Beaching ramp inauguration on Pag-asa Island a welcome prelude to Independence Day —Gordon

Published June 11, 2020 08:46 PM By DONA MAGSINO,GMA News

Senator Richard Gordon on Thursday lauded the inauguration of the beaching ramp on Pag-asa Island as he described the territory as a "fitting symbol" for the country's celebration of its 122nd Independence Day on June 12.

“The island of Pag-asa, in English—hope, carries a name symbolic of the aspirations of our people. These aspirations moved our heroes in 1898 to rise up against foreign domination and proclaim the independence of the Filipino people," Gordon said.

"Now, a hundred twenty-two years later after that proclamation, there is a need for us to be more vigilant than ever to maintain our independence, to beware of foreign domination in disguise, to be able to defend our national interests, to protect our people," he added.

On June 9, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana led the inauguration of the beaching ramp

, which is seen to improve the delivery of necessary equipment and goods to the island. The repair of its airstrip is also in the pipeline.

Gordon said the government should continue investing in projects that would contribute to the development of far-flung communities and preservation of the country's marine wealth.

The senator stressed that the Philippine archipelago is surrounded by resource-rich waters that would benefit the future generations of Filipinos.

Despite the presence of Chinese militias around the island, Lorenzana said Pag-asa will not be militarized by the Philippine government.

"We will not militarize our island there, we will not bring in the military equipment to defend it because I don't think there is any threat of attack [on] Pag-asa and eight other islands..." he said. — BM, GMA News

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