New chapel on Pag-asa Island to serve remote Catholic community

PAG-ASA ISLAND— A Catholic chapel envisioned as a mission station broke ground Saturday on Pag-asa Island in Kalayaan, Palawan.

Bishop Socrates Mesiona of Puerto Princesa said the chapel aims to strengthen both pastoral care and community identity in Pag-asa, one of the country’s most remote inhabited islands.

“(This) is a symbol of faith — here, strength will be drawn in times of hardship and in facing trials,” Mesiona said in his homily during Mass held before the groundbreaking.

The liturgy, believed by residents to be the first presided over by a bishop on the island, drew local residents and officials of the remote community, one of the barangays in the Kalayaan Island Group.

The chapel will be the first permanent Catholic structure on the island, where religious services have previously been held in temporary or makeshift venues.

The site spans about 1,200 square meters, providing space for liturgical celebrations and community gatherings.

It is expected to serve about 400 civilian residents, most of whom are Catholics, offering a spiritual center in the far-flung community.

Located about 280 nautical miles northwest of Puerto Princesa City, Kalayaan has been at the center of maritime and territorial disputes with China.

Mesiona said he hopes the chapel will strengthen residents’ resolve and sense of ownership of the island, adding that it’s part of every citizen’s duty to protect the Philippine territory.

“It is saddening when a fellow Filipino says this is not ours, he said. “May this be a sign of unity.”

After the Mass, Mesiona led the groundbreaking with Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela and retired Associate Chief Justice Antonio Carpio, who has lectured extensively on the West Philippine Sea dispute in international forums.

Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff Executive Director Teodoro Matta and Kalayaan Councilor Francis Polizon were also present./ CBCP