Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon said the agency is eyeing possible improvements to a seaport and airstrip in the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) by next year following an initial assessment.

The DPWH chief said he will take advantage of the hot season next month to visit the island group to assess what infrastructure is needed for both residents and stationed soldiers.

Aside from building roads and water-retention facilities, Dizon said improvements are needed for Pag-asa Island’s seaport and airstrip.

“We need to expand, extend and make it beautiful,” Dizon said.

He added that the construction of school buildings, roads and other infrastructure projects will be undertaken in coordination with Transportation Secretary Banoy Lopez, Education Secretary Sonny Angara and Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda.

The island group recently drew attention after Sen. Rodante Marcoleta proposed that the Philippines “give up the KIG,” claiming it is outside the country’s exclusive economic zone. He later clarified that his remarks were misinterpreted and were related only to mapping.

Marcoleta’s statements were criticized by several lawmakers, maritime law experts and defense analysts.

Dizon said the planned improvements stemmed from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s instruction for him to visit the area and determine the infrastructure needed.

A fifth-class municipality of Palawan, the Municipality of Kalayaan includes the Kalayaan Island Group, which is composed of more than 130 features, including seven islands and two reefs occupied by the Philippines.

Pag-asa Island is the largest and serves as the main feature of the KIG. Other features include Lawak Island, Patag Island, Likas Island, Kota Island, Panata Island, Parola Island, as well as Ayungin Reef and Rizal Reef.

The Kalayaan Island Group, particularly Pag-asa Island, is home to hundreds of Filipinos.