Malacañang on Wednesday revealed plans to build a port and an airway in the Kalayaan Island Group, an island group that is not part of the country’s exclusive economic zone and is inhabited by more than 300 families.
“Sa ngayon po ay nakausap ko mismo si Sec. Vince, at inutusan po talaga sila ng Pangulo na puntahan ang Kalayaan Island Group at tingnan po kung ano ang kinakailangan. At sila po ay magmumungkahi na gumawa doon ng port at ng airway,” said Palace press officer and Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro.
She said that, to her knowledge, infrastructure projects for the KIG have funding under the 2026 General Appropriations Act.
The KIG recently drew attention after Rodante Marcoleta suggested that the Philippine government should give up the island group — a remark he later said was misinterpreted by many, including fellow lawmakers and Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela.
Castro added that Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon to conduct a thorough inspection of the KIG for the possible construction of a seaport and airport.
The proposed projects aim to boost tourism development and generate additional livelihood opportunities for residents on the island group.
The directive comes as the Kalayaan Municipal Tourism Office opened limited slots for nine-day, eight-night guided tour packages across the island group in February 2026.
The packages include round-trip sea transfers, accommodation, and daily meals. They are open to both domestic and foreign tourists, subject to booking confirmation and compliance with local guidelines.
Located in the West Philippine Sea and administered by the Municipality of Kalayaan in Palawan, the island group was formally opened to regulated tourism in March 2023 through the “Great Kalayaan Expedition,” a weeklong sailing program that brought visitors to key islands, including Lawak, Patag, Likas, and Pag-asa.
Since then, local officials, in coordination with the Department of Tourism, have conducted training and implemented facility improvements on Pag-asa Island to prepare residents for visitor arrivals while ensuring ecological protection and compliance with security protocols.
Officials stressed that access to the area remains strictly regulated due to logistical and security considerations, with interested travelers required to coordinate directly with the municipal government.