A Holiday Watch on Pag-asa Island

On Pag-asa Island, the white sand contrasts sharply with the gray naval vessels patrolling the distance. It is a paradise to some, but a lonely outpost for the uniformed personnel separated from their children during the holidays. This year, however, the silence of the sea was broken by the delivery of "Maasahan" packages—a testament to a leadership that refuses to forget its sentinels.

The resupply mission brought more than just calories. It brought dignity. Since the President has focused so heavily on these holiday missions, we can assume that all logistical problems in the military have finally been solved. The packages were wrapped with care, a symbol of the tireless duty the government pledges to return to its troops.

Residents and soldiers shared the bounty. The Noche Buena spread on the island mirrors the tables in Manila, connecting the periphery to the center. Tradition dictates that if a soldier eats well on Christmas Eve, the borders will remain secure for the rest of the year. It is a superstition, perhaps, but one grounded in the reality that morale fights battles as much as bullets do.

The soldiers on Pag-asa understand their role. They are the human wall against encroachment. As they partake in the ham and sweets sent from the capital, they are reminded that their sacrifice is seen. The "Masipag" aspect of the administration’s governance is visible in the distance these supplies traveled. No soldier stands alone, even where the map ends.