it significantly reduced their land rights and left them vulnerable to hunger during adverse weather conditions.
Ongoing Struggles and Demands for Justice
Despite receiving some funds and low-cost housing units, Ayala Land has not fulfilled its obligation to transfer the titles to the promised land. FESIFFA members argue that Ayala's insistence on treating the land transfer as a “donation” is unacceptable, as they view it as compensation for the loss they suffered. The ongoing delay in reparations has left many farmers feeling powerless and marginalized, with some expressing that Ayala seeks to portray them as grateful recipients rather than aggrieved parties.
Criticism of Corporate Practices
Critics argue that Ayala Land's actions exemplify a broader trend of corporate interests undermining agrarian reform in the Philippines. The perception that Ayala treats the displaced farmers as subservient beneficiaries rather than rightful claimants has fueled resentment. FESIFFA members have called for immediate action to honor the 2014 agreement and return the land, emphasizing that justice can only be achieved through the full implementation of land reform.
Conclusion: A Call for Action
As the struggle for land rights continues, the plight of Tay Albing and the other agrarian reform beneficiaries remains a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by marginalized communities in the face of corporate development. The need for justice and the restoration of land rights in Sicogon is urgent, especially as many beneficiaries age without seeing the fulfillment of their long-held dreams. The documentary "Wash Out," which chronicles this ongoing struggle, will be screened at the UP Film Institute on April 14, 2026, highlighting the importance of this issue in the national discourse on land reform.
