Manila: The Philippine government is allocating an additional PHP3.03 billion this year to enhance infrastructure development in the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG), located in the northeastern section of the contested Spratly Islands. This funding aims to advance the strategic development of key facilities within the island group.
According to Philippines News Agency, Congress has designated an additional PHP1.65 billion for the development of the Pag-asa Island airport, alongside PHP300 million for the Pag-asa shelter port. Surigao del Sur 2nd District Representative Johnny Pimentel announced these allocations in a recent news release. Furthermore, an extra PHP1.08 billion has been set aside for constructing the second phase of the Lawak Island shelter port.
Pimentel, who previously served as the chair of the House Committee on Strategic Intelligence, noted that these projects are comprehensively detailed in the 2025 General Appropriations Law. He emphasized that this additional PHP3.03 billion is supplementary to the combined PHP2.3 billion previously allocated by Congress for the Pag-asa airport and Lawak shelter port in 2024.
Pimentel is advocating for further development in the region through various legislative initiatives. He authored a bill aimed at transforming Pag-asa into a recreational fishing tourism destination. Additionally, he proposed a separate bill seeking an initial PHP5-billion allocation to establish new naval forward operating bases in the West Philippine Sea. These bases are intended to secure the natural gas and oil deposits beneath the seabed.
Pag-asa Island, the largest in the KIG, spans 37.2 hectares and is situated 508 kilometers northwest of Puerto Princesa City. Lawak Island, the fourth largest, covers 7.93 hectares and is located 169 kilometers east of Pag-asa. The KIG has a total land area of 83.89 hectares and includes several other islets and reefs. The Municipality of Kalayaan was established in the KIG under Palawan province by a presidential decree issued in 1978 by President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.
