The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is looking to build a Catholic church on Pag-asa Island to serve residents and government personnel stationed in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for WPS, said he discussed the plan with Bishop Socrates Mesiona, of the Archdiocese of Palawan.

“We believe this is important to support the local community in Pag-asa. The majority of our fellow Filipinos there, including members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Coast Guard personnel, and the PNP Maritime Group currently deployed in Pag-asa, are Catholics as well,” Tarriela said in a press briefing with reporters on Monday, Feb. 23.

He said the idea was welcomed by local officials in Kalayaan, Palawan, which has jurisdiction over Pag-asa Island.

“I was able to talk to the mayor of Kalayaan (Beltzasar Alindogan), and he said that the majority of the residents are Catholic. So it would be a welcome development for them if the Catholic Church is really willing to construct a church and even send a Catholic priest there to lead Mass every Sunday,” Tarriela shared.

Officials are looking to hold a groundbreaking ceremony by the end of March.

Tarriela, however, has yet to confirm the name of the church and its patron saint.

“Later, I will text the bishop and ask who the patron saint will be and what the name of the church will be,” Tarriela said.

Meanwhile, Tarriela brushed aside speculation that the construction of a church could trigger heightened activity from Chinese vessels in the area.

“I cannot speak for the reaction of the Chinese government and let me also highlight the fact that with or without anything that we do there, the Chinese maritime militia and the Chinese Coast Guard have always been deployed surrounding Pag-asa Island,” he said.