Jamaine Punzalan

Filipino resident and soldiers conduct a flag raising ceremony during the visit of Philippines military chief General Gregorio Catapang Junior in Pagasa Island at the Spratly group of islands in the South China Sea, west of Palawan, on May 11, 2015. Ritchie B. Tongo, Pool/AFP/File

Article (news)

Vivienne Gulla

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177130768073520150511-spratlys-flag-ceremony-ph-afp-10178219.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Filipino resident and soldiers conduct a flag raising ceremony during the visit of Philippines military chief General Gregorio Catapang Junior in Pagasa Island at the Spratly group of islands in the South China Sea, west of Palawan, on May 11, 2015. Ritchie B. Tongo, Pool/AFP/File </span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — A lawmaker vowed to push for greater funding for the municipality of Kalayaan next year, as the country asserts its rights over the West Philippine Sea, where the island is located.</p><p>Akbayan party-list Rep. Percival Cendaña is eyeing to propose a 2027 budget of around P462 million for road networks, sewerage and waste treatment facilities, evacuation centers, and other infrastructure in Kalayaan.</p><p>The proposed amount will also cover dormitories for medical personnel and teachers, local government operations center, housing units, multipurpose building, and a mini bus for local government operations, among others.</p><p>“Our support for the Kalayaan island municipality residents must go beyond rhetorics. Sabi nga nila, put your money where your mouth is. Maraming pangangailangan ang ating mga kababayan, ang mga residente, ang mga bayani ng Kalayaan Island Group,” Cendaña said.</p><p>“Hindi natin sila pwedeng iwan sa ere. Kinakailangan bigyan natin sila ng much-needed resources. Kailangan natin palakasin at suportahan ang ating mga bayani… Kasi ang kalayaan dapat inaalagaan,” he added.</p><p>Cendaña issued the commitment during a ceremony in Quezon City, where Akbayan and Atin Ito coalition recognized the 16 local officials of Kalayaan, who were <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/2/10/chinese-embassy-says-kalayaan-officials-not-welcome-in-china-1911">banned by the Chinese government </a>from entering China after standing against the actions of its Embassy in Manila. </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/2/8/tarriela-invites-marcoleta-on-flight-over-kalayaan-island-group-0925">Tarriela invites Marcoleta on flight over Kalayaan Island Group</a><br/><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/2/16/ph-bar-association-eyes-rules-in-carpio-v-marcoleta-west-ph-sea-debate-0846">PH Bar Association eyes rules in Carpio v Marcoleta West Philippine Sea debate</a></div><p>The local government of Kalayaan had declared Chinese ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan persona non grata within its municipal jurisdiction, citing supposed violations of diplomatic protocol and interference in Philippine internal affairs. </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/2/6/maritime-law-expert-slams-marcoleta-s-call-to-give-up-kalayaan-islands-2031">Maritime law expert slams Marcoleta’s call to give up Kalayaan islands</a></div><div><strong>WPS HEROES AWARD</strong></div><p>Municipality of Kalayaan Vice Mayor MP Albayda and Councilor Francis Polizon personally received the “WPS Heroes Award” from Akbayan and Atin Ito on behalf of the so-called Kalayaan 16.</p><p>They said it is an honor they wish to share with other residents of the island. </p><p>“Mayroon po tayong mga mamamayan doon na nangangalaga sa ating teritoryo. Huwag po natin silang sukuan. At kahit kailan ay hindi tayo pasisiil sa kahit anumang hamon ng makabagong panahon,” Albayda said.</p><p>“Kailan pa po nangyari na ipinagsisigawan ninyo sa kapitbahay ninyo na sa inyo ‘yung bahay ninyo? …Paulit-ulit po namin isisigaw na atin ang Kalayaan Island Group, atin ang West Philippine Sea,” Polizon added.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2026/2/13/solons-seek-outstanding-filipinos-of-2026-title-for-kalayaan-palawan-officials-0101">Solons seek &#x27;Outstanding Filipinos of 2026’ title for Kalayaan, Palawan officials</a></div><p>The two officials also reiterated their commitment to helping defend Philippine territorial integrity. </p><p>A step toward these efforts is the push for “patriotic tourism” in Kalayaan, which will also feature stories of residents’ bravery and heroism. Polizon, however, said due to protocols, it is open only for residents of Palawan for now.</p><p>“Sa ngayon ang focus namin is Palawenyo... ngayong taon. Free transport. Ang babayaran lang po nila is pagkain na ipe-prepare naman ng mga kababaihan at kalalakihan sa isla,” he said.</p><p>“Patriotic tourism, naka-focus siya primarily muna sa kwento ng isla… Wala pa kaming 5-star hotel doon sa kasalukuyan, wala pa po kaming swimming pool, pero we have vast West Philippine Sea, as clear as crystal… kasinglinaw ng paninindigan natin. Isa sa gusto namin i-feature doon, ‘yung bahay-kubo,” he added.</p><p>Akbayan Rep. Chel Diokno, for his part, vowed to continue pushing for the passage of key West Philippine Sea measures, including the WPS Education Bill and the declaration of a National West Philippine Sea Victory Day. </p><div><iframe width="1022" height="575" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SvflwCSjqIE" title="Ano ang Kalayaan Island Group at gaano ito kahalaga sa mga Pinoy? | TV Patrol Explains" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><iframe width="1022" height="575" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/P18kOwG8GzM" title="Asan ang Kalayaan Island Group at pasok ba ito sa EEZ ng Pilipinas? | ABS-CBN News" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

<p>A lawmaker vowed to push for greater funding for the municipality of Kalayaan next year, as the country asserts its rights over the West Philippine Sea, where the island is located.</p>

A lawmaker vowed to push for greater funding for the municipality of Kalayaan next year, as the country asserts its rights over the West Philippine Sea, where the island is located.

Lawmaker to push for P400-M budget for infrastructure, social services in Kalayaan for 2027

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Lawmaker to push for P400-M budget for infrastructure, social services in Kalayaan for 2027

Vivienne Gulla,

ABS-CBN News

Published Feb 17, 2026 01:58 PM PHT

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West Philippine Sea

House of Representatives

Akbayan

Kalayaan Island

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