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PBBM ORDERS SITE INSPECTION FOR PLANNED SEAPORT, AIRPORT IN KALAYAAN ISLAND GROUP

admin February 19, 2026

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon to conduct a thorough inspection of the Kalayaan Island Group for the possible construction of seaport and airport.

In a Palace press briefing on Wednesday, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Office Claire Castro confirmed President Marcos’ instruction to the DPWH, noting that it aims to strengthen tourism development and create more livelihood opportunities for local residents.

“Sa ngayon po ay nakausap ko mismo si Sec. Vince, at inutusan po talaga sila ng Pangulo na puntahan ang Kalayaan Island Group at tingnan po kung ano ang kinakailangan. At sila po ay magmumungkahi na gumawa doon ng port at ng airway,” said Castro.

The directive comes as the Kalayaan Municipal Tourism Office opened limited slots for nine-day, eight-night guided tour packages across the island group this February 2026.

The packages include round-trip sea transfers, accommodation, and daily meals, and are open to both domestic and foreign tourists, subject to booking confirmation and compliance with local guidelines.

Located in the West Philippine Sea and administered by the Municipality of Kalayaan in Palawan, the island group was first formally opened to regulated tourism in March 2023 through the “Great Kalayaan Expedition,” a week-long sailing program that brought visitors to key islands, including Lawak, Patag, Likas, and Pag-asa.

Since then, local officials, in coordination with the Department of Tourism (DOT), have conducted training and implemented facility improvements on Pag-asa Island to prepare residents for visitor arrivals while ensuring ecological protection and compliance with security protocols.

Authorities stressed that access to the area remains strictly regulated due to logistical and security considerations, with interested travelers required to coordinate directly with the municipal government.