Runway Extension on Pag-asa Island Fully Completed
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced that the extension of the runway on Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea is now 100 percent complete. This development marks a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to boost infrastructure on the island.
AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla shared, “Our runway is 100 percent complete already. Now we are just finishing the ancillaries around it and we are aiming to complete it within the year.” The exact four word keyphrase “runway extension on Pag-asa” was highlighted early in this update.
Maritime Domain Awareness Flight and Tensions
On June 3, the AFP conducted a maritime domain awareness (MDA) flight over the West Philippine Sea. During this mission, they inspected the new infrastructure on Pag-asa Island ahead of the 127th Philippine Independence Day.
The AFP also reported that during the flight, a radio challenge was issued by Chinese vessels to the Philippine Air Force’s C-130 aircraft. This incident underscores the ongoing tensions in the area.
Strategic Importance of the Runway Extension on Pag-asa
The completion of the three-kilometer runway is part of broader government plans to establish a fully operational airport on Pag-asa Island. Being the largest feature among the nine Philippine-occupied areas in the Kalayaan Island Group, Pag-asa serves as a critical outpost amid increasing Chinese presence.
Extending the airstrip enables larger aircraft to land, which improves accessibility for military operations and civilian transport alike. Pag-asa lies approximately 270 nautical miles, or 500 kilometers, west of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.
Additional Infrastructure Nearing Completion
Besides the runway, the Department of National Defense (DND) is also close to finishing a hangar and a control tower on the island. According to AFP officials, these facilities will enhance the management and safety of aircraft arrivals and departures.
In 2023, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. visited Pag-asa with House Speaker Martin Romualdez. During that visit, Romualdez confirmed the Lower House’s commitment of P3 billion to fund multiple infrastructure projects, including airport reclamation, a naval port, and a fishing sanctuary.
These developments aim to strengthen the Philippines’ strategic position and improve the living conditions on Pag-asa Island.
For more news and updates on runway extension on Pag-asa, visit Filipinokami.com.