Senator Risa Hontiveros visited Pag-asa Island in the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) in the West Philippine Sea on Saturday, Feb. 21, to deliver essential goods and medical services to Filipino civilians and frontliners.
Coordinated with the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea, Armed Forces Western Command, National Security Council, and Philippine Coast Guard, the trip marked her 60th birthday and highlighted support for isolated communities.
On-site services included blood tests, urinalysis, ECG, and dental care. Desalination equipment was also turned over to Coast Guard personnel in KIG.
Hontiveros met with Kalayaan Mayor Beltzasar Alindogan and Vice Mayor Maurice Albayda, vowing continued backing for local leaders defending Philippine sovereignty.
She committed to coordinate with the Departments of Social Welfare and Development and Labor for livelihood funds, and with the Department of Agriculture and private sector partners for solar-powered cold storage facilities for fisherfolk.
As Health Committee chair, Hontiveros also pledged to work with the Department of Health to improve medical equipment and facilities in the area.
“Our sovereignty is lived and defended daily by the people stationed here. Government must show up not only in words, but in action — by ensuring that our communities and frontliners have the resources, services, and institutional backing they rightfully deserve,” the senator said.IMT
