Pacquiao, officials visit Pag-asa Island; face Chinese radio challenge

Several government officials visited Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea on Friday as part of the observance of Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month. According to a report by Jonathan Andal on GTV’s Balitanghali, the delegation included newly appointed National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) lead convenor Manny Pacquiao. He was joined by Presidential Adviser for Maritime Concerns Andres Centino and Representatives Keith Flores and Jesus Marquez. The officials were set to distribute assistance to residents and assess the needs of the island community. Flores said they wanted to personally see the situation in Pag-asa Island, particularly as Congress works on next year’s national budget. Pacquiao brought P500,000 worth of assistance from the NAPC. Kalayaan Mayor Billy Alindogan said the island has around 450 residents, including more than 100 students up to Grade 12 and over 30 fishermen. He said the population continues to grow as some residents from mainland Palawan choose to settle on the island. Among the local government's requests are a new municipal building, an improved drainage system, typhoon-resilient housing, more water filtration facilities, and enough rice stocks to last three months. Alindogan said seawater can overflow onto parts of the island during strong storms, highlighting the need for improved drainage and more resilient infrastructure. The National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) also provided an updated map of Pag-asa Island, containing information on the depth of surrounding waters and Filipino names for features in the West Philippine Sea. New infrastructure has been completed on the island, including a hangar and terminal at the airport. Flores said the Philippine delegation encountered challenges during their flight to Pag-asa Island, which he attributed to China. Despite the reported challenges, Flores said the Philippine pilots stood their ground and were able to safely land on the island. — Joviland Rita/LDF, GMA News