Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan expressed support for the ongoing construction of a salt production facility on Pag-asa Island, Kalayaan town, saying the project could help strengthen both local livelihoods and the country’s civilian presence in the West Philippine Sea.
The facility forms part of the Kalayaan Solar Salt Revitalization Project of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources aimed at supporting fisherfolk and residents in the municipality of Kalayaan.
Pangilinan said boosting local production in island communities is important not only for economic sustainability but also for food security and national presence in disputed waters.
“Malaking bagay ang pagpapalakas ng lokal na produksyon hindi lamang para sa hanapbuhay ng ating mga residente, kundi para rin sa mas matatag na food security at mas matibay na presensya ng Pilipino sa West Philippine Sea,” Pangilinan said in a statement.
The senator also said his office helped facilitate the transport of BFAR technical personnel involved in implementing the project.
“Natutuwa tayo na sa maliit na paraan ay nakatulong ang ating tanggapan sa pagpapadali ng pagdadala ng BFAR technical personnel para maisulong ang proyektong ito,” he said.
Pangilinan recently visited the ongoing construction site in Pag-asa Island as part of efforts to monitor the project’s progress.
“Kapag napapalakas natin ang kabuhayan at produksyon sa mga komunidad tulad ng Kalayaan, mas tumitibay rin ang ating bayan,” he added.
