The House of Representatives has pledged its full support for the residents of Pag-asa Island in Palawan in improving their welfare and addressing the challenges of living in the remote and contested area.
Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, in a message delivered by House Committee on Foreign Affairs Chairperson Rachel Arenas during a visit on Jan. 16, assured residents that Congress remains steadfast in its efforts to enhance their quality of life.
“Alam ko ang mga hamon ng buhay dito – ang distansya mula sa pangunahing mga lungsod, ang kakulangan sa mga pasilidad, at ang hirap ng pagharap sa araw-araw na pangangailangan. Nguni’t sa kabila nito, nananatili kayong matatag (I know the challenges of living here – the distance from major cities, the lack of facilities, and the difficulty of meeting your daily needs. But despite this, you remain resilient),” Romualdez said in his speech that was quoted in a news release on Wednesday.
Pag-asa Island, part of the Kalayaan Island Group in the Spratly Islands, is home to 79 families and serves as a key outpost in asserting the Philippines’ sovereignty over contested waters in the West Philippine Sea.
The congressional delegation, led by Arenas, distributed food and grocery packages to the island’s 230 residents, including military and uniformed personnel.
The visit aimed to assess the community’s pressing needs, including health care, infrastructure, and livelihood opportunities.
Romualdez highlighted the government’s commitment to delivering long-term solutions to the residents’ challenges.
“Kaisa ninyo kami sa gobyerno sa layuning gawing mas maayos at mas maginhawa ang inyong pamumuhay. Sa suporta ng ating mahal na Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., tuloy-tuloy ang mga proyekto para sa isla – ang pagpapatayo ng rural health unit at mga bagong pasilidad (We are one with you in the government in the goal of making your lives better and more comfortable. With the support of our beloved President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., projects for the island, such as the construction of a rural health unit and new facilities, will continue),” he said.
He emphasized that Congress is advocating for the island’s needs, with the rural health unit serving as a critical initiative to ensure accessible health care for residents.
“Huwag po kayong mag-alala. Ang inyong mga boses ay naririnig sa Kongreso. Ang inyong mga pangangailangan ay aming ipinaglalaban (Do not worry. Your voices are heard in Congress. Your needs are what we fight for),” he added.
Romualdez reiterated the significance of Pag-asa Island not just as a territorial asset but also as a home to Filipinos who have chosen to live on the frontlines of national sovereignty.
“Kayo ang nagbibigay-buhay at halaga sa isla na ito, kaya’t saludo ako sa inyong dedikasyon at sakripisyo (You are the ones who give life and meaning to this island, and I salute your dedication and sacrifice),” he said. (PNA)
