West Philippine Sea airport get P3.2-billion funding

Recognizing its strategic external defense posture, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is  set to allocate P3.2 billion for the expansion of the Pag-asa airport and a shelter port on Lawak Island in the West Philippine Sea.

AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, said  that these infrastructure improvements would “enhance logistical support and operational readiness for the personnel” as it ensures that they are prepared to safeguard our national interests.

“This initiative a clear affirmation of our unwavering commitment to protecting our sovereignty and territorial rights in a manner that promotes regional stability and cooperation,” Padilla explained,

At the same time, Roy Vincent Trinidad, spokesperson for the WPS, said runway expansion and the news shelter port would be “very timely” for the Navy and the entire AFP.

Trinidad stressed these projects would “increase the military’s capability to project its forces in the WPS”, which is in line with the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC).

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr.,on his part,  said the CADC would “project our defensive capabilities to secure not only the land base of the Philippines but its exclusive economic zone and other areas where we have jurisdiction”.

House appropriations chair Rep. Zaldy Co also confirmed that both projects have been included in the 2025 national budget.

Co noted that there is a need to finish the 1.5-kilometer runway on the island as he hoped the airport could also be used for commercial purposes.

Co even likened the Pag-asa Island to Maldives saying, “So if we can transform it into tourism at least we can claim back what the government invested in it, because the island there looks like the Maldives”.

Under the 2025 budget, a total of P300 million is also allocated under the Department of Transportation for the construction of a new shelter port in Pag-asa.

Last July, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr visited Puerto Princesa City and said the development of Pag-asa airport was among the priorities of his administration.

Pag-asa is the Philippine-occupied Island in the Spratly’s inhabited by a population of about 300. It is about 480 kilometers from Puerto Princesa City, the Capital of Palawan.

Several Chinese vessels have been swarming in the vicinity of Pag-asa as Beijing continues to assert its sweeping claims in the South China Sea, including parts of the West Philippine Sea.