Metro Manila, Philippines – The local government of Kalayaan is planning to expand civilian communities to more island features under its jurisdiction, a move officials say could strengthen development and reinforce the country’s presence in the West Philippine Sea.
In an interview on The Newsmaker, Kalayaan Vice Mayor Maurice Phillip “MP” Albayda said the municipality is studying the possibility of increasing population in several islands beyond Pag-asa, which is the seat of the local government unit and main civilian center.
“Kung meron man po na gusto po tayong mas patatagin pa doon, ay yung pagpapopulate po sa iba pa pong mga features natin sa Kalayaan Island Group,” Albayda said.
[Translation: “If there is something we want to further strengthen, it is increasing civilian population in our other features in the Kalayaan Island Group.”]
Target islands identified
Among the areas being considered are Lawak Island, known as a bird sanctuary, Likas Island, a green turtle sanctuary, and Parola Island. Albayda said these features are viewed as “livable” and suitable for future settlement once basic infrastructure is in place.
“Kapag nalagyan na po ng mga mamamayan, iikot po ang ekonomiya at mas mapapatatag po natin ang ating assertion sa West Philippine Sea,” he said.
[Translation: “Once civilians are there, the economy will move and we can further strengthen our assertion in the West Philippine Sea.”]
The vice mayor added that expanding the civilian footprint would help accelerate development projects and improve the delivery of basic services.
Kalayaan officials said Pag-asa is proof that infrastructure development, particularly transport facilities and access to goods, encourages residents to stay long term.
“Our proof of concept is Pag-asa Island,” Albayda said, noting that investments in infrastructure have improved living conditions and economic activity.
He said future plans would likely replicate the development model in other features, including building facilities that support transportation, supply delivery and community services.
‘Business as usual’
The proposed expansion comes amid continuing maritime tensions between the Philippines and China, including the recent travel ban imposed by Beijing on several Kalayaan officials.
Despite the diplomatic dispute, Albayda said daily life on Pag-asa is stable.
“Yung mga mamamayan natin doon, tuloy-tuloy ang kanilang pamumuhay, nag-aaral ang mga bata,” he said.
[Translation: Our residents there continue with their daily lives, and children are going to school.”]
He acknowledged, however, that the continued presence of Chinese militia vessels and China Coast Guard ships near Philippine-held features remains a concern for local officials.
Kalayaan, or “freedom” in Filipino, is a municipality in Palawan that administers parts of the disputed Spratly Islands. Under Republic Act 12064, or the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, the Kalayaan Island Group is within the West Philippine Sea.
Albayda said expanding civilian communities is intended to support development while reinforcing the Philippines’ claims through effective occupation.
“Mas mapapabilis po yung development at mas mapapatatag po natin ang ating mga isla,” he said.
[Translation: “Development will accelerate and we can further strengthen our islands.”]
