PAG-ASA ISLAND, Palawan — Former senator and newly appointed National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) lead convenor Manny Pacquiao issued a challenge to Filipinos with questionable allegiance to the nation, daring them to visit Pag-asa Island amid ongoing territorial friction between China and the Philippines.
Speaking during his inaugural visit to the remote island—located 500 kilometers west of Puerto Princesa City—Pacquiao expressed deep condemnation over the presence of Chinese vessels within the country’s territorial waters.
“Naiinsulto tayo, kasi in our territory, nandiyan sila. Parang nabu-bully tayo,” he stated.
“Doon sa mga Pilipino na medyo traydor, dapat pumunta kayo dito para ma-experience niyo ba,” Pacquiao added.
The NAPC chief was accompanied on his visit by Presidential Adviser for Maritime Concerns Andres Centino, House Deputy Majority Leader Keith Flores, Aklan Representative Jesus Marquez, and other government officials to deliver aid to the local government.
Kalayaan Mayor Billy Alindogan welcomed the delegation, noting that it marked a historic moment for the island community.
“I cannot express how happy I am. This is the first time that almost all government agencies sent representatives to visit us,” Alindogan said.
The island has undergone notable infrastructural progress over recent years, featuring a newly paved airport runway complete with a hangar and passenger terminal, upgraded seaport facilities, and new school buildings. A rural health unit is currently under construction to bolster healthcare services for the island’s residents.
Taking advantage of the high-level visit, Mayor Alindogan submitted key infrastructure proposals for the town, requesting a water filtration facility, a new municipal hall, typhoon-resilient housing projects, an evacuation shelter, and a comprehensive drainage system.
In response to the local government’s appeal, Flores assured the mayor that the requests would be brought directly to leadership.
“We will talk to the House Speaker regarding the requests of the mayor,” Flores said.