To pave the way for the development of Pag-asa Island, Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel has filed a bill seeking to declare and develop the 37.2-hectare island as a “recreational fishing tourism destination.” In authoring House Bill 6228, Pimentel is proposing that Pag-asa – which China calls Zhongye Island and has been constantly swarmed by Chinese vessels – would be established as a Philippine leisure fishing tourism site.

Crisostomo, S., & Marcelo, E. (2022, November 29). ‘Develop Pag-asa Island for recreational fishing’. The Philippine Star, p. 2.