PAG-ASA ISLAND — The country’s biggest and so far only motorized balangay reached Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea on Tuesday night to conduct a medical mission — just as the group behind it also aimed to assert the country’s rights in the territorial waters surrounded by Chinese vessels.

The modern balangay left the Butuan City Port last Monday, May 27, with 19 crew on board. This includes two from ABS-CBN News.

The balangay — named Florentino Das — has couches and air conditioning in the cabin. It is also equipped with wi-fi and powered by an engine.

Former transportation and environment undersecretary Art Valdez stressed the importance of the historic feat, as this aimed to show China that Filipinos have been sailing the disputed waters even before their claims.

The balangay had challenges before it was even set to sail. It took the crew around 6 hours to launch B. Florentino Das in the Agusan River, hours before its scheduled departure last May 25.

During its formal launch on May 27, supporters and residents waited for hours to witness the historic feat.

During the 9-day voyage to the Spratlys, B. Florentino Das experienced several challenges, including brownouts and bad weather.

On Wednesday, the balangay team will lead the medical mission.

Among the key individuals in this year’s Balangay expedition include disaster resilience expert Dr. Ted Esguerra,  former Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) vice president Wendell Tamayo, and Butuan Global Forum secretary Jody Navarra.