Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana takes a trip to Pag-asa Island.
This is in line with the Duterte administration’s plan to convert the area into a tourist spot and a marine research facility.
A fish port is also set to be constructed on the island.
“Maraming gustong ipagawa si Presidente (the President wants us to do a lot of things),” he told the soldiers stationed there.
Lorenzana says, the short term plan is to upgrade the living conditions of the military personnel.
He also sees the immediate need to repair the runway and improve the sewage system.
Pag-asa island has a land area of 37.2 kilometers.
It is the second largest island in the Spratlys, located within the South China Sea.
Pag-asa is part of the municipality of Kalayaan in Palawan.