Pagasa Island, also known as Thitu, stands as a beacon of resilience amidst the ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Under the de facto control of the Philippines, this island is the largest of the contested and few Philippine reefs and islands. Pagasa boasts a population of approximately 300 residents, all of whom navigate the complexities of life in an area claimed by multiple countries. Pagasa was taken from the Taiwanese in 1971 and officially annexed by the Philippines in 1978. Today, it is no longer just a descriptive geographical reference; it has become a proud community with an identity all its own.
Pagasa Island covers only 37 hectares and has very basic infrastructure. To better connect tourists with local fishermen, last year they doubled the length of the runway to 1,300 meters (4,600 feet). Getting to Pagasa can be a challenge, logistically. You’ll either have to endure a two-to-three-day boat adventure from Palawan or board a one-hour flight. Once supplies finally arrive on the island, they are truly life and culture sustaining within that community. That means everything—from food and water to household goods and motorbikes—has to be transported from the mainland.
Monthly donations provide families with vital resources, ensuring that their basic needs are met. The community is unique in that it has a local school with more than 100 students from kindergarten to 18 years of age. This community-centered educational facility is the heart and soul of supporting the growth and development of all the island youth.
Life on Pagasa is a mixture of calm and watchfulness. Residents describe it as having a “sleepy charm” while feeling like a garrison community, given its strategic location in a contested region.
“To me this island is like paradise,” – Melania Alojado
Melania Alojado, an island resident of Pagasa, captures the best and idealistic life on an island. Her residents’ favorite story is of how much their residents love their clean, nice community and don’t want any change. Children flood that space after school to play basketball, kids come swim there.
“All our basic needs are taken care of. It is clean and peaceful – the children can play basketball or go swimming after school. We don’t need shopping malls or all that materialism.” – Melania Alojado
In spite of the idyllic beauty and allure of island living, the struggle continues. Alojado emphasizes that health—particularly the implications of saltwater intrusion—causes the greatest concern for the displaced.
“The biggest challenge for us is when people, especially children, fall ill,” – Melania Alojado
As if local ecology and development issues weren’t enough, the geopolitical situation has further complicated life on Pagasa. Chinese military assets including fighter jets and patrol boats are escalating tensions across the region. They frequently confront Filipino fishermen and even military pilots as they near the island.
“The Chinese at the airbase on Subi Reef always challenge us when we approach Pagasa,” – The pilot
Leaders in Manila understand the need to keep a robust human presence on the island as a way to demonstrate sovereignty over Pagasa. Jonathan Malaya, an official with the Department of National Defense, spoke about the need for consistent policies regarding territorial claims.
“They always warn us we are entering Chinese territory without permission.” – The pilot
Under international law, Pagasa creates its own territorial sea, which extends 12 nautical miles from its shores. This recent delineation only serves to underscore its strategic importance in the larger scope of these increasing maritime clashes in the South China Sea.
“No, it’s a routine. We tell them this is Philippines territory. We do this every time.” – The pilot
Officials in Manila recognize the importance of maintaining a strong presence in the area to assert sovereignty over Pagasa. Jonathan Malaya, an official with the Department of National Defense, spoke about the need for consistent policies regarding territorial claims.
“I think we will get more respect from China if we hold our ground and show them we can play this game as well. But the problem of democracies like the Philippines is policies can change with new administrations. China does not have that problem.” – Jonathan Malaya
Pagasa generates its own territorial sea under international law, extending 12 nautical miles from its shores. This delineation further emphasizes its strategic significance within the broader context of maritime disputes in the South China Sea.
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