Aerial view of Pag-asa Island, Kalayaan Group of Islands, Palawan as seen from the cockpit of a PAF C-130T. (Philippine Daily Inquirer/LYN RILLON)
MANILA, Philippines — House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has vowed to support a development plan for Pag-asa island in the municipality of Kalayaan, Palawan, as fisherfolk in the area would need critical infrastructure like storm shelters and solar power plants.
In a statement on Thursday, Romualdez — who flew to Pag-asa island to inspect some projects — said it is very much clear that the country’s defense institutions also need support especially since it is a key outpost in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
“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.
“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 added.
Romualdez said he and the other lawmakers also talked to soldiers stationed in the island to discuss several issues — which Congress may find a solution to.
“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 Romualdez said.
Romualdez was joined in the Pag-asa Island visit by Majority Leader and Zamboanga City 2nd District Rep. Manuel Jose Dalipe, Appropriations committee chairperson and Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co and Minority Leader and 4Ps party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan.