West York Island
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West York Island or Likas Island (Tagalog: Likas; traditional Chinese: 西月島; simplified Chinese: 西月岛; pinyin: Xīyuè Dǎo; Vietnamese: Đảo Dừa), having an area of 18.6 hectares, is the third largest island of the Spratly Islands chain in South China Sea. It is the second largest island among Philippine-occupied Spratly islands. It is 530 yards (485 m) wide at its widest part; and 330 yards (302 m) in length. It is located 47 miles (76 km) northeast of Pagasa Island (Thitu Island), the town proper of Kalayaan, Palawan. Its highest elevation is 30 metres (98 ft). Several Filipino soldiers are stationed here. This island is also being claimed by China, Taiwan and Vietnam. This island is administered by the Philippines as part of Kalayaan, Palawan. Likas is the Tagalog rootword of kalikasan which means nature.
[edit] Structures and Environment
West York Island is covered with low vegetation and scrub. Outcrops are visible on the southern and eastern portion of the island during low tides. This island is considered a sanctuary for giant sea turtles that lay their eggs on the island all year round. The high salinity of the ground water in the island retards the growth of introduced trees like coconuts, ipil-ipil, and other types. Only those endemic to the area that are mostly beach type of plants thrive and survive the hot and humid condition especially during the dry season.
There are no buildings on the island, except for the ruins of houses built by the Japanese soldiers during World War II, and a small Philippine observation post, where Filipino soldiers stationed are taking shelter.
[edit] Plans
West York Island (Likas) belongs to the Municipality of Kalayaan, Palawan. However, because there is no civilian population in this island, it cannot qualify for any political subdivision the Philippines has. Kalayaan, Palawan is the only municipality in the Philippines to have a single barangay. Barangays are political subdivisions that comprises Philippine municipalities and cities. Kalayaan's lone barangay is Pagasa Island (Thitu) which has about 300 civilian population.
Because it is the second largest island among Philippine-occupied Spratly islands, Kalayaan municipal officials proposed that this island be populated with civilian settlers within the coming years. If accomplished, Likas will be the second barangay of Kalayaan. However, Likas' land area is only 50% of Pagasa's and only naval vessels are currently capable of reaching the island. An estimate of 300 million pesos (US$7.5M) will be needed to construct an airstrip, a docking site, some land reclamation and other structures necessary to support an isolated community.
