House Speaker Martin Romualdez (File photo/ Speaker’s Office)

House Speaker Martin Romualdez praised the 230 residents of the remote Pag-asa Island in Palawan for their dedication and sacrifice in connection with living on a precarious but crucial piece of real estate in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

In his speech for the residents that was delivered by Pangasinan 3rd district Rep. Rachel Arenas last Jan. 16, Romualdez reiterated the importance of Pag-asa Island not just as a territorial asset but also as a home.

Romualdez, through Arenas, said these particular Filipinos 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,” he stated.

(You give life and significance to this island, that's why I salute you for your dedication and sacrifice.)

Pag-asa--part of the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) in the WPS--is the largest Philippine-occupied feature in the disputed Spratly Islands. It serves as a vital outpost in asserting the country’s sovereignty and is crucial in determining the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) under international law. 

Malaysia claims part of the KIG, while China and Taiwan claim the entirety of the island group.

Arenas, chairperson of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, led a delegation to the island that distributed food and grocery items to the residents. Military and uniformed personnel there also benefited from the distribution.

Rizal 2nd district Rep. Emigdio Tanjuatco III and 1-Rider Party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez, along with representatives from the Office of the Speaker, the Caretaker District Office, and the Office of the Mayor, joined Arenas in the visit.

“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., tuluy-tuloy ang mga proyekto para sa isla – ang pagpapatayo ng rural health unit at mga bagong pasilidad,” Romualdez emphasized in the same speech.

(We in the government are one with you in the aim to improve your way of life. With the help of our beloved Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., our projects on the island will continue.)

Among the concrete measures announced was the establishment of a rural health unit, which the Speaker described as vital in ensuring accessible medical services for the islanders. 

Pangasinan 3rd district  Rep. Rachel Arenas (center) leads a House contingent in a visit to Pag-asa Island in Palawan for the distribution of food and grocery items to residents and uniformed personnel there. (PPAB)

“Huwag po kayong mag-alala; ang inyong mga boses ay naririnig sa Kongreso. Ang inyong mga pangangailangan ay aming ipinaglalaban,” he said.

(Don't worry, for your voices are being heard in Congress. We will fight to provide for your needs.)

The Speaker also highlighted ongoing and future livelihood programs aimed at providing economic opportunities for the residents. He vowed that Congress will continue to push for the necessary resources to help them thrive.

Romualdez is President Marcos' top lieutenant in the Philippine legislature, if not in the entire bureaucracy.