Long before Boracay, there was Sicogon island as a top tourist destination in Asia that was famous for its long coastline lined with coconut trees, creamy sand and clear blue waters. Before operations closed down in the 1980’s, the island had resort facilities like a clubhouse, cottages, swimming pools, sports and other recreational facilities, a wharf and an airstrip.
The island continues to attract back packing scuba divers and snorkelers with its abundant coral reefs and giant clams, and trekkers along its forested slopes that offer a rich biodiversity. Various animal species include among others, the large swamp frog, the Philippine bent-toed gecko, variable Malay monitor lizard, the reticulated python, common island flying fox, Visayan warty pig, Visayan leopard cat and the long-tailed macaque. Tree species endemic to Panay that are found in the island include the Batuan, Apitong, Gayong-gayong, Malakadios, Inyam and Banaui, etc. Northeast of barangay Buaya is the majestic Mt. Opao the summit of which offers a breathtaking view of the coastal landscape and the neighboring islands. The natural spring in Mt. Opao is also the source of potable water system for the whole island.
Sicogon island is an hour and a half pumpboat ride from barangay Bangkal in mainland Carles. Composed of 1,160.09 hectares, covering three barangays – Alipata (pop. 1,779), Buaya (pop. 2,212) and San Fernando (pop. 2253).
The Sangguniang Bayan of the municipality of Carles has issued a municipal ordinance approving the classification of the island as a commercial area to attract investors. At the same time, other municipal ordinances ensure the protection and preservation of the forest reserve area and the smooth relocation of residents from development sites to designated areas. This is in relation to the concern of the Carles LGU to promote a “peaceful and tranquil development” that involves sustainable utilization of Sicogon’s resources and provide a stable source of income for its residents.
Investment priorities should include agri-fisheries tourism featuring eco-tour packages to enhance visitors’ appreciation and value of the island’s lifestyle, culture and natural environmental resources, reconstruction of tourism facilities like cottages, convention areas and entertainment facilities like a swimming pool and a golf course, as well as aggressive marketing promotion to increase visitors entry. /* Google
The island continues to attract back packing scuba divers and snorkelers with its abundant coral reefs and giant clams, and trekkers along its forested slopes that offer a rich biodiversity. Various animal species include among others, the large swamp frog, the Philippine bent-toed gecko, variable Malay monitor lizard, the reticulated python, common island flying fox, Visayan warty pig, Visayan leopard cat and the long-tailed macaque. Tree species endemic to Panay that are found in the island include the Batuan, Apitong, Gayong-gayong, Malakadios, Inyam and Banaui, etc. Northeast of barangay Buaya is the majestic Mt. Opao the summit of which offers a breathtaking view of the coastal landscape and the neighboring islands. The natural spring in Mt. Opao is also the source of potable water system for the whole island.
Sicogon island is an hour and a half pumpboat ride from barangay Bangkal in mainland Carles. Composed of 1,160.09 hectares, covering three barangays – Alipata (pop. 1,779), Buaya (pop. 2,212) and San Fernando (pop. 2253).
The Sangguniang Bayan of the municipality of Carles has issued a municipal ordinance approving the classification of the island as a commercial area to attract investors. At the same time, other municipal ordinances ensure the protection and preservation of the forest reserve area and the smooth relocation of residents from development sites to designated areas. This is in relation to the concern of the Carles LGU to promote a “peaceful and tranquil development” that involves sustainable utilization of Sicogon’s resources and provide a stable source of income for its residents.
Investment priorities should include agri-fisheries tourism featuring eco-tour packages to enhance visitors’ appreciation and value of the island’s lifestyle, culture and natural environmental resources, reconstruction of tourism facilities like cottages, convention areas and entertainment facilities like a swimming pool and a golf course, as well as aggressive marketing promotion to increase visitors entry. /* Google