Airstrip repair at Pag-asa

The Philippine Air Force plans to make repairs on the old airstrip on Pag-asa island, the Philippines most significant claim to the contested Spratly island chain.

Colonel Pedro Rieza, of the 355th Aviation Engineering Wing, said engineers were to begin repairing the 1,260-meter Rancudo Runway, which has been in a serious state of neglect over the last few years. Repairs on a portion at the southwest side of the runway are the priority and are expected to begin by the third quarter. A 6.6 millon Peso fund was allocated by the Armed Forces in August 2004. The repairs will include a seawall to be constructed.

Minor repaving work and runway painting was done in 2004, but repairs on the eroded parts have been delayed.