Beaching ramp in Pag-asa Island to be completed by 2018

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 7): Beaching ramp in Pag-asa Island to be completed by 2018

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana expects the beaching ramp in Pag-asa Island to be completed by early 2018.

He added that completion of the project was delayed by monsoon rains.

“The monsoon rains have hampered the construction of the beaching ramp, which is a vital structure that would allow our navy LST (landing ship, tank) ships to dock, and bring in heavy equipment and construction materials. No construction can proceed without a good beaching ramp," Lorenzana said.

Only when the beaching ramp is finished could the Philippines start repairing, paving and extending the Rancudo Airfield, the DND chief stressed.

Construction of the above-mentioned facility is intermittent due to the inclement weather in the area.

"Then and only then will we be able to start repairing, paving and extending our runway, and build additional facilities for our troops.

Also, once the beaching ramp is done, the Department of Agriculture will build a fishing port for our fishermen," Lorenzana added.

During his visit to Pag-asa Island last April 21, the DND chief said the government would allocate PHP1.3 billion for the improvement of Rancudo Airfield in Pagasa Island and construction of ports and beaching ramps in the locality.

Runway improvements include the concreting of the entire Rancudo Airfield thus making it accessible in all types of weather.

Other improvements for slated for Pag-asa Island include the construction of desalination plant, more solar panels and generator sets for power purposes and establishment of Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources marine research and shelter center.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1015057