Two new Pag-asa Island structures aim to improve conditions for Pinoys in WPS

Two new structures to be built on Pag-asa Island in Palawan are expected to improve the security and welfare of Filipinos in the West Philippine Sea.

In a report by Mav Gonzales for 24 Oras on Thursday, senior Filipino officials attended the groundbreaking of the new Philippine Navy barracks and a Super Rural Health Unit (RHU). 

On the flight to Pag-asa, the aircraft filled with senators, the defense secretary and the mayor of the Kalayaan Group of Islands repeatedly received radio challenges from a Chinese ship in the disputed area.

“Napakalapit na pala ng Subi Reef na nilagyan na nila ng military facility. Pag landing namin may verbal challenges. So sad nasa teritoryo ka ng Pilipinas tapos sinasabihan ka na, ‘Umalis ka dito. China ito,’” said Senate President Miguel Zubiri.

(Subi Reef where the China built a military facility is just nearby. While landing our plane received verbal challenges. It's so sad you are in Philippine territory and you are being told to leave since China says it owns it.)

“Nakakagulat, nakakaalarma at nakakagalit,” he added.

(It was surprising, alarming and infuriating.)

After arriving on the island, the officials were given a security briefing before attending the groundbreaking of the new navy barracks.

Only three kilometers from Pag-asa's coast, at least 20 vessels from the China Coast Guard and the Chinese maritime militia could be seen surrounding the island.

When asked of the status of the Atin Ito civilian convoy mission to Panatag Shoal, Defense Sec. Gilberto Teodoro said, “One hour away na lang sila. Kung yung ano, mas mabilis pa. Pero dudugo ilong nila kung subukan nila. Sa tingin ko po safe sila. No right thinking country will attack civilians.”

Despite the tension in the geopolitical arena, the residents of Pag-asa said they have gotten used to seeing Chinese vessels within close proximity to the island.

Many have chosen to live and raise their families on the island because it is quiet, peaceful and the food is abundant.

“At first it took some getting used to but now this is normal for us,” said resident Jeffrey Tan.

Jeffrey and his neighbors are among those who will benefit from the other new building, a Super Rural Health Unit (RHU) whose services will improve the lives of the civilian population alongside the security provided by the new military facilities.

The RHU will complement Pag-asa’s health center, which lacks a laboratory and a lying-in clinic.

“Ang hirap kasi hindi natin alam. Yung stroke patient namin last week habang lumilipas oras pwedeng nagdedeteriorate. We pray na sana hindi lumala pasyente while waiting for air evacuation,” said Dennis Abacial, officer-in-charge of the Kalayaan Municipal Health Office.

Resident Rowena Arruira said at present, pregnant mothers are brought to mainland Palawan before their third trimester. If an air evac is not available, It is a two-day trip via ship and is dependent on good weather.

The nearest hospital is 200 nautical miles or 370 kilometers from Pag-asa and poses a challenge to medical emergencies since transportation by both sea and air can be costly. Hence the value of the newly established RHU. 

The Senate promised they will add more projects to Pag-asa Island, with an emphasis on food security.

“Kaya Pag-asa island ito because of (their) growing population, kailangan ng future generations. Pag-asa ng Pilipinas ang West Philippine Sea,” Teodoro said.—RF, GMA Integrated News