‘Asserting Philippines sovereignty must go beyond sea patrols, protest’

MANILA, Philippines — Asserting Philippine sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea must go beyond military patrols and diplomatic protests and result in establishing a sustainable, well-funded civilian presence in the Kalayaan Island Group, Sen. Risa Hontiveros said yesterday.

The senator underscored this policy direction following an assessment trip to Pag-asa Island, where she highlighted the severe lack of essential infrastructure, such as adequate health care facilities and cold storage for fisherfolk.

“Our sovereignty is lived and defended daily by the people stationed here,” Hontiveros said.

“Government must show up not only in words, but in action – by ensuring that our communities and frontliners have the resources, services and institutional backing they rightfully deserve,” she added.

Specifically, she pointed out the urgent need for solar-powered cold storage to sustain the local fishing industry, which operates in highly contested waters.

Hontiveros said she would be coordinating with the Department of Agriculture and the private sector for these.

“This is our patriotic duty,” she said.

To augment local resources, Hontiveros pledged to tap the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Labor and Employment to funnel sustainable livelihood funds to the island municipality.

As chairperson of the Senate committee on health, she also committed to lobbying the Department of Health for the deployment of adequate medical equipment to the area.

After meeting with Kalayaan Mayor Beltzasar Alindogan and Vice Mayor Maurice Albayda, Hontiveros reiterated that the civilian population serves as the country’s strongest anchor in the disputed region.

“My visit is a show of support and solidarity for our fellow Filipinos here in Kalayaan. They are part of the Philippines and they should not be left alone,” she said.

Hontiveros’ visit comes after the island became the center of intense debates when Sen. Rodante Marcoleta suggested relinquishing the territory, arguing it lies beyond the country’s exclusive economic zone.