The harbor, along with other new structures on the island, will make both civilian and military visits easier – a small but significant step forward in establishing Filipino presence in the West Philippine Sea
SAFE HARBOR. An aerial view of the construction of a sheltered port at Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea. Photo courtesy of the Municipal Engineering Office of the Kalayaan Island Group
Against the odds, the Philippines has successfully built a new sheltered port on Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea, while other new structures near completion.
It's small compared to the 7 artificial islands China reclaimed in the area, but it is a concrete step forward in the Philippines' bit to assert its sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.
China has overwhelmed the region with the presence of its vessels and aircraft, many belonging to its military. The new structures on Pag-asa will make traveling to and staying on the island easier for both the Philippine military and civilians, thus helping to establish a more constant Filipino presence in the West Philippine Sea.
CONSTRUCTION. The new sheltered port at Pag-asa Island. Photo courtesy of Eugenio Bito-onon Jr
It's small compared to the 7 artificial islands China reclaimed in the area, but it is a concrete step forward in the Philippines' bit to assert its sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.
China has overwhelmed the region with the presence of its vessels and aircraft, many belonging to its military. The new structures on Pag-asa will make traveling to and staying on the island easier for both the Philippine military and civilians, thus helping to establish a more constant Filipino presence in the West Philippine Sea.
CONSTRUCTION. The new sheltered port at Pag-asa Island. Photo courtesy of Eugenio Bito-onon Jr
The sheltered port will be operational by June 12, Independence Day, Transportation Secretary Art Tugade said in a televised briefing on Thursday night, May 29. With a safe harbor for vessels, visitors may frequent the island and stay longer.
The waters around Pag-asa are too shallow for large vessels, and without a port, ships are forced to drop anchor kilometers away, requiring transfers to smaller boats that present a logistical challenge.
Pag-asa, internationally known as Thitu, is the second largest island in the Spratlys Group, and the largest in the Philippine-held Kalayaan Island Group (KIG). It is the only one of the Philippines' 9 islets in the KIG inhabited by a civilian community. The rest are small military outposts.
All in all, Pag-asa Island is home to around 250 people, including a military contingent.
COMPLETED. The sheltered port on Pag-asa Island wil be ready for use by June 12, 2020. Photo courtesy of Eugenio Bito-onon Jr
https://www.rappler.com/nation/262427-look-new-harbor-pagasa-island-may-30-2020
The waters around Pag-asa are too shallow for large vessels, and without a port, ships are forced to drop anchor kilometers away, requiring transfers to smaller boats that present a logistical challenge.
Pag-asa, internationally known as Thitu, is the second largest island in the Spratlys Group, and the largest in the Philippine-held Kalayaan Island Group (KIG). It is the only one of the Philippines' 9 islets in the KIG inhabited by a civilian community. The rest are small military outposts.
All in all, Pag-asa Island is home to around 250 people, including a military contingent.
COMPLETED. The sheltered port on Pag-asa Island wil be ready for use by June 12, 2020. Photo courtesy of Eugenio Bito-onon Jr
https://www.rappler.com/nation/262427-look-new-harbor-pagasa-island-may-30-2020
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