Uploaded June 2020 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Concrete Airstrip on PAGASA Island and other developments will be next.
The Philippines on Tuesday completed the construction of a beaching ramp on PAGASA Island in the West Philippine Sea, allowing it to proceed with runway repairs.
The development bolsters the Philippines’ maritime defense position amid ramped-up efforts by Beijing to assert its territorial claims in the region.
The Department of National Defense held a formal turnover ceremony of the recently completed beaching ramp on PAGASA Island on Tuesday.
Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in a statement, "We can now proceed with the other projects planned for Pag-asa Island." He said the completion of the ramp was "a necessary first step which will facilitate the transportation of essential construction equipment to the island."
The Philippines has allocated 1.3 billion pesos ($26 million) for construction and repair works on the island, including the "concreting of the runway" that has been damaged by erosion.
Lorenzana said the purpose of these developments is to develop Pag-asa Island into a viable community. Lorenzana said there are no plans to militarize Pag-asa Island and soldiers deployed are only armed for protection.
Lorenzana said, "We will not militarize this. I call it militarization if we bring in other weapons that are heavy like cannons or missiles. We will not do that here."
Among these development plans, Lorenzana said, is the installation of a radio broadcasting center.
Lorenzana is also looking at the possibility of constructing another beaching ramp to carry equipment and supplies to other Philippine-claimed territories in the Spratly Island chain.
The Philippines will continue to protect and develop its assets in the West Philippine Sea.
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Concrete Airstrip on PAGASA Island and other developments will be next.
The Philippines on Tuesday completed the construction of a beaching ramp on PAGASA Island in the West Philippine Sea, allowing it to proceed with runway repairs.
The development bolsters the Philippines’ maritime defense position amid ramped-up efforts by Beijing to assert its territorial claims in the region.
The Department of National Defense held a formal turnover ceremony of the recently completed beaching ramp on PAGASA Island on Tuesday.
Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in a statement, "We can now proceed with the other projects planned for Pag-asa Island." He said the completion of the ramp was "a necessary first step which will facilitate the transportation of essential construction equipment to the island."
The Philippines has allocated 1.3 billion pesos ($26 million) for construction and repair works on the island, including the "concreting of the runway" that has been damaged by erosion.
Lorenzana said the purpose of these developments is to develop Pag-asa Island into a viable community. Lorenzana said there are no plans to militarize Pag-asa Island and soldiers deployed are only armed for protection.
Lorenzana said, "We will not militarize this. I call it militarization if we bring in other weapons that are heavy like cannons or missiles. We will not do that here."
Among these development plans, Lorenzana said, is the installation of a radio broadcasting center.
Lorenzana is also looking at the possibility of constructing another beaching ramp to carry equipment and supplies to other Philippine-claimed territories in the Spratly Island chain.
The Philippines will continue to protect and develop its assets in the West Philippine Sea.
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