RAY OF HOPE
SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez vowed to allocate funds for the establishment of critical infrastructure in Pag-asa Island, which includes storm shelters for fishermen, a solar power plant, and ice and cold storage facilities, among others.
In a press briefing following a short trip to Pag-asa Island, Romualdez said he and a small contingent of lawmakers saw for themselves the pressing challenges facing the island’s local folk and the armed personnel manning the country’s outpost in the West Philippine Sea.
“It’s clear that Pag-asa Island needs a development plan. The House of Representatives will take the lead in coming up with such plan, being the institution responsible for the national budget and national policies that need legislation,” Romualdez said.
According to the House leader, the key priority is the construction of a storm shelter for fishermen where they can take refuge during typhoons or when they experience mechanical trouble while in the high seas.
“We will also help build a solar energy plant; ice and cold storage facilities; a desalination plant; satellite-based communication facilities; and conduct seafood-based livelihood training,” he stressed.
The Speaker said these projects aim to address unique challenges faced by Filipino soldiers and fishermen operating in the disputed waters in the Spratly Group of Islands.
He added that through these projects, he hopes Filipino fisherfolk would be less fearful of conducting their day-to-day activities in the Spratlys, also known as the Kalayaan Group of Islands.
“We toured the island and had lengthy conversations with our brave soldiers and kababayans in the community. This allowed us to get a first-hand account of what’s really happening on ground and what needs to be done by Congress to address local issues,” the House leader explained.
Before departing for Puerto Princesa to pay his respects to the late Mayor and Congressman Edward Hagedorn, the Speaker distributed solar lamps with AM/FM radios to soldiers and local residents in Pag-asa.
At least P3 billion worth of development projects on Pag-asa island, Kalayaan in Palawan, will be allocated by the House of Representatives.
Romualdez following a visit to the remote town in the West Philippine Sea accompanied by some congressmen and officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
“Well initially, just for the airport and the reclamation here, we’re looking at a budget of at least P3 billion for the airport reclamation extension, which coincides with the naval port and fishing sanctuary (for fishermen),” Speaker Romualdez said.
Asked whether Pag-asa would get a share from billions in confidential funds the House intends to realign, he said, “Yes. Well of course, a portion of it that initially has been decided to be allocated will be put in. Beyond that mas malaki pa ang iniisip nating pondo para dito.”
He pointed out that his trip Thursday was the first time he visited Pag-asa Island.
“I’m very proud kasi nandito lahat ng mga sundalo natin, all of the members of the AFP and of course the Coast Guard, and of course the local governments, they are here, they are doing a wonderful job. And we want to give support, tutulungan talaga natin at na-appreciate lalo natin ang serbisyo na ginagawa ng lahat na nandito sa Pag-asa,” he stressed.
Speaker Romualdez added that the remote Palawan town could even have tourism-oriented facilities and be turned into the Maldives of the Philippines.
“So we’re looking at hindi lang to support, hindi lang ‘yung budget ng DND, hindi lang DOTR baka pwede rin yung DOT, kasi napakaganda dito baka pwede itong maging tourist destination
There are other islands that we would like to develop…parang sa Maldives, so pwede sigurong maging Philippine Maldives… So we shall invite everyone to come and visit. But we shall develop the facilities here, the airport, the seaport and the other facilities within the Kalayaan Island group,” he said.
The trip to Pag-asa Island included House Majority Leader Mannix M. Dalipe, House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan, and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Zaldy Co.
