If the Filipinos on the remote West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) island of Pagasa (Thitu) had binoculars, they might just be envious of how their neighbors on the next island live. Just 15 miles (24 km) across the shimmering sea from this rundown outpost of the Philippines lies a different world shown by an unbroken line of new, four-story white buildings. Radar towers and a lighthouse complete Zamora (Subi) Reef, a mini city China has raised from the sea at an astonishing pace since 2013. But Pagasa’s inhabitants have a strategic purpose – preserving a Philippine claim of sovereignty in the face of a resurgent China. Jenny May Ray, 24, has taught for one year at the island’s school. She says Pagasa’s residents are heroes. “We should be thankful for their sacrifices for staying on an island far away from civilization, away from their loved ones and families and I hope someday, something can be written about them in our history,” she said.

The ‘heroes’ of Pagasa Island: Preserving PH sovereignty. (2017, April 23). Manila Bulletin, pp. 1, 15.