Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon said the agency is looking at possible upgrades to the seaport and airstrip in the Kalayaan Island Group as early as next year, following an initial assessment.

The DPWH chief said he will take advantage of the hot season next month to visit the Kalayaan Island Group and assess the infrastructure needed for both residents and soldiers.

He said that aside from building roads and water retention facilities, improvements are needed for Pag-asa Island’s seaport and airstrip, he said. “We need to expand, extend, and make it beautiful,” he added.

Dizon said the construction of school buildings, roads and other key infrastructure projects will be carried out in coordination with Transportation Secretary Vince “Banoy” Lopez, Education Secretary Sonny Angara, and Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda.

The island group recently took center stage after Senator Rodante Marcoleta proposed that the Philippines should “give up the KIG,” arguing that it lies outside the country’s exclusive economic zone. He later clarified that his remarks were misinterpreted, saying he was referring only to mapping issues.

Marcoleta’s statements came under fire from several lawmakers, maritime law experts, and defense analysts.

The plan to upgrade facilities in the island group follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s instruction to Dizon to visit the area and evaluate its infrastructure needs.