Marcos mandates local names for 131 Kalayaan Island features in Palawan, WPS

A total of 131 Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) features will have local names as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order No. 111, which aims to strengthen government control and sovereignty in Palawan and the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Issued on March 26, EO 111 ordered the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) to produce and publish updated charts and maps that reflect the names.

The Order also directed all national government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or -controlled corporations and government financial institutions, to use the names in the EO in all official communications, messages, and documents.

The Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and all state universities and colleges are also mandated to use the standard names in educational and training institutions, particularly in conducting research, publishing textbooks, and preparing educational or instructional materials.

Under EO No. 57, the National Maritime Council (NMC) recommended the adoption of the standard set of Philippine names for 131 features of the KIG in Kalayaan, Palawan, and the WPS.

The NMC said it is important to adopt a standard set of Philippine names for maritime features in the KIG to ensure efficient administration and governance of the area and to exercise the country’s sovereignty in the WPS.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Maritime Zones Act stated that the country’s maritime zones on the western side of the Philippine archipelago, including the Luzon Sea and the territorial seas of Bajo de Masinloc and the maritime features of the KIG, shall be collectively called the West Philippine Sea.

According to its website, Kalayaan is the country’s largest municipality in terms of territorial jurisdiction (64,876 square miles).

It comprises seven islands: Lawak Island, Patag Island, Likas Island, Kora Island, Panata Island, Pag-asa Island, and Parola Island.

Kalayaan also has two reefs, the Ayungin Reef and the Rizal Reef.

The KIG local government has recently urged more national government officials to visit Pag-asa Island, as they hope for more improvements in their community.

Among the services needed by locals in Kalayaan, Rear Adm. Jay Tarriela of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said, is a cold storage facility for their catch.

Tarriela made the statement following the visit of Senator Risa Hontiveros, who also delivered medical assistance to residents and reaffirmed the Philippines' claim and presence in the area.

Pag-asa is the largest island in the KIG and considered the seat of the municipal government.

Senator Rodante Marcoleta earlier drew flak for saying that perhaps the Philippines can let go of the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) as it is beyond the country's exclusive economic zone. He has insisted, however, that his words were "abbreviated" and taken out of context. — BAP, GMA News