Ro-ro in Spratlys: Gov’t to build beaching ramp to Pag-asa island

MANILA, Philippines—The government plans to build a beaching ramp in the occupied Pag-asa Island in the contested Spratlys in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) AFP FILE PHOTO

Mayor Eugenio Biton-onon of the municipality of Kalayaan in Palawan, which has jurisdiction over the Pag-asa and other claimed islets in the Spratlys, said the ramp would be constructed by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) with the help of the Philippine Navy.

According to the mayor, the beaching ramp will greatly help their community since this will allow “ro-ro” (roll-on roll-off) ships to beach and unload their cargo directly on the island’s shore.

Currently, people and supplies brought in by ships have to be transferred to small bancas while at sea since the ships can not come to shore.

Since these bancas can not also beach, the residents again have to haul the supplies and wade in water for several meters to bring the supplies to the shore.

Biton-onon would not say how much the construction would cost. He also did not give other specifics.

But he said the beaching ramp is expected to be finished within the year.

Biton-onon said the project should not stoke any diplomatic tension, insisting the ramp only seeks to provide the island’s residents with some convenience in transportation.

He said they may also ask the PPA afterwards to construct a modern port in the island.