Gatchalian visits Pag-asa Island, vows funding for essential infra

Philippine Canadian Inquirer
March 23, 2026

(Photo courtesy: Senator Win Gatchalian/Facebook)

MANILA, Philippines — Senate Finance Committee Chairman Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian visited the Pag-asa Island in Kalayaan, Palawan on Friday, March 20, to show his solidarity with the thriving Filipino community and assert the Philippine sovereignty at the West Philippine Sea.

He vowed to advance funding for the area’s infrastructure, including health and education facilities, as the budget season nears.

“Ang pagpunta natin sa Kalayaan Island Group ay patunay ng paninindigan sa ating soberanya. Simbolo rin ito ng suporta sa ating mga kababayan at sa Philippine Coast Guard na nagbabantay sa lugar,” he said in a post.

“Bilang Finance Chairman, sisiguruhin natin ang sapat na pondo para sa kanilang pangunahing pangangailangan tulad ng KALUSUGAN, EDUKASYON, at SEGURIDAD.”

In a separate post, Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela commended the senator for his visit and his steadfast effort to support the needs of the people of Kalayaan.

Gatchalian is now the second senator to have visited Pag-asa Island, four weeks after Sen. Risa Hontiveros’ first visit.