DOT sets sights on West PH Sea for eco-adventures, eyes Pag-asa Island

Metro Manila, Philippines - Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea is poised to become the newest frontier for eco-tourism and marine adventure, as the Department of Tourism (DOT) ramps up development efforts in the area.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco confirmed that the DOT, through its infrastructure arm TIEZA (Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority), has begun short-term interventions on Pag-asa Island — the remote yet strategically vital outpost in the Spratly Islands.

“The Department of Tourism has actually already provided interventions to Pag-asa. Even prior to the finalization of the master plan, it's important for us to provide short-term infrastructure, pontoons, jetty ports, restrooms and the like, so the island can already benefit from touristic activities,” Frasco said.

The plan is part of a broader initiative to integrate the West Philippine Sea (WPS) into the national tourism portfolio, under the “Love the Philippines” brand. The full tourism master plan for the area is expected to be launched soon.

Known for its clear waters, coral reefs, and white-sand beaches, Pag-asa Island and the broader Kalayaan Island Group, presents enormous potential for scuba diving, eco-adventure, and marine conservation tourism.

DOT officials also envision community-based tourism, with residents being trained in local guiding, crafts, and sustainable livelihoods.

While Pag-asa Island lies in one of the most geopolitically sensitive regions in Southeast Asia, Frasco said tourist safety is a top priority.

“We continue to coordinate with national security officers to ensure the safety of tourists visiting Pag-asa,” she emphasized.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s previously issued a directive to promote economic and symbolic presence in the country’s maritime territories. The project has already received P100 million in national funding, with further infrastructure support pledged by Congress.