Mindanao-based lawmakers is now seeking to appropriate P1 billion for the fortification of the structures in the Kalayaan Group of Islands particularly in the Philippine-held territories of Pag-asa island. The move is in response to the territorial dispute between the Philippines and China escalates.
According to the House Bill 4167, filed by Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez and his younger brother Abante Mindanao partylist Rep. Maximo Rodriguez Jr., the two Congressmen noted that the bill sought the improvement, fortification, and building of structures in the areas.
The P1 billion appropriation fund would be allocated for the Kalayaan Group of Islands to promote the tourism industry in the region, it would be used also for construction of a safe harbor, berthing facilities, and the repair of the Rancudo airfield on Pag-asa island.
In an interview conducted by PhilStar, Cong. Rufus Rodriguez was quoted as saying “In order to strengthen our claim and protect our sovereignty, we need to build more structures and fortify our defense of these islands, particularly the construction of a safe harbor as well as the repair of the Rancudo airfield on Pag-asa Island. Aside from solidifying our claim, the construction of structures in the Kalayaan Islands would also improve the tourism industry there,” the elder Rodriguez said.
The Kalayaan Islands is a fifth class municipality in Palawan with a population of around 300 t0 400 people. It has only one barangay, Pag-asa, and a 1.3-km. airstrip that is used by both the military and civilian aircraft. The group of islands have been the subject of claims of different countries including China, Vietnam, Palau, and Malaysia.
Based upon the history of the Philippines, during the year 1956, a Filipino lawyer, businessman, and adventurer, Admiral Thomas Cloma claimed the Kalayaan group of islands as his won, naming it the “Free Territory of Freedomland.”
President Ferdinand Marcos created the Municipality of Kalayaan by signing Presidential Decree 1596 into law June 11, 1978. During the past few years since the occupation of the Kalayaan Group of islands, the island was only used as a military installation, but on the year 2002, civilian residents started to occupy the island particularly the Pag-asa Island.