Manila, July 13 -- Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. is pushing for greater whole-of-government convergence to accelerate the development of Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Teodoro made the call following his visit to the island on Sunday, where he led flag-raising rites marking the 10th anniversary of the landmark 2016 Arbitral Award affirming the Philippines' sovereign rights in the WPS under international law.

He said Pag-asa should not be viewed solely through the lens of security but as a thriving municipality where Filipinos live, work, raise families and build their future.

"Pag-asa is not a military outpost. It is a living municipality," the DND chief said in a statement Monda...