PRINCESA, Palawan – The Kalayaan municipal council has unanimously passed Resolution No. 156-015 series of 2023, formally requesting journalists to refer to their town as the Municipality of Kalayaan instead of merely Pag-asa Island. The resolution, approved on Wednesday and shared over the weekend, emphasizes the town’s status as a bona fide political jurisdiction and home to Filipino citizens.
According to Philippines News Agency, who authored the resolution, the preferred terminology of “Municipality of Kalayaan” is essential for precise identification of geographical locations within the West Philippine Sea (WPS), especially areas under their jurisdiction. The town’s jurisdiction extends beyond Pag-asa Island, which serves as the administrative center, to include Patag, Likas, Lawak, Parola, Kota, Rizal Reef, Ayungin Shoal, and other areas spanning 66,000 square miles.
The resolution specifically addresses members of various media organizations, including the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines, Western Command Defense Press Corps, urging them to accurately reference the town in their reporting. “The representatives of the people from the municipality of Kalayaan came together in this resolution to advocate for our sovereignty and territorial integrity. We recognize the media as valuable allies in establishing enduring standards and references, especially in acknowledging the legitimacy of the Municipality of Kalayaan, Palawan,” Albayda stated.
He highlighted the historical context of Kalayaan’s status, citing Presidential Decree 1596 of 1978 by President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., which officially recognized Kalayaan as a separate municipality of the Province of Palawan. Albayda emphasized the resolution’s role in asserting the town’s rights and authority in the WPS.
“This is an assertive push for our rights and authority in the reefs, archipelagos, seas, and other parts of our West Philippine Sea. This is for our courageous citizens and for our beloved Philippines,” Albayda remarked, stressing the significance of public awareness and media’s role in disseminating accurate information about the Municipality of Kalayaan.
Currently, the Municipality of Kalayaan has a population of around 227 residents living in 66 households, further underscoring its status as a thriving community.