Philippines looking to develop tourism in disputed Spratly Islands

14 Mai 2015 , Rédigé par ileridefense Publié dans #Asie

An aerial view shows the Pagasa (Hope) Island, which belongs to the disputed Spratly group of islands, in the South China Sea located off the coast of western Philippines. (Photo: Reuters/Rolex Dela Pena)

By Aya Lowe
POSTED: 13 May 2015 16:04

A mayor is looking to tourism as his passport to retaining a group of islands under Philippine control in the disputed Spratly Islands.

MANILA: As tensions between China and the Philippines heat up over disputed territories in the South China Sea, one mayor is looking to tourism as his passport to retaining a group of islands under Philippine control.

China has been busy reclaiming some of the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea by re-dredging and constructing on them. But Mayor Eugenio Bito-onon Jr, who heads Kalayaan, a group of islands in the disputed area in the province of Palawan, thinks tourism is the answer to keeping it in the hands of the Philippines.

Coral-fringed Thitu Island, locally known as Pagasa Island, is the largest island occupied by the Philippines in the contested region. Mr Bito-onon hopes to set up a ferry service to Pagasa Island, a small guest house and gift centre for tourists. "People have been unable for years now to get to Pagasa because of inadequate transport, but we are addressing that issue," said Mr Bito-onon.

The mayor has also enlisted the help of the Philippine Armed Forces to work with the government to ensure safe passage in these unstable territories.

"They say Palawan is the last frontier, but now this is the new frontier of the country because tourists will come here,” said Gregorio Pio Catapang, Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Nearby, China is reclaiming seven reefs. The tension brought on by this close proximity makes life vulnerable for the residents caught in the crossfire. A community of nearly 200 people lives on Pagasa Island. The presence of a resident community ensures that the island remains under the control of the Philippine government.

Residents have been moved by the authorities to the island, attracted by government subsidies such as free food and housing. While it is an idyllic location, life can be hard and lonely at times.

"We are afraid that one of these days they will attack us because they are so near,” said Elmer Banya, a resident on Pagasa Island “There is very little military here so we are afraid if anything happens to us."

There is much to do before the island can start welcoming tourists. Pagasa Island has only basic facilities and there are food limitations. The runway is currently unpaved and in bad need of repair. A dry port needs to be constructed where boats can dock.

Preparations to get Pagasa Island ready for tourists started last year. However with only a small budget and the ongoing tension over the disputed territory, progress will be very slow and unpredictable.

- CNA/rw

Source : Channel News Asia (Singapour)

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/philippines-looking-to/1843904.html

Relayé par H.G

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