Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered officials to assess infrastructure needs in the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG), including the possible construction of a seaport and airstrip, as the government pushes development in the West Philippine Sea.
Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the directive was in the aftermath of discussions with Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon, who visited the remote island municipality and evaluated priority projects.
“Sa ngayon po ay nakausap ko mismo si Sec. Vince, at inutusan po talaga sila ng pangulo na puntahan ang Kalayaan Island Group at tingnan po kung ano ang kinakailangan. At sila po ay magmumungkahi na gumawa doon ng port at ng airway,” Castro said during a Wednesday, Febn. 18, briefing.
[Translation: I have spoken directly with Sec. Vince, and the president instructed them to go to the Kalayaan Island Group and assess what is needed. They will propose building a port and an airstrip there.]
Asked about financing specific projects, including a planned shelter port on Lawak Island and upgrades to the Pag-asa Island airport, Castro said there was funding in last year’s budget.
“Pero ang sabi po sa akin ni Sec. Vince Dizon kanina ay titingnan po nila para po magpatupad kung ano iyong nais ng pangulo sa KIG,” she said.
[Translation: Sec. Vince Dizon told me they will review it to implement what the president wants for the KIG.]
Local officials planned to expand civilian communities beyond Pag-asa Island, the seat of the Kalayaan municipal government under the province of Palawan.
In an interview on ‘The Newsmaker,’ Vice Mayor Maurice Phillip “MP” Albayda said authorities are studying populating other island features to strengthen development and reinforce presence in the West Philippine Sea.
“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.”]
The islands under consideration are Lawak, a bird sanctuary; Likas, known for its green turtle population; and Parola. Officials say these areas are livable 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,” Albayda said.
[Translation: “Once civilians are there, the economy will move and we can further strengthen our assertion in the West Philippine Sea.”]
Kalayaan officials cited Pag-asa Island as a “proof of concept,” noting that investments in transport facilities and access to goods have improved living conditions and encouraged residents to stay long term.
Despite maritime tensions with China and recent travel restrictions imposed by Beijing on several Kalayaan officials, 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.”]
Kalayaan administers parts of the disputed Spratly Islands and falls within the West Philippine Sea under the Philippine Maritime Zones Act.
“Mas mapapabilis po yung development at mas mapapatatag po natin ang ating mga isla,” Albayda added.
[Translation: “Development will accelerate and we can further strengthen our islands.”]
