PUERTO PRINCESA CITY –– The Philippine’s top security officials inaugurated a beach ramp at Pag-asa Island in Kalayaan town, Palawan fortifying the country’s claim at the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Tuesday led the inaugural ceremony along with the country’s top military brass, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Felimon Santos Jr., Navy Flag Officer-in-Command Vice Admiral Giovanni Bacordo, Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Allen Paredes, Army Chief Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay and newly installed AFP Western Command chief Lt. Gen. Erickson Gloria.
Maurice Phillip Albayda, municipal information officer, said the beach ramp would be used by the military, while the sheltered port that was set to be turned over on June 12 would be for the civilians.
The sheltered port for fishing vessels, which was funded by the Department of Transportation and ran by the provincial government of Palawan, may be utilized by fishermen, especially for taking shelter during inclement weather.
“Araw ng Kalayaan sa bayan ng Kalayaan. We will also have an Independence Day program, tree planting activity, and the turn over of sheltered port on June 12,” Albayda said.
Pag-asa Island holds around 90 to 110 residents, according to Albayda.
Kalayaan town, which is at 280 nautical miles northwest of Puerto Princesa City and 932 kilometers southwest of Metro Manila, was established on June 11, 1978, through Presidential Decree 1596.
LZB