The provincial board expresses support to the local government of Kalayaan for enacting an ordinance naming sandbars, cays and reefs in Pag-asa Island. These are Pag-asa Cay 1, 2, 3 and 4 while the reefs were Pag-asa reef 1 and 2 which are situated 12 nautical miles off Pag-asa Island.
On a regular session on Tuesday, August 18, Board Member Ryan Maminta said he will pass an ordinance adopting the move of the LGU Kalayaan. He said this will strengthen our claims in the disputed islands in the West Philippine Sea.
“Ito po ay pro-aktibong aksyon sapagkat kinikilala po nito ang territorial claims ng Pilipinas sa West Philippine Sea,” Maminta said in his privilege speech during the regular session.
“Ito po ay sinususugan natin at nais nating suportahan sa pamamagitan po ng pagpasa ng isa namang ordinansa dito din sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan na kung saan pinagtitibay natin ang mga pangalan na ipinasa ng munisipyo ng Kalayaan,’ Maminta added.
While the motion was referred to the committee on rules and laws, Board Member Cherry Pie Acosta suggests holding a committee meeting in Pag-asa Island regarding the matter. She also recommends the possibility of bringing the provincial government’s medical and other government services closer to the people of Kalayaan through ‘Gobyerno Sa Barangay’.
“Baka pwede tayong humiram ng c130 sa airforce and then mag-conduct po tayo ng GSB (Gobyerno Sa Barangay) upang sa ganun maramdaman hindi lamang sa 22 munisipyo bagkus isama natin ang Kalayaan.” Acosta said.