MANILA, Philippines — House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has assured Pag-asa Island residents that lawmakers are fully behind initiatives that would lead to the area’s growth and development.

Romualdez in a statement on Wednesday said that he, through House committee on foreign affairs chairperson and Pangasinan Rep. Rachel Arenas, told Pag-asa residents that he understands the struggles brought by the island’s far location.

Arenas headed the House delegation that visited the island last January 16, where food and grocery goods were distributed to the island’s 230 residents, including the military and uniformed personnel stationed there.

READ: Chinese swarm has doubled around Pag-asa Island in a week – AFP

“I know the challenges you face here—the distance from primary cities, the lack of facilities, and the hardships faced every day. But despite all these, you remain steadfast,” Romualdez said in his message, which was delivered by Arenas.

READ: West Philippine Sea: Large fleet of Chinese ships seen in Pagasa Island

According to Romualdez, the House and the entire administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is committed towards enhancing Pag-asa Island’s welfare.

During the latter part of Tuesday’s session, HB No. 10926 was brought to the floor, with House committee on ways and means chairperson and Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda, and committee on legislative franchises chairperson and Parañaque 2nd District Rep. Gus Tambunting sponsoring the proposed measure.

“We in the government are one with you in the goal of making your lives better and more comfortable. With the support of our beloved President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., projects for the island would continue including the creation of a rural health unit and new facilities,” he noted.

“Do not worry, your voices are heard in Congress. We are fighting for your needs,” he said.

Pag-asa Island lies within the town of Kalayaan—one of the farthest municipalities in terms of distance to government centers, as it is located within the West Philippine Sea. Due to its location, it serves as an outpost—a part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and a frontline for the country’s claim over the disputed region.

This position however also exposes residents to risks, like in the last quarter of 2024 when the Armed Forces of the Philippines monitored Chinese ships swarming Pag-asa Island.

The government has promised to usher in growth in the area, as a way to also assert sovereignty over the disputed region.

Former House appropriations panel chairperson and Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co said last May 2024 that they are looking to set aside another P1 billion in the 2025 national budget to complete the airstrip in Pag-asa Island. This, Co said, would allow the government to let military aircraft—and possibly commercial planes for tourism—land in the area.

Romualdez himself visited the island last October 2023, wherein he vowed to support a development plan for the municipality of Kalayaan, Palawan, as fisherfolk in the area would need critical infrastructure like storm shelters and solar power plants.

Romualdez said the government needs to take care of the people as they give life to the island.

“You give life and importance to this island, that’s why we salute your dedication and sacrifice,” he said.

“With your warm welcome for us today, we want to impart our utmost support to all of you. You are the heart of Pag-asa Island, and we are with you in every step towards a bright future,” he added.

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Aside from Arenaslucky time, other lawmakers such as Rizal Rep. Emigdio Tanjuatco III and 1-Rider party-list Rep. Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez, officials from Romualdez’s office and the Office of the Mayor, were present.

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