Marcos orders review, upgrades for Kalayaan Island Group facilities

February 22 ------ President Marcos has ordered concerned agencies to personally assess conditions in the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) and determine what infrastructure is urgently needed, Malacañang said.

In a press briefing on Wednesday, Feb. 18, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said the President instructed Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon to visit the area and evaluate ongoing and proposed projects. “Inutusan po talaga sila ng Pangulo na puntahan ang Kalayaan Island Group at tingnan po kung ano ang kinakailangan,” she said. “Sila po ay magmumungkahi na gumawa doon ng port at ng airway,” she added.

Asked about the status of the Lawak Island shelter port and the Pag-asa Island airport, Castro said there was funding allocated for 2025. However, she said Dizon will still review the implementation to ensure that the President’s directives for the KIG are carried out. The Kalayaan Island Group, part of the West Philippine Sea, has been the focus of efforts to strengthen infrastructure and improve access for residents and security personnel stationed in the area.

Source: mb.com.ph