House Speaker Martin Romualdez (4th from left)

House Speaker Martin Romualdez led a small group of congressmen to Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on Thursday morning, Oct. 5. 

They left that same afternoon with a clear idea of what their compatriots on the island need. 

“It’s clear that Pag-asa Island needs a development plan. The House of Representatives will take the lead in coming up with such plan, being the institution responsible for the national budget and national policies that need legislation,” Romualdez said. 

According to him, the trip allowed the solons to see for themselves the pressing challenges facing the island’s local folk and the armed personnel manning the country’s outpost in the WPS. 

(Speaker’s office)

“We toured the island and had lengthy conversations with our brave soldiers and kababayans in the community. This allowed us to get a first-hand account of what’s really happening on ground and what needs to be done by Congress to address local issues,” the House leader explained. 

Romualdez says a key priority is the construction of a storm shelter for fishermen where they can take refuge during typhoons or when they experience mechanical trouble while out at sea. 

“We will also help build a solar energy plant; ice and cold storage facilities; a desalination plant; satellite-based communication facilities; and conduct seafood-based livelihood training,” said the Leyte 1st district representative. 

He said these projects aim to address unique challenges faced by Filipino soldiers and  fishermen operating in the disputed waters. 

Through these projects, Romualdez hopes Filipino fisherfolk would be less fearful of conducting their day-to-day activities in the Spratlys, also known as the Kalayaan Group of Islands. 

The Speaker added that supporting local troops in the area underscores the Philippine government’s commitment to assert its sovereignty over its territorial waters. 

Before departing for Puerto Princesa to pay his respects to the late forme mayor and Palawan 3rd district Rep. Edward Hagedorn, Romualdez distributed solar lamps with AM/FM radios to the soldiers and local residents in Pag-asa. 

The trip to Pag-asa Island included House Majority Leader Zamboanga City 2nd district Rep. Mannix Dalipe, House Minority Leader 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan, and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co.