AKO Bicol Party List Representative Zaldy Co, chair of the House Appropriations Committee, expressed a shared commitment to bringing further development to Pag-asa Island in Kalaayan, Palawan.
Co joined key officials of the House of Representatives, led by Speaker Martin Romualdez, during a visit to the island on Thursday, October 5. Impressed by the beauty and potential of the area, he backed Speaker Romualdez’s vision to support the island in terms of infrastructure, security, and tourism.
For this, the Speaker said the House is eyeing to pour in “at least P3 billion for the airport reclamation extension, which coincides with the naval port and fishing sanctuary.” The House leadership likewise assured that its commitment to this endeavor is long-term.
Sharing this view, Co said: “I’ve always been a firm believer in the untapped potential of our nation’s treasures.”
“As Speaker Romualdez rightly pointed out, the beauty and strategic significance of Pag-asa Island are undeniable. Investing in its infrastructure and promoting it as a tourism hotspot is not just a vision but a commitment,” added Co. “Together, we aim to transform this vision into a reality, strengthening our nation’s footprint both in terms of sovereignty and economic prosperity.”
Pag-asa Island is part of Kalayaan Group of Islands near the West Philippine Sea, and is home to a small community of Filipinos, whose presence in the area plays a role in affirming our country’s sovereignty.
