MANILA — Efforts to upgrade the existing facilities in Pag-asa Island is one of the priorities of the government, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said during the sidelines of the New Year’s Call Tuesday.
He added that such measures, which include improvements of the runway and construction of beaching ramps, were aimed at helping fishermen operating in the area.
Also, Lorenzana expressed confidence that China would not contest these improvements as these were for peaceful purposes and aimed at uplifting the lives of Filipino fishermen.
“I don’t think they would protest our purpose there, (It) is peaceful, it is (intended) for our fishermen, for peaceful purposes,” the defense chief pointed out.
Lorenzana said that it was very unlikely that China would block these efforts as the Philippines now had good communications with the latter.
“Mukhang nawala na yun ngayon kasi na(kikipag-usap) naman tayo sa kanila eh. We have a good dialogue communication channel thru the Department of Foreign Affairs,” he added. (Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)
