Pag-asa Island visitors savor rich marine resources with big tuna catch

Visitors who sailed to West Philippine Sea for the inaugural voyage of the “Great Kalayaan Expedition” experienced the abundance of marine resources in the island, according to a report on “24 Oras” by Raffy Tima.

The local government aims to promote adventure tourism in Pagasa Island, especially among game fishers and divers.

Just some 500 meters from the coast, anglers were surprised to find one of their heaviest catch of the day – a tuna that when put on the scale weighed 70 kilos.

“Kung pag-uusapan natin yung rich marine resources, marami rito.  ‘Yung mga isdang malalaki, ‘pag nag-dive kayo mga corals, napakaganda, and even the environment, parang paraiso,” Lieutenant Rey Ibay of the Philippine Navy said.

Chinese ships could be seen from a distance, but the Navy official said visitors are safe in the area.

“We don’t have to worry.  Bakit, kasi nandito naman na ‘yung mga forces that include the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police (PNP, maritime, local PNP and Philippine Coast Guard,” Ibay added.

For divers, the wreckage of a landing ship that sank 10 years ago has become a worthwhile attraction.

There’s also the Lawak Island which is home to thousands of seabirds.  This is one of the nine islands and reefs being guarded by Filipino soldiers which are part of Kalayaan Island.

The local government hopes more visitors would soon come and experience the abundance and beauty of the Philippine islands.—LDF, GMA Integrated News