Raffy Tima

Senate Finance Committee Chairperson Senator Win Gatchalian vowed funding for infrastructure, particularly in health and education, during his visit to Pag-asa Island in Kalayaan, Palawan, becoming the second senator to visit the island in the past four weeks.

The senator underscored the importance of visiting Pag-asa to see for himself the needs of the island, with preparations for the budget season fast approaching. Gatchalian also thanked the residents of Pag-asa for being at the forefront of defending the country’s territorial integrity, telling students during their moving-up ceremony that the government will ensure their needs are met.

A health facility, additional school buildings, and a second port are under construction on the island.

Not your everyday view.

Pag-asa Island in the Municipality of Kalayaan will soon have its own Catholic church after the Philippine Coast Guard broached the idea, which was approved by the Apostolic Vicar of Puerto Princesa. More than 400 civilians live, work, and study on Pag-asa Island.

New classrooms are likewise being constructed to accommodate the growing number of students on the largest naturally occurring island in the Spratlys. The reclamation undertaken to lengthen the runway is the only significant reclamation in the area, a stark contrast to the Chinese man-made island built on nearby Subi Reef.

Senator Risa Hontiveros visited Pag-asa Island in Kalayaan, Palawan, together with PCG WPS Spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela. They reiterated what they described as the undeniable fact that the Philippines maintains effective control over Pag-asa Island and other features in the Kalayaan Island Group.

Apart from a medical mission, Hontiveros donated portable desalination equipment to troops stationed in the area.

During the visit, Hontiveros personally observed several Chinese militia vessels, a large PLA Navy ship, and a Chinese Coast Guard vessel near the island.

The mayor of Kalayaan said more national officials should visit Pag-asa to better understand the situation of residents, who serve as frontliners in the country’s fight to protect its territorial integrity.