MANILA – The Philippine government has earmarked an additional PHP3.03 billion to enhance infrastructure in the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG), located in the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.
Surigao del Sur 2nd District Representative Johnny Pimentel announced that Congress allocated PHP1.65 billion for the development of Pag-asa Island’s airport and PHP300 million for its shelter port. Moreover, PHP1.08 billion will be used for the second phase of the Lawak Island shelter port.
“The total PHP3.03 billion in new appropriations is part of the 2025 General Appropriations Law and is on top of the PHP2.3 billion approved by Congress in 2024 for the same infrastructure projects,” Pimentel said.
He further emphasized the significance of these projects in strengthening the country’s presence in the KIG. Pimentel, who previously led the House Committee on Strategic Intelligence, is also advocating for bills aimed at promoting Pag-asa Island as a recreational fishing tourism destination and securing new naval forward operating bases in the West Philippine Sea.
Pag-asa Island, the largest in the KIG, serves as the administrative center of the Municipality of Kalayaan in Palawan. The KIG, which covers an area of 83.89 hectares, also includes islands like Likas, Parola, Kota, Patag, and Panata, along with strategic shoals such as Ayungin and Rizal Shoals.
These efforts underscore the Philippines’ ongoing commitment to bolstering its territorial infrastructure in the face of geopolitical tensions in the region.
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