SAGADA town Mayor James Pooten calmed residents on talks of land acquisition by outsiders.
Pooten, in a statement, promptly and definitively denied reports which surfaced that Ayala Land is allegedly acquiring properties in the town.
“Sagada belongs to the world and to all who appreciate what is beautiful. We are just stewards to God’s creation and everybody is welcome to enjoy the place but care for it while you are here like it is your own. And when you leave, remember that you are leaving this beautiful place to your children and to generations behind,” Pooten in a statement said.
On December 23, Ayala Land Incorporated also sent official word to SunStar Baguio through Suzette Naval, Corporate Communications Manager saying that they would like to inform the public that Ayala Land, Inc. has no plans for acquisition and development in the town of Sagada.
Pooten in a statement released noon of December 24 said “we reiterate our commitment to preserve our historical tradition and to fight for our communal and ancestral lands. We are grateful that Ayala Land supports our position by not planning any development or acquisition of properties in Sagada.”
A petition by concerned residents circulated last week sounding alarm over the whispers of the sale of land by locals to Ayala, pushing residents to declare open opposition and the upholding of of Sagada customary laws that land is not for sale, lease, mortgage, and patenting to outside private and corporate entities.
The mayor last week confirmed the news reaching his office of the reported talks between the Ayala group and pronounced the upholding of customary laws of the community.
“It is unfortunate that certain individuals purporting to represent Ayala Land led us to believe that they were transacting with landowners to develop a property here in Sagada,” Pooten said.
Tradition dictates in the town, leasing of land must be on a family first option and when no one in the family is interested to take the land, a community consultation should ensue.
Pooten added tradition and custom should be followed.