‘Pag-asa island beach ramp almost complete’

MANILA, Philippines — The construction of a beach ramp on Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea is nearing completion, a defense official said.

“It’s ongoing... We intend to fasttrack the repair of facilities, including the Rancudo airfield, in the island town,” the official, who asked not to be identified, said.

The official was reacting to the query of Buhay party-list Rep. Lito Atienza on the status of P450-million seaport on the island.

“We hope that the DOTr (Department of Transportation) is pushing through with the project, which has become... imperative for us to encourage more Filipinos to live on the remote island,” Atienza said.

He said the DOTr should inform Congress if it failed to undertake the project.

”It should explain why and where is the money,” Atienza said.

The beach ramp is meant to expedite the delivery of construction equipment and materials.

President Duterte has ordered the reinforcement of Pag-asa.

The defense department also plans to pave the 1.3-kilometer airstrip on the island. – Jess Diaz