Senate President Migz Zubiri leads a historic visit to Pag-asa Island for the groundbreaking of a Super Rural Health Unit for the municipality of Kalayaan and a barracks for the Philippine Navy. He is the highest-ranking government official to visit the island in recent years, as Pag-asa came to national prominence for its position in the West Philippine Sea. From left to right: Mayor Roberto del Mundo, Commodore Alan Javier, Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci, Sen. JV Ejercito, Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro, Senate President Migz Zubiri, Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, Coast Guard Adm. Ronnie Gavan, Rear Adm. Alfonso Torres.
MANILA, Philippines – “Atin ang Pag-asa, atin ang Kalayaan, at dapat natin itong alagaan.”
(Pag-asa is ours, Kalayaan is ours, and we must take care of it.)
Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri said that investing in the development of the Kalayaan Island Group is an investment in the security of the country’s territory and exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) from the illegal incursions of China.
Zubiri again asserted the Philippines’ claim over the island group and the WPS when he led a historic Senate visit to Pag-asa Island to break ground on two infrastructure development projects for the residents of Kalayaan and the Philippine Navy.
“We’re giving them this P20-million dormitory-type barracks para sa ating mga sundalo [for our soldiers]. Mag-groundbreaking din po tayo ng P30 million for a super RHU, super rural health unit, para meron po mga health facilities na maganda,” Zubiri told reporters who also traveled to the island, with Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, Sen. JV Ejercito and Defense Sec. Gilberto Teodoro.
“Kasi nakita nyo naman, nakatira sa nipa hut ng ating mga sundalo dito, mga hindi magaganda mga infrastructure, hindi pa kumpleto. They’re doing their best with whatever resources they have. Kaya nag-step up po ang Senado,” the Senate chief added.
(Because as you can see, our soldiers here live in nipa huts, the infrastructure is not good, it’s not yet complete. They’re doing their best with whatever resources they have. That’s why the Senate stepped up.)
Zubiri said he fought for the inclusion of the infrastructure projects in Pag-asa islands in 2023 when Congress was deliberating the 2024 national budget.
“We fought hard for these projects, kaya masayang-masaya po ako na makabisita sa Pag-asa at finally ma-kickstart na ang mga proyektong ito,” the senator from Bukidnon said.
“Ang groundbreaking ng ating mga proyekto, galing po sa initiative ng Senado, last 2023 for 2024. Ang Senado ay nagbigay po halos P10.5 billion sa Armed Forces of the Philippines, sa Department of National Defense and Coast Guard,” the Senate chief said.
(The groundbreaking of our projects, initiated by the Senate, took place last 2023 for 2024. The Senate provided nearly P10.5 billion to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Department of National Defense, and the Coast Guard.)
The Senate leader said that part of defending Kalayaan is investing in its development.
“Meron po tayong around 250 residents dito sa Pag-asa. We have families living here, raising their children here, and making a living in these waters,” he said. “Dapat talagang tulungan natin silang umasenso, dahil sila ang proof na atin itong West Philippine Sea.”
(We have around 250 residents here in Pag-asa. We have families living here, raising their children here, and making a living in these waters,” he said. “We really should help them progress because they are proof that the West Philippine Sea is ours.)
On the flight to Pag-asa, the Senate President reported that their aircraft received a radio challenge from Chinese vessels, warning them not to enter Chinese territory.
“If they think that a radio challenge can scare us away from our own waters, then they don’t know what they’re dealing with. Alam natin, at alam ng buong mundo, na ang China ang nanghihimasok sa atin dito. At handa tayong ipaglaban kung ano ang atin,” Zubiri declared.
“At gusto ko lang sabihin kung nakikinig po sila (China vessels), ito po ang teritoryo ng Republika ng Pilipinas. Hindi po inyo ito. Ito po ang teritoryo ng Republika ng Pilipinas. Bago pa dumating si Magellan, atin na po ito. Kaya kung pwede, lumayas na kayo,” he added.
(And I just want to say, if they are listening (China vessels), this is the territory of the Republic of the Philippines. This is not yours. This is the territory of the Republic of the Philippines. Before Magellan even arrived, this already belonged to us. So if possible, please leave.)
As part of his visit, the Senate chief had an opportunity to meet with the local community over a boodle fight.
In addition to the Super Rural Health Unit and the Navy barracks, he promised to continue lobbying for development projects for residents and defense personnel alike, particularly toward the improvement of local power supply, water security and housing.
READ: Soon to rise: PH navy barracks, rural health center in Pagasa Island
He also gave his word that he will continue to support the budgetary needs of the Department of National Defense and that he will help the Bureau of Aquatic Fisheries and Resources secure funding for a mothership, to accompany smaller fishing boats and provide security against Chinese vessels.
The residents of Kalayaan can also look forward to the Senate leader’s promise of Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations or AICS, coursed through the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
“Patuloy nating susuportahan ang mga proyekto at programang ikauunlad ng Pag-asa. This is how we defend the West Philippine Sea – by taking care of our people and helping them build a stronger and larger community here.”
(We will continue to support projects and programs for the development of Pag-asa. This is how we defend the West Philippine Sea – by taking care of our people and helping them build a stronger and larger community here.)
The Senate President was also joined by Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci; Coast Guard Admiral Ronnie Gavan; newly appointed Western Command Chief, Rear Admiral Alfonso Torres; Commodore Alan Javier, and Kalayaan Mayor Roberto del Mundo.