Filtered By: Topstories
News
FOR TOURISM AND RESEARCH

PHL allocates P1.6-B for Pag-asa Island development


PAG-ASA ISLAND - The government has allocated a budget of 1.6 billion for the development of the disputed Pag-asa Island (Thitu).

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Friday said that the funds will go to turning the island into a tourist destination and marine research facility.

Among the facilities planned for the island are beaching facilities, a radio station, an ice plant, and a power plant.

A portion of the fund will also go to improving the runway and the living conditions of the soldiers deployed to the area.

"[Dapat] mapaganda to para we can land here anytime," Lorenzana told reporters during his visit to Pagasa Island.

He said that, in the following weeks, the construction of beaching facilities will be prioritized to kick off the project.

Asked if the Philippine government was violating any conduct by erecting these facilities, Lorenza answered in the negative: "I don't think so."

"Kita niyo nga yung Subi Reef...Tayo na nga ang nahuhuli dito," he said.

"We should have done this before," he added.

China had previously constructed facilities on Subi Reef, effectively claiming the territory for itself.  The reef is just 15 nautical miles from Pag-asa Island. — TJD, GMA News

LOADING CONTENT