By Lane Afable, News Editor
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Palawan commits its steadfast support to the conduct of “patriotic tours” around Pag-asa Island, located in Kalayaan town, this April, as the municipality pushes to revive a sense of patriotism among its guests.
Lieutenant Junior Grade Angelique Trinidad of PCG-Coast Guard District Palawan said that the tour is a good opportunity to experience the beauty of Kalayaan town and its lone civil-populated island, Pag-asa.
“For security, nandoon kami, siyempre, sa pagpapakalat ng balita nitong gusto nilang mangyari.
“Ma-experience nila ang Kalayaan mismo. Maganda sa Kalayaan, sa Pag-asa Island,” she said.
According to Kalayaan Acting Mayor Maurice Phillip Alexix “MP” Albayda, the tour will include the immersion of guests in the lives of locals as well as the troupes assigned on the island.
After the tour, guests will no longer be tourists on the island but also part of the advocacy in standing up for Pag-asa Island and the West Philippine Sea (WPS), said Albayda.
The municipal tourism office will facilitate the do-it-yourself (DIY) transient houses in the island town.
The local government announced in March that it had opened 15 slots, but noted a high level of interest from potential participants.
The ATIN Ito Coalition stated that the transportation from Puerto Princesa City will be free through the municipal government. Interested participants were earlier encouraged to apply through the Municipality of Kalayaan Tourism Office’s Facebook page and submit a short video explaining why they want to join the patriotic tour.
