GUAM Buildup OFW

2011-06-17T16:14:00.000+08:00

VIDEO: Senate Armed Services Subcommittee Wants to Block Future BuildupFunds ...

Pacific News Center - Kevin Kerrigan - ‎Jun 15, 2011‎

Washington DC - Future funding for the Guam Military Buildup hit a wall of opposition during a meeting in Washington Tuesday of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support.

Buildup projects at risk of losing funding

Pacific Daily News - ‎Jun 15, 2011‎

McCaskill also delivered a stern message that the defense spending bill would deny any funding of the controversial Futenma air station relocation on Okinawa and the military buildup on Guam until the Department of Defense considers alternatives and ...

Military Construction Costs on Guam Drop Up to 30% Amidst Fierce Bidding for...

Pacific News Center - Clynt Ridgell - ‎Jun 15, 2011‎

Guam - As a US Senate Subcommittee declares its intention to freeze any further buildup funding, construction costs for buildup projects on Guam have dropped up to 30%.

U.S. Senators Eye Increased Military Presence in Subic

2011-04-28T10:04:00.000+08:00

Guam - Some U.S. officials are reportedly exploring the possibility of moving some U.S. forces from Okinawa to Subic Bay in the Philippines, and scaling down the move to Guam, according to a report on Inquirer.net.

U.S. Senators Daniel Inouye and Thad Cochran made a quick re-fueling stop on Guam earlier this week and then flew onto Subic Bay where, according to the Inquirer report, they visited the Subic Free Port and met with Olongapo Mayor James Gordon Jr.

Gordon told the Inquirer that the Senators wanted to see the success of the free port, which the U.S. left 20 years ago after the Philippine Senate rejected a treaty extending the stay of U.S. military bases in the country.

READ the report on Inquirer.net

The Inquirer raised the question of whether the U.S. is exploring the possibility of moving U.S. Marines in Okinawa to Subic Bay, rather than Guam.

But Outgoing Subic Bay Administrator Armand Arreza told the Inquirer that the possibility of Subic being an alternative site to Guam was “officially not discussed.”

However, the Inquirer quotes un-named sources as saying that Senators Inouye and Cochran "appeared to be interested in the possibility of an increased presence of the US military [in Subic Bay] ... they were curious about the reception in the [Philippines] of an [increased presence of the US military] here.”

Mayor Gordon told the Inquirer that he would "welcome" a return of U.S. Forces. "We want two economies here—the one that is free port-based and the other [which relies on support services] to the US military. They can coexist here."

Mayor Gordon said Inouye and Cochran also discussed the delays in the transfer of US bases in Japan to Guam, telling the Inquirer that the Guam build-up would be scaled down following the Japan disaster.

The Inquirer also reports that this past March, in the wake of the disasters in Japan, US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas Jr. also met with Subic Bay Officials and briefed them about the impact that the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan would have on the transfer of US military bases in Okinawa to Guam. Written by Kevin Kerrigan - pacificnewscenter.com

White House Questions $320M Reduction in Guam Buildup Funding

2010-09-23T20:04:00.000+08:00

Guam - The White House questioning Congress's $320 million dollar reduction in funding to the Navy for Guam buildup projects and re-affirming its support for the infrastructure needs of Guam, both on and off base.

In a Statement of Administration Policy on the National Defense Authorization Act, the Office of Management and Budget comments that "the Administration is committed to addressing the needs in Guam (both on base and off) to allow for the realignment of Marines and their families from Japan."

But in the Statement to Senate's Armed Service's Committee Chairman Senator Carl Levin, the Administration also expresses concern about with the $320 million reduction in funding for Navy construction on Guam. The Administration argues that deferral of fudning will only increase costs in the future.

The White House Statement was issued as the Armed Services Committee takes up consideration of S. 3454 - the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011. pacificnewscenter.com - Written by Kevin Kerrigan

U.S. Senate Panel Cuts Guam Buildup Budget By 70%

2010-07-18T13:28:00.001+08:00

"Raises doubts about the prospects for the relocation plan"

Guam - In Washington Thursday, a U.S. Senate panel cut 70% of the funding in the 2011 Defense Authorization Act that was meant to help pay for the transfer of more than 8,000 Marines from Okinawa to Guam.

The Senate Appropriations Committee voted to cut out some $320 million from the relocation budget in the 2011 Defense Authorization Act that covers military spending from this October to September of 2011.

The move follows a similar cut by a U.S. House Subcommittee which on Wednesday decided to reduce the re-location expenditure by 61 % , slicing off $279.2 million from the bill.

3 of 4 Congressional panels involved in screening the budget for the Marines relocation have now decided to cut back on the appropriation, and according to a Kydodo report, that raises doubts about the prospects for the relocation plan.

Read the Kydodo Report

Kyodo quotes congressional sources as saying the cuts have been made because of delays in the preparations for creating an environment to host the Marines on Guam, as well as the delay in procuring the necessary land. .pacificnewscenter.com Written by Kevin Kerrigan

No OFW deployment to Guam this year

2010-05-15T11:35:00.000+08:00

by People's Tonight

THE decision of Japan’s Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama to freeze a 1996 agreement with the U.S. to replace Futenma Marine Corps Air Station to another part of Okinawa will certainly scuttle plans of recruitment agencies to deploy Filipino construction workers to Guam.

Japan’s prime minister says moving all of a key U.S. Marine base out of Okinawa is “impossible,” breaking with past promises to move the base outside the southern island.

It was the first time since Yukio Hatoyama became prime minister in September that he officially acknowledged that at least part of Futenma Marine air field would remain in Okinawa, which hosts more than half the 47,000 American troops based in Japan.

Hatoyama had frozen a 2006 agreement with Washington on moving Futenma to a less crowded part of the island, straining ties with the U.S.

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration has been meeting with‘Guam legislators and businessmen for the past three years with the eventual deployment of 20,000 Filipino construction workers to Guam. This amid with the implementation of a 2006 treaty moving the Marine Base right smack in Futenma to safer place.

OFWs are raring to work in Guam may have to wait till next year as this yawning rift between Tokyo and Washington is patched up soon.

Guam Shipyard Gets $10.4 Million Sealift Command Contract

2010-03-16T23:35:00.001+08:00

The ship requires maintenance and repair, as well as modifications including the installation of equipment and systems for operation by MSC civil service mariners in keeping with U.S. merchant marine standards. The modifications are to better equip the vessel for MSC’s reduced manning profile.Guam -

Guam Industrial Services, Inc., dba Guam Shipyard, Santa Rita, Guam, is being awarded a $10,404,769 firm-fixed-price contract for the civilian modification of the Military Sealift Command (MSC) submarine tender USS Frank Cable, which transferred to MSC operation on Feb. 1, 2010.

The ship’s primary mission is to provide repairs, spare parts, provisions, stores, potable water, consumables, and petroleum to the Navy’s submarines and other naval forces at sea. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $15,116,641. Work will be performed at Guam Shipyard in Santa Rita, Guam, and is expected to be completed by September 2010.

Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured; it was procured on a sole-source basis for the purposes of industrial mobilization. A pre-solicitation notice was posted on the Federal Business Opportunities Web site in order to provide public notice of the intent to issue a sole-source contract.

No other contractors expressed interest in this procurement. The U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command is the contracting activity (N00033-10

Guam-Olongapo Center of Best Practices proposed

2010-02-23T09:26:00.001+08:00

Calvo proposes economic think-tank

Guam Sen. Eddie Calvo shared the stage with Philippine presidential candidate and Sen. Richard Gordon on Friday at an Asia-Pacific mayors' conference, where Calvo proposed a joint economic think-tank with Olongapo City.

Olongapo once was host to a U.S. Navy base at Subic Bay, and has successfully transformed itself into an international trade center when U.S. troops pulled out two decades ago.

Calvo, who is running for governor in the November General Election, said the proposed Guam-Olongapo Center for Best Practices "will be so much more than a think tank for our two communities."

"There is so much our communities can learn from each other. This center can examine what works and how we can improve the practices that lead to our economic vitality," according to Calvo's speech at the conference. "It can promote our core competencies to each other and work to involve both our communities in an active exchange of ideas and programs geared toward mutual prosperity."

His speech followed a keynote address by Gordon, who led Subic's shift from having been a military town to an international business hub.

"Our hometowns ... can be known for our forward movement of people, starving for greatness, building dreams, and making our mark in the world," Calvo added.

Calvo and Sen. Tina Muna Barnes were among the Guam guests at the conference.

"Guam is at the starting gate of heated economic growth," according to Calvo, referring to the looming military buildup. "What we do and how we see ourselves as global contributors will determine the future ahead. It all starts with a vision far beyond what some would accept, and the belief that we can reach it. That was the beginning of Olongapo's road to success, and it is one that is working."

APILG SPEAKER - Captain Ulysses O. Zalamea

2010-02-18T14:20:00.001+08:00

Backgrounder on Captain Ulysses O. Zalamea

The most anticipated speaker at the upcoming 3rd Annual Pacific Islands Local Government (APILG) conference that will be hosted by the city of Olongapo on February 18-21, 2010, is Captain Ulysses O. Zalamea, the Deputy Director of the Joint Guam Program Office, who is in charge of the planning and execution of the redeployment of US military forces from Okinawa to Guam. Popularly referred to as “the US military Guam build-up,” the project will begin in 2010 and is expected to take more than 4 years to complete at a cost of $20 billion

Captain Zalamea, the US Navy officer in charge of one of the most important and biggest infrastructure projects in the Pacific region in the last 30 years, is the highest ranking Filipino American in the U.S. Navy.

Captain Ulysses 0. Zalamea was born on November 27, 1956 to Francisco and Narcisa Zalamea in Pagsanjan, Laguna, Philippines. Zalamea is married to Mrs. Jean Zalamea.

Captain Ulysses 0. Zalamea earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from the Far Eastern University in Manila, Philippines in 1977. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in Subic Naval Base in the Philippines on November 1977 and completed his basic training at Recruit Training Command, San Diego, California.

In May 1978, Zalamea reported to the Navy Recruiting District in Los Angeles, California as the Enlisted Programs Officer. Captain Zalamea attended Surface Warfare Officers School (Basic) at Coronado, California following commissioning via Officer Candidate School in 1983. He then served as Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer and Damage Control Assistant on the USS GRAY.

In December 1989, he returned to sea after graduating from Surface Warfare Department Head School. His Department Head tours included assignments as Operations Officer aboard the USS RACINE and as the First Lieutenant on the USS MOBILE. He twice served on the staff of the Commander, Amphibious Force, U.S. Seventh Fleet asAssistant Plans Officer and as Chief of Staff for Plans and Operations,in August 1993 and again in March 2003 respectively.

In 1995, Zalamea attended the Naval War College and was awarded a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies. After graduation, he returned to sea and assumed duties as Executive Officer of the USS GERMANTOWN. In October 1997, Captain Ulysses 0. Zalamea reported to the Bureau of Naval Personnel in Washington, D.C. and later, as the Surface Lieutenant Commander Assignment Branch Head.

In 1999, he was posted to the Pentagon where he served in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Politico-Military Affairs Branch, East Asia and Pacific. In April 2001, Captain Zalamea took command of the USS OAK HILL. In June 2005, Captain Zalamea reported as the Director of Armaments Cooperation Division at the U.S. Mission to NATO in Brussels, Belgium. There, he is the Deputy Director for the Armaments Cooperation Division. Working closely with Office of the Secretary of Defense principals, he also serves as the U.S. representative to the NATO Committee for Standardization and the NATO-European Union Capability Group.

In May 2007, Zalamea became commander of the Maritime Prepositioning Ships Squadron Three of the U.S. Navy. In 2008, Zalamea was appointed Deputy Director of the U.S. Department of Defense’s Joint Guam Program Office (JGPO), responsible for the planning and execution of the $20 billion U.S. military redeployment and buildup on Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI).

Captain Ulysses 0. Zalamea has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal Award three (3) times, the Navy Commendation Medal six (6) times, the Navy Achievement Medal and various other medals and service ribbons.

“We are very proud of Captain Zalamea,” said Olongapo Mayor “Bong” Gordon. “He joined the U.S. Navy here in Olongapo back in 1977.

“He is the reason why many contractors are attending the 3rd APILG conference,” added Aurelio Pineda, overall director of the conference and president of the Metro Olongapo Chamber of Commerce, one of the organizers of the conference.

For more information about the 3rd APILG Conference pls call Mr. Aurelio “Bong” Pineda (Overall Conference Director): 09192471062

Prepared by Dean Alegado

3rd APILG Conference

Executive Director

Contact Phone Number: 047-638-4062/Conference Secretariat

Email: avpineda@subictel.com

http://guam-ofw.blogspot.com/2009/05/pacific-mayors-begin-arriving-today-for.html

GUAM BUILDUP UPDATE. Guam Senators, Mayors, Guam Buildup officials, contractors and manpower providers will be having a convention at Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center(SBECC). You are cordially invited to join us on Saturday 20 Feb for the orientation/update at SBECC anytime from 8am to 5pm. See you at the Guam Task Force booth.

Filipinos may soon come to Guam without US Visa

2010-02-12T17:07:00.002+08:00

Resolution requests Philippine visa waiver

BY AMRITHA ALLADI • PACIFIC DAILY NEWS

In a unanimous vote at the Legislature yesterday lawmakers passed a resolution that includes language asking the federal government to allow visitors from the Philippines to come to Guam without a visa.

Sen. Eddie Calvo had included language in Resolution 275 to fight for a Guam-CNMI visa waiver program with the Republic of the Philippines, a press release from his office stated.

The resolution, sponsored by Sens. Rory Respicio and Judith Guthertz and Speaker Judith Won Pat, reiterates that Guam's priority concerns on federal-territorial issues must be addressed concurrently with the military buildup. But Calvo has tailored the resolution to include the visa-waiver issue.

"So many of our people have family living in the Philippines who have a hard time coming to Guam because of federal travel restrictions," he said.

Calvo, a 2010 gubernatorial candidate, also added a provision asking the federal government to provide greater access to health care in Manila. Finding No. 9 of the resolution asks the federal government to reimburse Medicare and Medicaid costs incurred by U.S.-accredited health institutions in the Philippines for services rendered to Guam patients receiving care there.

Also as part of the resolution, the Legislature is requesting the following be honored:

Establishment of a secure Guam-only visa waiver program;

Removal of caps from Medicaid and all federally mandated public assistance programs;

Allowing Guam to control its Exclusive Economic Zone; and

Exemption from the Jones Act, which currently requires all goods transported by water between U.S. ports be carried in U.S. vessels.

The resolution will be sent to President Obama and Congress, according to the release.

Projected if H-2s work on buildup projects

2010-02-12T17:04:00.000+08:00

Big losses projected if H-2s work on buildup projects

by Mindy Aguon - kuam.com

Guam - Vice-Speaker B.J. Cruz says Guam's economy stands to lose hundreds of millions of dollars if H-2 workers are allowed to be utilized for military buildup-related construction projects. Cruz has asked Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo to reconsider her position on allowing H-2 workers for buildup construction activities.

He told KUAM News, "I'm just asking that she reconsider the Abercrombie amendment, which is suggesting a 30% maximum of H-2 laborers, and if we reduce it to that amount then we'll have more money floating in the economy." He added, "If you're going to force it down our throat, then I want every penny that's absolutely possible to accrue to the local people."

Estimates in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement project that H-2 workers will spend about 20% of their money in the local economy, compared to 45% to be spent by workers hired locally. Cruz says if the H-2 workers spent at the same level as locally-hired workers, Guam's economy would benefit by approximately $368.5 million.

Comments

Echo 5 Items

Guest
I agree regarding H-2 vs. Locals. I couldn't imagine a local out there working with concrete blocks. Not just because of the heat, but if they make too much they might loose their food stamps and Sec. 8 housing. Better to play it safe and not work a "temporary" job and keep the food stamps and Sec. 8 housing.

jaos
What is wrong with BJ Cruz? First, he wants the entire $5 billion from the military build up taxed here in Guam. Now he wants 70-30 percent labor share of local/H2 workers for the buildup. Does he think he can gather 14,000 (70% of 20,000) local workers doing hard work in the sun? So easy for him to say, he doesn't have the slightest idea on this matter. Probably he still haven't recovered from that loss on his same-sex bill thingie. LOL

HaChagueFan
Can the kind Senator B.J. Cruz provide the number or percentage of "Chamorru" construction workers we have on Guam? This includes those who work in digging ditches, tie re-bar, masons, carpenters, plumbers, steel frame workers, pipe benders, metal formers, sheet metal workers and the like. Realistically, Guam does not have the skill labor for a great portion of these noted professions. Thus, the requirement for H-2 workers. Historically, locals only look for the comfy government jobs. They don't like digging ditches or getting their hands dirty and we all know this is fact! I can remember years ago when Filipinos held all the remedial and physical labor jobs, then the micronesians took these jobs. You would hardly ever see a Chamorru sweeping or mopping a floor or serving at a fast food place. It was just below them to do this type of work. I'm local, but I support the H2 labor. If the H2's aren't brought in to do the work, do you think the Chamorru will step up to the plate and dig ditches or tie rebar? I don't think so!

Legislature Passes Buildup Resolution

2010-02-12T17:01:00.001+08:00

Guam (pacificnewscenter.com) - The Guam Legislature unanimously passed a resolution Thursday afternoon, which functions as the official comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement from the body.

The resolution is authored by Senator Rory Respicio, Senator Judith Guthertz, and Speaker Judi Won Pat. All other senators are co-sponsors. Resolution No. 275 outlines many concerns raised about the DEIS and makes recommendations for Congress to address long-standing local issues in light of the coming military buildup.

A delegation of Senators are planning to present the resolution personally in Washington D.C. in March.

Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle worked together to agree on the language included in the resolution. Two days of working sessions were conducted, allowing the body to come to a consensus on the important document. Among the issues requested to be addressed are:

· Self-determination

· Unreturned ancestral lands

· War reparations

· Inclusion in the Supplemental Security Income program

· Exemption from the Jones Act

· Removal of caps from Medicaid and all federally mandated public assistance programs

· Full reimbursement for impact costs as a result of the Compacts of Free Association

· Cleaning-up of environmental hazards that were created or augmented by the federal government

· Full participation in economic stimulus legislation

· Establishment of a secure Guam-only visa waiver program

· Inclusion of the Philippines, Russia and China in the Visa-Waiver Program

· Reimbursement for Earned Income Tax Credits paid or owed

The Legislature also asserted a number of findings it is requesting to be honored:

* Executive and Congressional intervention mandating the Department of Defense present a revised DEIS that can be reviewed and commented on

* Reconcile inconsistencies with DoD studies and those from the General Accountability office regarding the military buidup

* Establish a Civil-Military Advisory Council

* Asses the need for an omnibus appropriations bill addressing the needs of the buildup

* Conduct a proper and accurate assessment on the additional revenue that will be collected as a result of the buildup

* Allow the reimbursement of all Medicare and Medicaid costs incurred by U.S.-accredited health care facilities in the Republic of the Facilities

* Create a full fledged U.S. Veterans Affairs Office

* Allow Guam to control its Exclusive Economic Zone

Filipinos to bid in $15-B Guam US naval project

2010-02-07T05:33:00.001+08:00

OLONGAPO CITY — Filipino contractors will try to outbid each other for a whopping $15-billion US military naval project in Guam.

This was bared recently by Olongapo Mayor James Gordon Jr., saying that Filipino manpower companies and suppliers are gearing to submit their bids during the Annual Pacific Island Local Government Conference which Olongapo will host from February 18 to 21 this year.

According to APILG Executive Director Dean Alegado, more than 1,500 contractors have already signed up for the bidding process, and 50 of those are Filipino-owned companies. He said the contractors would know more about the bidding process during the conference.

“They were mostly contractors for manpower services. Hosting this conference is a major coup for Olongapo because it can provide opportunities for Filipino contractors from all over the country to meet important decision-makers,” he said.

“Everything is imported in Guam. For products that they don’t manufacture, maybe we can supply them,” Gordon said.

Gordon said the US naval project is part of the planned transfer of the US naval base from Okinawa, Japan to Guam.

“They would certainly need at least 20,000 workers just to build the naval base,” Gordon added.

Construction of the base will commence this year up to 2014. The transfer of some 14,200 US servicemen along with their 38,070 dependents from the former base in Okinawa will start from 2012 and will be completed by 2016.

Alegado said the biggest competitors of Filipino contractors would be American firms since the naval project in Guam will be paid for using US taxes. Biddings were earlier also conducted in Washington, Honolulu and Guam for the project.

“But there is still a huge opportunity for Filipino contractors in other areas like medical, food and training services,” he said.

Alegado also said the naval base project will need skilled workers, medical practitioners and the like since 20 percent of the people there are either from Olongapo or Zambales.

The APILG conference will draw contractors from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Belau, the American Samoa, Hawaii, and Guam. By JONAS REYES - Manila Bulletin

Filipinos to bid in $15-B Guam US naval project

www.Guam-OFW.com

Filipinos to bid in $15-B Guam US naval project

By Robert Gonzaga - Inquirer Central Luzon Desk

OLONGAPO CITY—Filipino contractors will vie for lucrative contracts in a $15-billion US military expansion program in Guam that, this city’s mayor said, brought back memories of American military presence here.

Organizers said Filipino manpower and product suppliers had listed up to submit bids for contracts in Guam at the Annual Pacific Island Local Government (APILG) conference that this city would host on Feb. 18-21.

Mayor James Gordon Jr. said Filipino contractors would get to know the processes involved in bagging contracts in Guam at the APILG conference.

Dean Alegado, executive director of the APILG conference, said over 1,500 contractors had signed up for contractual bidding processes, which were earlier conducted in Washington, Honolulu and Guam.

“In those [bids and awards conferences], over 50 of the companies were Filipino-owned,” Alegado said.

It was “deja vu for all of us because this is exactly what happened when the US base began construction work here,” Gordon said.

The US military in Guam, he said, would need “lots of services that we can provide—and also products.”

Everything imported

“Everything is imported in Guam. For products that they don’t manufacture, maybe we can supply them,” Gordon said.

The Guam buildup project was spurred by the relocation there of the US naval base in Okinawa. It will require at least 20,000 workers, the Inquirer learned.

Major engineering work is scheduled to proceed from 2010 to 2014, while 14,200 military personnel and their 38,070 dependents will be transferred to Guam from Okinawa from 2012 to 2016.

Gordon waxed sentimental about US military presence in his city that the Philippine Senate and the eruptions of Mount Pinatubo ended in 1991.

“In three years, my father, who was the first mayor of Olongapo, was able to turn this place into a city [because of the construction of the US naval base],” he said.

End of treaty

The Philippine Senate in 1991 voted overwhelmingly to reject a treaty that would have extended the stay of two key US military bases in the Philippines—the biggest US naval base outside continental America that this city had hosted and an air force base that used to be in Clark that straddled Tarlac and Pampanga.

The eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in the same year hastened the departure of US forces from their bases in Subic and Clark when ash deposits destroyed or damaged US facilities and lahar threatened sites being used by US military forces.

Aurelio Pineda, president of the Metro Olongapo Chamber of Commerce and Industries (MOCCI), said the conference should address “critical issues related to opportunities in Guam.”

Bidders

“We have been getting inquiries as to how Filipino companies can reach their prospective partners, or the major contractors there,” Pineda said.

“Also, businessmen are interested about issues of labor contracting and employment, which will be tackled (in the conference),” he said.

US firms are still the Filipino contractors’ primary competitors because the Guam project “will be paid for by US taxpayers,” Alegado said.

“But there is still a huge opportunity for Filipino contractors in other areas like medical, food and training services,” he said.

Alegado added: “They will need skilled workers, medical practitioners and, eventually, also entertainment workers … and Olongapo wants to take part in this. [Right now] about 20 percent of the people [in Guam] are either from here or Zambales.”

Accredited by US Navy

Pineda said Filipino companies that plan to operate in Guam for the buildup project have to be accredited by the US Navy.

Workers who will be employed there will be hired by the contractors themselves, he said.

He said the policy was adopted to protect Filipino workers from falling prey to illegal recruiters.

Gordon said the recruitment “will be strict … because this is a military installation.”

“Workers will be recruited from all over and the US Navy will screen them thoroughly for they might be working in sensitive areas,” he said.

Natural advantage

Since Filipinos have the experience in working in an American naval base, “we naturally have the advantage,” Gordon said.

“What is happening in Guam is nothing new to us, and we might be able to transfer our learning experiences to them,” he said.

For Olongapo, the Guam military buildup represents the “third wave of progress,” Gordon said.

“First, when the Americans built their bases here, Olongapo became a city. Second, when they left, we were able to convert their facilities into a free port zone. Now, we are going to supply most of their skilled labor,” he said.

The APILG conference is also expected to draw interested contractors from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Belau, the American Samoa, Hawaii and Guam.

Guam Buildup Delay Gains Ground

2010-02-02T06:52:00.000+08:00

GUAM - Bordallo’s closed-door meeting with local Senators today didn’t yield many details of President Obama’s expected visit this March.

Although Bordallo couldn’t share much on the Obama trip, that’s not stopping Senators from pushing the issues they think the federal government must address for our island.

For more than a year, Senators Judi Guthertz, Rory Respicio, and Speaker Judi Won Pat have been led the charge on a host of unresolved federal issues affecting Guam – inside and outside the buildup.

They covered these concerns in a resolution presented to the President and Congress last year…aimed at clearing up land alienation, self-determination, economic disadvantage, and healthcare problems.

Now, these same Senators want to add issues arising out of the planned military buildup – like $2.3 billion in utility upgrades and a ban on land condemnations.

Perhaps the most important addition will be the concerns Guam residents have expressed during recent meetings on the Navy’s Draft EIS.

According to Guthertz, she and her colleagues have pursued this agenda from the get-go and the Governor and Congresswoman are simply joining a fight certain senators started more than a year ago. With a united Guam voice, the delay in the buildup is more likely than ever.

Guthertz is confident the new resolution will pass by the end of the week. She says, "You will see a Legislative position probably in hardened form, final form, discussed on Friday."

Won Pat speculates that the timing of the Obama visit appears to be a “game-changing” move to gain local support. According to Won Pat, "A lot of people and world leaders and people throughout the world are enamored with the President. It will definitely woo some people in terms of giving into his requests."

Story credit: Written by Jeff Marchesseault

Guam Braces for Military Buildup

2010-01-20T12:19:00.002+08:00

Four years from now, the U.S. military plans to transfer thousands of Marines from the Japanese island of Okinawa. The move is part of a larger military realignment in the region and it is one that could reshape the future of the U.S. territory.

Residents on the Pacific island of Guam are bracing for big changes. Four years from now, the U.S. military plans to transfer thousands of Marines from the Japanese island of Okinawa. The move is part of a larger military realignment in the region and it is one that could reshape the future of the U.S. territory.

All over Guam, the big topic of discussion is the military - and the U.S. Marines moving to the U.S. territory from the Japanese island of Okinawa.

At a diner in central Gaum, Robert Jones says it is a good thing for the island.

"It's going to drive the economy up and that's what we need right now, you know," he said.

Eight thousand Marines are expected to move to Guam over the next four years. The transfer is part of the Pentagon's effort to reduce the troop numbers on Okinawa, where the U.S. has maintained bases since World War II. Most of the Marines will move to new facilities in the northern part of Guam, but Carl Petersen with the Chamber of Commerce says the effects of the buildup will extend beyond military gates.

"Literally everybody who wants to get a job will get a job," he said.

Petersen says the buildup will create 30,000 new jobs on the island. More than half will be temporary construction jobs mostly taken by foreign laborers. But Petersen says permanent, high-paying jobs will go to island residents. He says those jobs, combined with the business from Marines, will help improve an economy suffering from 8 percent unemployment.

"They will become our customer which means we will have greater economy of scale. That will benefit all of us here," he said.

Jim Espaldon is a senator in the territorial legislature and helps oversee the island's infrastructure. He says Guam is not ready for the buildup. He points to an environmental impact statement that says the buildup will attract thousands of military family members and construction workers. The population could increase by 40 percent.

"We are not ready and we are getting no solid assistance from our federal government," he said.

Espaldon says the population surge will overwhelm the island's only public hospital, cause gridlock on major roads and strain the only port. Container shipments there are expected to jump from 100,000 to 600,000 a year, once construction for the buildup begins.

U.S. troops have been on the tropical island for more than a century. After World War II, and well into the 1980s, the island was seen as an outpost of the Cold War and at times more than 20,000 troops were based there. But starting in the 1990s, the Department of Defense closed bases, reduced troop numbers and shut down old facilities. Now there are about 15,000 troops and military family members on the island.

The U.S. and Japan have pledged $10 billion to build or renovate facilities for the Marines but they have not guaranteed funds for infrastructure projects in the civilian community. Senator Judy Guthertz, who oversees the legislative committee on the buildup, says that is partly because Guam's hands are tied, politically. It does not have a vote in Congress, and Guamanians cannot vote for President.

"Guam is U.S. territory. We fly the U.S. flag, we proudly fly the flag. We're patriotic Americans but oftentimes we're the forgotten Americans," said Guthertz.

The military says the federal government is trying to secure money to improve the civilian infrastructure. The Defense Department has consulted the governor, the legislature, and community leaders frequently over the past several years as the plans have been drafted.

The military already controls about a third of the island, and will need to acquire more land for the buildup, which goes beyond the Marines. The Army is building a missile defense system on the island and the Air Force is adding more drones. The Navy is expanding its port so it can accommodate visiting aircraft carriers.

University of Guam Professor Victoria Lola Leon Guerrero says that expansion threatens the native Chamorro culture. She worries the military will take ancestral land from Chamorro families.

"These families and their homes are not visible on these maps but they live there. That is their land. They have their homes built. They are being approached by the military as we speak, to give up their land," she said.

The plans for the buildup are not set in stone. The military frequently reviews the plans and consults with island officials and residents about possible changes.

And a new government in Japan may seek significant changes. Officials in Tokyo are reviewing the plans and many politicians in the governing coalition want to move even more Marines off Okinawa, something the United States says is not practical and could delay the Guam buildup. The Japanese government plans to release its recommendations for moving the Marines in May. voanews.com

Guam Officials ask for more time to review DEIS

2010-01-19T22:29:00.001+08:00

BY BRETT KELMAN • PACIFIC DAILY NEWs

If Japan gets more time to consider the coming military buildup, Guam deserves more time to comment, according to letters from some of the island's political leaders.

Vice Speaker Benjamin Cruz and Delegate Madeleine Bordallo have both written letters in support of extending the amount of time residents can comment on the draft Environmental Impact Statement.

Capt. Neil Ruggiero, local spokesman for the Joint Guam Program Office and the military buildup, did not respond to an e-mail yesterday that asked if an extension was possible.

The draft EIS is a massive document that details how Guam will change when the coming military buildup occurs. Comments from the public may reshape the military's plans.

On Thursday, Cruz wrote letters to Bordallo and Gov. Felix Camacho asking them to ask the military to allow the public more time to comment. The thousands of people who attended four public hearings on the buildup proves the public is concerned, he said.

"The DEIS has raised many questions that remain unanswered. Each review of the DEIS raises more," Cruz wrote in the letter.

Yesterday, Bordallo sent a letter to Ray Mabus, secretary of Navy, asking for a 45-day extension to the draft EIS comment period.

"The public release of the DEIS is the first opportunity the people of Guam and our elected leaders have to see the specific plans and proposals for the military build-up on Guam," Bordallo wrote. " As you are likely aware that has already been a significant amount of interest in the DEIS and many have noted its complexity."

The draft EIS was made public on Nov. 20, 2009. A 90-day comment window is scheduled to close on Feb. 17.

During that time, the draft EIS has been available for public review at mayors' offices, public libraries and a dedicated room at the Agana Shopping Center.

The document is also available online.

Delay

Both Cruz and Bordallo mention the federal government's decision to give Japan more time to consider an international agreement about the buildup in their letters.

According to an Associated Press article published this week, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has accepted a decision by Japanese Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada to consider relocation of the Futenma air station until May.

The allied nations agreed to move the air base off Okinawa in 2006, but a question lingers: Where should it go?

Although there has been no official word the base would come to Guam, if it did, thousands more military servicemen would be added to the island on top of the planned buildup.

In their letters, Cruz and Bordallo said Japan's delay provides the perfect opportunity to give local residents more time to comment on the draft EIS.

"The courtesy extended by the United States to the government of Japan reflects the difficult decision involved with implementing the realignment of military forces that I believe that similar considerations would benefit the DEIS on the Guam military buildup," Bordallo wrote.

Guam Military buildup hearing receives mixed reaction

2010-01-18T22:25:00.000+08:00

By Haidee V. Eugenio - Saipan Tribune Reporter

Residents weighed the pros and cons of the $15- to $20-billion military buildup in Guam and Tinian during Friday night's public hearing on Saipan, with some individuals expressing support to the multi-year project due to economic benefits and national security issues, while others oppose the project altogether for its ill social, environmental, and cultural impacts.

“Our economy is drying up. The local people are leaving because of lack of jobs here. We need the military, but we need to work together,” said former Rep. Manny Tenorio.

Martin Manglona, for his part, said there's no reason to be scared about military training ranges on Tinian.

“All plans on Tinian are for small ranges, nothing else. We have it in Kannat Tabla, so there's no problem,” said Manglona, adding that local people could get jobs and could find other business opportunities such as supplying fresh produce to the military.

Victoria-Lola Leon Guerrero of the Guam-based We Are Guahan which is opposed to the military buildup, said the buildup intends tso carry out U.S. Department of Defense plans, and “does not intend to help residents.”

She said that CNMI residents should never forget the environmental problems caused by the U.S. military in Tanapag, referring to the polychlorinated biphenyl contamination of soil and land crabs on Saipan's northern village.

Leon Guerrero also urged people to visit their website, www.WeAreGuahan.com, to know more about the group's strong opposition to the buildup.

Among other things, the group said the majority of the 18,000 jobs coming through the buildup will go to off-island workers and not local residents, and the buildup's draft Environmental Impact Statement does not mention military commitment to give Guam the money necessary to develop infrastructure to support a huge population influx.

They were among the estimated 30 members of the community, and another 30-plus Navy personnel and military contractors at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe on Friday night for the Joint Guam Program Office's public hearing on the buildup's draft Environmental Impact Statement.

The number of people who showed up in both the public hearings on Tinian and Saipan were far below the numbers on Guam wherein the hearings drew 200 to 400 people.

Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (D-MP) said there are issues not related to the military buildup that the people of Tinian also want to be addressed, including the needed repair of the outer seawall and piers.

“It would be great (if the military funds it) but they won't because it's not a military wharf. That has to be a Commonwealth project or funded from a separate funding because it's not a military harbor; it's commercial. And I've also been telling people that this is a military buildup in Guam. Tinian is only ancillary of the buildup and if people think that someone is going to get rich from the Tinian portion of the buildup, I would like to know how because I haven't seen it,” Sablan told Saipan Tribune.

'No more comment period extension'

Sixto Igisomar, speaking as a member of the public, asked for more time to review and comment on the draft environment impact statement on the military buildup.

There are some 11,000 pages of documents on the draft EIS/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement on the military buildup.

The draft EIS/OES can be accessed online at www.guambuildupeis.us.

Retired Maj. Gen. David Bice, executive director of the Joint Guam Program Office, said JGPO believes that the 90-day comment period ending on Feb. 17 is sufficient.

“We've had well over 1,600 people come out to our public hearings where they asked questions and got their questions answered by experts. We've also gotten a lot of comments online as well as during the hearings,” Bice told Saipan Tribune.

Bice said there had been enough public outreach programs on the project, including public scoping in 2007, as well as partnership sessions with the local government and the regulators like the Environmental Protection Agency.

“We believe that our effort has been really unprecedented because this is a pretty large realignment and we had an unprecedented approach in terms of reaching out to the public and the regulators to ensure that our document is complete,” he said.

Bice said “every comment is important,” and every comment will be evaluated. The comments will also be recorded in Volume 10 of the final EIS.

“I can tell you that we are going to make adjustments to the EIS. We've heard comments made by people as we go along. I would make a mental note (when I hear) a solid comment that we need to take a look at either the plan or the phraseology that's in the EIS that may not be as clear as it should have been. So I can tell you that we are going to make adjustments to the EIS based upon the comments we received,” he added.

Townhall meetings

Despite the end of the six public hearings held in Guam, Tinian, and Saipan, there are still opportunities for residents to know more about the draft EIS/OES.

Tom Linden, coordinator for the CNMI Military Integration Management Committee, said MIMC, in partnership with the Office of Economic Adjustment and the Guam Advisory Consulting Team, will be hosting a public forum on Jan. 27, Wednesday, at the Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe.

He said representatives of the OEA and ACT will break down the 11,000-page EIS and be willing to answer any questions regarding the military buildup. The public is encouraged to submit questions ahead of time to the MIMC coordinator by sending e-mails to cnmi.mimc@commerce.gov.mp.

MIMC, created in June 2009, serves as the planning and policy making entity for all activities related to the expansion of military training and other defense transformation initiatives in the CNMI and Guam. It is the official entity through which the CNMI will interface with the U.S. Department of the Navy, the U.S. Marine Corps, JGPO, the Department of Defense, and all other military representatives regarding the military buildup.

The Tinian plan

Because Guam cannot accommodate all training for the relocating Marines, the military looks at Tinian to provide opportunities for training groups of 200 Marines or larger due to greater land availability.

Tinian is only about 100 miles or 160 kilometers away from Guam.

The northern two-thirds of Tinian are leased to the U.S. Department of Defense. Company and battalion level non-live fire training areas already exist and are used on these lease parcels.

“The land, however, could be developed to accommodate live fire ranges,” the draft EIS/OES stated.

The proposed actions on Tinian include firing ranges for rifle known distance, automated combat pistol, platoon battle course, and field firing; and airspace use.

Comments on the draft EIS/OES can be submitted online, or during the public hearings set by the U.S. Navy in Guam and the CNMI.

Guam infrastructure aid coming slowly

2010-01-17T22:28:00.000+08:00

HAGATNA, Guam (UPI) -- Guam's governor says while he supports a U.S. military buildup on the island, needed infrastructure improvements have been slow coming.

Gov. Felix Camacho told the military niche newspaper Stars and Stripes that Guam has had a tough time securing money for transportation, water, sewage landfill projects.

He says the new infrastructure will be necessary if the U.S. territory is to cope with buildup plans that could temporarily bring nearly 80,000 people to the island of 178,000 people to build a new base for 8,000 Marines to be transferred from the Japanese island of Okinawa.

"It's been very frustrating for the government," Camacho told the newspaper. "It's such a bureaucratic mess to secure funding. It's been slow to come."

Another issue is the land needed for the base. Opponents of the plans point out some of the land the U.S. military wants has been set aside by the government for a homesteading program for native Chamorro families, Stars and Stripes said.

Camacho told the newspaper a deal for the military to buy the land may put Guam in a better position to negotiate for money to improve its ailing infrastructure.

Guam bracing for human tsunami

2010-01-02T07:00:00.000+08:00

When U.S. forces move in from Okinawa, population will rise 25%

By DARIO AGNOTE - Kyodo News

HAGATNA, Guam — Guam is bracing for a deluge.

Thousands of American service members and their families are to relocate to the island from Japan in what could be the biggest such shift in forces since the war.

Already concerns are being raised over the "boomtown effect" — the rapid and large spike in population and related economic activity — on Guam's limited resources and inadequate infrastructure.

At least 8,600 marines and 630 army personnel plus their estimated 9,900 dependents are expected to move here from Okinawa. There will also be a transient military component up to 9,000-strong.

Joining the crowd will be the thousands of outside workers needed to build new roads, deep-draft wharves, aircraft carrier berthing, barracks, houses and similar infrastructure on Guam and on Tinian off Saipan, 160 km to the northeast.

Construction will begin next year despite funding concerns that stem from the Hatoyama administration's reluctance to share in the multimillion dollar relocation cost.

The immediate concern is whether the Japanese government will honor the 2006 deal struck by its predecessor to chip in $6.09 billion for the relocation, which has an estimated price tag of $12 billion to $15 billion.

The biggest concern, however, is the social cost.

The relocation of most of the marines and their dependents is expected to start in 2014, coinciding with the peak in construction activities and expenditures.

"At this peak, the total increase in Guam residents from off-island would be an estimated 79,178 people," says a draft environmental impact statement commissioned by the U.S. Defense Department.

After 2014, when the infrastructure projects are completed, the population is expected to level off to an estimated 33,608 people, on top of Guam's current population of about 178,000.

Based on the estimates of project planners, the endeavor will result in approximately $12 billion, in 2008 dollars, worth of construction occurring on Guam between 2010 and 2016.

Although the desired completion date moving the military personnel is 2014, the construction will likely continue into 2016, the study says.

Guam's population will increase by more than 25 percent during the four- to six-year buildup, said Paul Shintaku, executive director of the Guam Buildup Office.

"The impacts will be wide-ranging and far-reaching. It would be every aspect of the community and our social structure," Shintaku said.

"It's overwhelming," added Shintaku's deputy, Nora Camacho. "It can be from traffic to the hospital to our social services, schools, transport of goods coming into Guam and goods going out of Guam to Micronesia. It doesn't only affect Guam. It affects the entire Micronesia because we're a regional hub."

People from the Philippines, the United States, Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Marshall Islands and even Samoa are expected to descend on the island in search of jobs.

"There is cause for concern over the impacts on crime and social order due to other factors," the EIS study says, adding construction booms "are typically accompanied by a sense of loosened norms and social disorder."

People "from the Freely Associated States of Micronesia — whose numbers may increase in both the construction and operational stages due to more job opportunities — have high crime rates associated with adapting to less traditional social structures," it says. "There is a potential for more prostitution, alcohol and substance abuse, and family violence associated with young military populations in general, including sailors taking shore leave after weeks at sea.

"The particular reputation of marines as fighters could well trigger a transitional period of adjustment in which local young men test themselves against marines in fights," it says.

There are also concerns over the possibility that some of the workers will stay on the island for good and contribute to the "growing minoritization" of Chamorros, the indigenous people of the Mariana Islands.

Prior to World War II, Chamorros comprised more than 90 percent of Guam's population. The percentage dropped below 50 percent by 1980 and fell to 42 percent by 2000, the study says.

"There will be an expansion in non-Chamorro voting population that could affect the proportion of Chamorro office-holders and government workers, eventually affecting the current government budgets and activities dedicated to cultural issues and practices. It could also affect outcomes of any future votes about Guam's political status," it says.

"The buildup is so beneficial, beyond our comprehension and beyond what you see in the past," Camacho said.

David Leddy, president of the Guam Chamber of Commerce, says there is overwhelming support for the relocation.

"We treat it as another industry," he said. "The local government is the biggest beneficiary in terms of revenues that can be generated from the economic activities.

"There are positive and negative impacts. We just have to weigh the positive and negative and see what's good for the people," Leddy said.

BUILDUP HOUSING: $200 million workforce housing project deal sealed

2010-01-02T06:59:00.000+08:00

PACIFIC DAILY NEWS

Korean construction company STX Construction on Dec. 22 signed a $200 million contract with Guam's Younex Enterprises Corporation, sealing a workforce housing project deal, a press release from Younex stated.

STX Group Chairman Kang, Duck-soo and Younex Enterprises Corporation Chairman Yoon, Kil Koo signed the contract to design, build and assist with the operations and management of an 18,000 bed, fully integrated workforce village to house the surge of thousands of temporary labor expected to come to Guam in the near future, the release stated.

The Ukudu Workforce Village is strategically located in what is referred to in the Defense Department's Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) as the Harmon Annex, bordering the Navy's South Finegayan family housing facility and just north of Two Lovers Point.

Yoon said Younex has responded to the call by the Defense Department to provide a private sector solution to a DoD mission.

“We recognize the major challenges the Guam buildup will thrust upon our community, and we believe our project provides an optimum solution to the need for workforce housing while minimizing the impact to Guam's community," Yoon stated in the release.

Japan To Spend $518M On Guam Buildup Next Year

2010-01-02T06:55:00.000+08:00

But Tokyo Holds Back On Futenma Replacement Funding

Written by Jeff Marchesseault, Guam News Factor Staff Writer

GUAM - A financial news service reports that while Japan will hold off on substantial FY10 spending for the relocation of a U.S. airbase in Okinawa, it will spend more than half a billion dollars in 2010 for constructing U.S. military installations in Guam. That, according to iStockAnalyst.com. About 8,600 Marines and their 9,000 dependents are scheduled to transfer from Okinawa to Guam by 2014.

Japan's appropriation is undoubtedly welcome news to Washington, especially after word broke in mid-December that the new coalition government in Tokyo would delay until May its decision on whether to honor a 2006 U.S.-Japan security accord for the region. This document spells out an arrangement in which Marine Corps Air Station Futenma is to be relocated from Okinawa's crowded Ginowan City to remote Cape Henoko near Camp Schwab in Nago, Okinawa. The same agreement stipulates that nearly 20,000 Futenma personnel including Marines and their families will move to Guam.

Tokyo's $518 million in FY10 support for the partial move to Guam looks promising as a boon for Guam's buildup, as a pressure-release valve for Ginowan, and as a signal to Washington that Japan appreciates the critical, time-sensitive nature of the Okinawa-Guam transfer. After all, Marine Commandant Gen. James Conway remarked recently that Japan's delay tactics on Futenma's replacement were compromising the stability of the region.

Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama reportedly admitted on Friday that the 'option' of moving all of Futenma's operations to Guam is no longer even a consideration. According to ZeeNews.com, Hatoyama explained on Saturday:

"It looks as though having everything at Futemma transferred to the US territory of Guam is unrealistic in light of the deterrence" provided by the US military, Hatoyama said.

Hatoyama's pronouncement may lend qualified encouragement to an Obama-backed diplomatic corps exasperated by what they see as Tokyo's intransigence for refusing to commit to the 2006 accord, even as plans are fast afoot to begin building up Guam for the realignment by as early as next summer.

Domestically, the pressure is on the Hatoyama Administration to find an alternative replacement site for Futenma. According to the Wall Street Journal, an upcoming January 24 mayoral election in Nago has come to be viewed as a de facto referendum on the U.S. military's presence in Japan. The sitting mayor is in favor of building the airbase in Nago, his challenger opposes the idea. There is a swelling notion in Okinawa and in government that other parts of Japan should begin shouldering a larger share of the responsibility of hosting U.S. bases in Japan.

However, the U.S. remains firm in its stance that there is no alternative to moving the airbase now in Futenma to Camp Schwab. And the U.S. has insisted that until Japan's new government sees fit to honor the bilateral agreement to make the internal move within Okinawa, the transfer of Marines to Guam can't happen.

Read the iStockAnalyst.com story, "Japan to forgo earmarking spending for new airfield in Okinawa", December 25, 2009.

Read the Wall Street Journal story, "Okinawa Mayor Race May Hold Key To U.S.-Japan Base Spat", December 24, 2009.

Read the Kyodo News story, "Hatoyama nixes Futenma relocation to Guam, eyes alternative Japan site", December 26, 2009.

Read the Zee News story, "Japan PM eager for decentralization of power", December 26, 2009.

Read the Press TV story, "Japan's PM says decision on US base by May", December 26, 2009.

No Decision On Okinawa-Guam Transfer Till May: Japan Prime Minister

2010-01-01T06:17:00.000+08:00

$300M For Summer Construction Now Thrown Into Question

By Jeff Marchesseault - guamnewsfactor.com

GUAM -Japan Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama says he'll wait till May to announce his decision on where to relocate a U.S. airbase from a crowded city in Okinawa. That, according to Reuters, Mainichi and Asahi news agencies.

This development now throws into question whether the military buildup will proceed as scheduled on Guam and raises questions about whether the House and Senate will indeed earmark $300 million in FY2010 funding for a related military buildup on Guam. The transfer of 8,600 U.S. Marines from Okinawa to Guam depends on the new Japan government's commitment to honoring a 2006 bilateral accord cementing the realignment.

Construction to relocate and house the Marines on Guam is due to start between the summer and fall of next year. Washington had been hoping that Tokyo would decide by December 18th whether to abide by the agreement. The decision came sooner. But it's not what the U.S. wanted to hear.

December 18th is the last day the military construction earmark can be included in pending appropriations legislation.

Kyodo News had reported as late as this morning that Hatoyama was expected to reveal his decision on the relocation of Marine Corps Air Station Futenma at a ministerial committee meeting regarding the policy agendas of the three political parties comprising Hatoyama's coalition government. But his only decision so far today is simply not to decide.

U.S. officials have consistently maintained that there is no alternative to moving Futenma's functions from their present location in crowded Ginowan City in southern Okinawa to a remote peninsula in northern Okinawa. The U.S. also continues to assert that 8,600 Okinawa-based Marines, their 9,000 dependents, civilian staff and equipment cannot be transferred to Guam as planned until Hatoyama agrees to abide by the 2006 accord - an agreement that took about 15 years of careful political maneuvering and exhaustive research to formulate.

Despite expectations, Hatoyama wasn't saying whether he would reveal his intentions on Futenma today. He told Kyodo, "I will determine a government policy soon, and do so by consulting with my Cabinet ministers, while I can't mention the date because it is sensitive."

According to Kyodo, Hatoyama denied reports the the administration intends to propose talks with the U.S. to discuss a new relocation site for the airfield by the end of the week.

Finally, commenting on the fate of the suspended high-level bilateral talks on the relocation issue, Hatoyama told Kyodo: "It depends on the U.S. response. We can think of various options."

Read the Reuters report, "Japan to put off decision on U.S. base row: report", December 14, 2009.

Read the Kyodo News report appearing in The Japan Times, "Decision on Futenma said in the offing", Tuesday, December 15, 2009.

Japan official: Buildup a go

2009-12-10T14:15:00.001+08:00

Futenma base talks suspended

BY AMRITHA ALLADI • PACIFIC DAILY NEWS AALLADI@GUAMPDN.COM

Theagreement to lighten the presence of U.S. troops in Okinawa and move some of them to Guam will proceed as planned and on schedule, despite the suspension of talks between the United States and Japan regarding the relocation of the Futenma Marine Corps air base, Japan's Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa said during his visit to the island yesterday.

"At this moment, we aren't seeing any delay," Kitazawa said through an interpreter at a brief press conference at the Hyatt Regency Guam in Tumon yesterday.

However, talks between the United States and Japan regarding the relocation of the Futenma base have been suspended with no restart date planned as of yet, according to The Associated Press. Kitazawa said yesterday he didn't know when the Futenma relocation issue would be resolved.

Relocating the Futenma base from the southern to the northern part of Okinawa is a step toward executing parts of the 2006 U.S-Japan agreement that includes reducing the number of U.S. Marinesthere by almost half and moving 8,000 of them to Guam.

Both sides finalized the agreement in February, when U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Japan's then-Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone signed the pact, which spells out Japan's $6 billion of the $10 billion estimate to move the Marines to Guam.

Kitazawa visitedGuam to see the location for the proposed transfer of Marines from Okinawa, according to a press release from Gov. Felix Camacho's office. He visited Andersen Air Force Base, Naval Base Guam, and Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station Guam, and received briefings on the vital role Guam plays in hosting the U.S. Air Force and Navy to ensure stability and security throughout the Pacific theater, according to officials from the Joint Guam Program Office.

On Guam, the military's buildup plans go beyond building a Marine base. The United States also plans to build an Army missile defense facility, facilities for recurring visits of an aircraft carrier, and expansions to the existing U.S. Air Force and Navy bases -- a buildup tab of more than $15 billion, according to previously released federal government estimates.

No more qouta for Guam worker's visa

2009-12-03T22:53:00.004+08:00

Guam Exempt from National Cap on H-2B Workers

Guam- Guam is now exempt from the national cap on applications for non-immigrant visas. PL 110-229, the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 went into effect on November 28, 2009.

Prior to the exemption, applications had to be filed prior to the October and April cap openings in order to be considered for approval by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Local employers may now file at any time during the year with the Guam Department of Labor for approval of a Temporary Labor Certification and authorization to import H-2B workers with US DHS.

The legislation was enacted to give employers the ability to temporarily meet increased manpower needs that will come as Guam ramps up for the impending military build up. The exemption will likely be critical, as Marine relocation construction projects will tap all available local and regional construction resources.

Although the exemption is in effect, local filing requirements and program procedures remain relatively unchanged. For more information, contact GDOL’s Alien Labor Processing and Certification Division Administrator Greg Massey at 475-7005. Specific information on the program is also available online at www. guamdol.net under the alien certification section. pacificnewscenter.com

Guam Department of Labor Director Greg Macey discussing labor related issues with Mayor Bong Gordon.

Guam law allows temp labor certification

by Heather Hauswirth - kuam.com

Guam - Local employers will now have the ability to temporarily meet increased manpower needs that are necessary for the impending military buildup. Public Law 110-229 (The Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008) took effect on November 28, lifting the national cap on applications for non-immigrant visas.

According to the Department of Labor, this means local employers can now file requests for temporary labor certification and authorization to import H-2b workers with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security throughout the year. Prior to the enactment of the law, applications had to be filed prior to the October and April cap openings.

DOL officials say this exemption is critical to meet the needs of the impending military buildup.

RP companies eye $15-b Guam buildup

2009-11-26T17:21:00.002+08:00

Local construction companies hope to get a big share of the contracts in the $15-billion military buildup in Guam.

Anthony Fernandez, president of the Philippine Constructors Association Inc., told reporters yesterday that local contractors would likely be tapped as sub-contractors in the Guam construction with American and Japanese companies getting all the big projects.

“I am hopeful that Philippine contractors would get a big share of the contracts in Guam. A lot of the local companies are interested. The Guam buildup is a one-time opportunity that we should not miss,” said Fernandez at the sidelines of the business forum on “Opportunities in Guam for the Philippine Construction Industry” in Ortigas yesterday.

Senator Judith Guthertz, chairman of the committee on Guam Military Build-Up, said Guam would need at least 15,000 Filipino skilled workers until 2014, excluding projects funded by the Japanese government.

She said every billion dollars spent on the project would generate 5,000 to 10,000 new construction jobs.

The Guam project, however, poses a major challenge to the local construction industry.

“This is a challenge for us, not only the project itself but the possible drain on our human resources. We have a lot of engineers and skilled workers but these resources are not infinite. We need to keep training our people, we have to replace our workers that are being deployed abroad,” said Fernandez.

He said with global economies starting to pick up, demand for skilled Filipino workers such as engineers and welders would increase from traditional markets like the Middle East and even from neighboring countries in the region.

“Three to four years ago, the construction industry was hit hard by the exodus of skilled workers overseas but at the same time, we cannot hold these workers from pursuing more better opportunities abroad,” said Fernandez.

He said given the strong demand for Filipino workers, the challenge now was how the local industry could serve a growing market for such skills sets.

“There is the Guam buildup and at the same time, there is the foreseen surge in construction activity in the Middle East and Southeast Asian countries now that global economies are recovering. On top of that, there is the constant domestic construction requirements that we have to address,” said Fernandez.

He encouraged industry players to take advantage of the opportunity and be ready to meet the requirements of the US government.

“It is not as simple as taking a plane to Guam. The standards would be different, rules would be different,” said Fernandez.

Meanwhile, Guthertz said qualified US residents would have a first crack at the jobs to be generated out of the military buildup.

“We will look for qualified US residents first before hiring other nationalities. But it is not as simple for American workers to uproot their lives and work in Guam. Besides, the US economy is starting to pick up so there should be other opportunities in the job market,” said Guthertz.

She said contractors who want to participate in the buildup must sincerely commit to field skilled workers and take care of them before sending these workers overseas. She said the workers must have contracts, adequate housing facilities and other benefits.

“Guam does not have enough skilled construction workers to address the buildup requirement,” said Guthertz. by Elaine Ramos Alanguilan - Manila Standard Today

Guam military buildup to benefit Filipino constructors

2009-11-26T16:56:00.000+08:00

Filipino constructors want to get a huge slice of the $15 billion military buildup in Guam that would open at least 15,000 jobs for Filipino construction workers.

But Anthony Fernandez, president of the Philippine Constructors Association (PCA), cautioned that this might trigger shortage in construction workers, especially engineers, who in recent years have been lured to lucrative jobs abroad.

This also comes at a time when the construction markets here and abroad are expected to boom following recovery from the financial crisis. These markets, he said, need to be served all at once.

"The challenge for PCA now is how it can manage to serve the military buildup and other construction markets in other parts of the world… (and in) making sure to have people (here and) develop the nation," said Fernandez, president and chief operating officer of First Balfour Inc.

Fernandez said three or four years ago, the local construction industry was been hit hard by the exodus of experienced and skilled construction workers, from engineers to welders, to jobs in the Middle East.

"Contractors have to keep training their workers to replenish the ones going abroad," Fernandez said.

He said Filipino contractors are hopeful to get a big share in the contracts but noted that they are willing to be just subcontractors.

"The rules and standards are different," he said. Investing in Guam requires them to incorporate and set up a local office, and abide by the laws set by the US, including in their procurement of services and materials. BY IRMA ISIP - MALAYA

EIS: 33,000 new jobs by 2014

2009-11-25T21:39:00.001+08:00

BY LAURA MATTHEWS • PACIFIC DAILY NEWS

Guam's unemployment rate will drop by more than half in 2014 as the buildup creates thousands of jobs, according to the draft Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed, multibillion-dollar military expansions on the island.

With more people paying income taxes, and as businesses pay more taxes and fees, the draft Environmental Impact Statement estimates that government of Guam will generate $325 million in 2014 revenue alone -- an increase of about 60 percent of its current annual budget.

In the recently published Defense Department document, which contains thousands of pages, Guam's unemployment rate is assumed to fall to 4.0 percent when Guam residents and off-islanders start taking on jobs associated with the military buildup.

The unemployment rate was last recorded in September 2007 and is estimated to be 8.3 percent, according to the document.

Guam's population is expected to soar -- with 79,178 additional people in 2014. That is approximately half of the current population.

The buildup, according to the EIS, may include the relocation of 8,600 Marines and their 9,000 dependents from Okinawa to Guam. An Army ballistic missile defense facility and a facility for recurring visits of an aircraft carrier are included in the proposed expansions.

The quality of life for many residents will improve as the buildup is projected to provide approximately 33,000 jobs for civilian workers at the 2014 peak, according to the draft EIS. An additional 6,150 jobs will be provided on a "more permanent basis" thereafter.

Guam residents are estimated to occupy about 2,000 direct on-site construction jobs for the Marine Corps facilities between 2013 and 2014.

Similarly, excluding direct on-site military construction, residents are expected to capitalize on 2,566 jobs during the 2014 construction boom. The related jobs "include civilian military jobs, direct from purchases jobs and indirect or induced jobs."

An additional 2,211 jobs will be made available by 2020 for Guam residents, as the 15,157 jobs that will be occupied by off-islanders during the boom, will decrease to 3,935 that year, as estimated by the EIS.

Guam Olongapo Alliance

2009-11-19T19:45:00.002+08:00

Mayor Gordon holds the "key" to Guam given by Guam Officials during his recent visit to the island.Guam Legislature recently passed a resolution approving the Sisterhood Alliance with Olongapo City

Guam officials headed by Senator Eddie Calvo handed the symbolical key of the city of Guam in connection with the Sisterhood with Olongapo to Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. last November 13, 2009 marking the start of a strengthened and harmonious relationship between Olongapo City and Guam.

Guam Contractors To Train Filipino Labor For Buildup

2009-11-16T23:05:00.003+08:00

Guam Contractors Association Wary of Training Too Many Guamenians for construction work

Guam - The Guam Contractors Association says there is such a thing as training too many local skilled laborers.

GCA president James Martinez tells the Pacific News Center during interview that their goal is to train just enough skilled laborers to handle Guam's current construction needs and it's construction needs after the buildup.

The reason for this according to Martinez is because h-2 workers can simply go home when the buildup wanes and jobs run thin. The same can't be said for local skilled laborers who might end up jobless once the construction boom ends.

This is another indicator that Guam officials are realizing that it simply is impractical to prepare their people for a job that will last for three to four years only. That they rather prepare their people for a more perment job which is after the construction phase.

This is good news to our manpower force especially in the construction sector because it simply means that Guamenians will not be interested in filling-up the construction requirement and that they will refocus their preparations to the manpower requirement of facility maintenance.

In another article by By Jeff Marchesseault of Guam News Factor entitled:

Guam Contractors To Train Filipino Labor For Buildup

It Says That Island Firms Are Teaming Up With RP Government

Guam-based contractors will "serve as resource speakers" during government- and industry-sponsored training programs for Filipino construction workers.

The Philippine Construction Association and the Department of Trade and Industry have coordinated the training with Guam contractors.

This is what we are working on, the latest visit of Mayor Bong Gordon and Senator Richard Gordon to Guam and our Sisterhood Alliance with Guam are geared towards ensuring that necessary preparations for Guam Buildup are taken cared of and the long-term relationship of the two entities are well planned to ensure that both will equally benefit.

Gordon: Grab your opportunities

2009-11-14T13:56:00.001+08:00

'Grab your opportunities:' Developing workforce important to island's success

BY AMRITHA ALLADI • PACIFIC DAILY NEWS

The Guam military buildup can be a boon or a bane, and it's up to the leaders and residents of Guam to seize the opportunities that it offers, said Philippine Sen. Richard Gordon.

Gordon, who is running in the 2010 Philippine presidential race, said Guam's leaders should clearly define the host community's vision for the buildup and what is expected of Guam's residents to achieve that goal, he said.

"If you put people on vision mode ... it's so easy," he said. "You gotta grab your opportunities, make sure that you get the most of it. Don't let them run your show."

And Gordon is speaking from experience.

During his keynote address on the second day of the Guam Community and Economic Development Forum yesterday, Gordon shared the story of how he led Olongapo City from being devastated by volcanic ashes to become the thriving city--complete with an international and industrial port-- that it is today.

Olongapo was originally a "sin city" dotted with strip clubs, lacking industry, agriculture and commerce other than the former Subic U.S. Navy base, he said. While Philippine nationalists resented the American presence, Gordon said he always felt it was better to work with foreign players voluntarily rather than become a "victim" of their influence.

"To me it was a great boon," he said.

But the Subic U.S. Navy base closed there in 1992 following the eruption of Mount Pinatubo, Gordon said. As mayor of Olongapo, Gordon built a "second city," with the help of about 8,000 volunteers. He brought in billions in investments.

With the help of the volunteers and investors, his city became a magnet for international investments as a free-trade industrial port -- enticing computer and cell phone manufacturers and brand-name companies such as FedEx and Reebok, among others.

"We were able to get back on our feet fast," he said.

Similarly, Gordon said Guam should concentrate on further developing higher education, tourism and business processing industries. If that's done right, Gordon said Guam could potentially become more successful.

Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

2009-11-14T13:54:00.002+08:00

In the past two days, my inbox was overwhelmed by emails, pati inbox ng mobile phone ko ay napuno din ng messages. Since most of the questions are recurring, I will just put them in the list of Frequently Asked Questions so that applicants will be requested to first read the FAQ before throwing questions.

1. When will actual hiring going to take place?

There are a few hiring going on as we speak such as yard workers (welders, pipe fitters, ship fitters, etc.) for Guam Shipyard and construction workers but right now limited to generator mechanics, heavy equipment operators (earth moving), heavy equipment mechanics and electricians. We are expecting the bulk of deployment in the second quarter of next year.

2. Is the recruitment exclusive to former US base workers?

Not at all. While former base workers have an edge since they are already familiar with the US Mil standard operating procedures (SOP) and can easily adopt to the culture and language, this advantage does not necessarily mean that they have exclusive right to apply.

3. Are there opening for Nurses?

We have not yet received specific requirement for nurses but obviously, when you send 15 thousand workers plus the 8 thousand marines and 10 thousand dependents… you will definitely need nurses to look after their health and medical requirement.

4. How about entertainers?

Almost the same as in the above answer, with more that 30 thousand people additional people on the island, especially with workers and marines…. By experience that we had in Subic and Clark…. We have no doubt about the boom in entertainment industry as well.

5. Is there some sort of placement fee?

Absolutely none. This was emphasized during the industry forum by the Guam Department of Labor. They will ban recruitment agencies that have proven to have charged recruitment fees. Under their law, the employer has to shoulder such expenses.

No recruitment fee will be collected from aspiring workers but a service fee of up to $1,000 will be collected from the construction companies that will hire foreign workers

6. Is there age limit?

Guam being under US, implements the Equal Opportunity Employment Law. Age, Sex or Gender, Religion and handicap will not hinder you from being employed. In fact when we visited Guam Shipyard, there are Filipino workers who are as old as 65.

7. What jobs are going to be opened? And where can we see the job openings?

Mostly construction and warehousing workers in the early parts of the project (2010 – 1013) then maintenance and base workers in general (from office admin – accounting –computers - clerical – security – etc)
Follow below link for list of open positions
http://guam-ofw.blogspot.com/search/label/Job%20Vacancy

8. How is the rate per hour on various positions?

http://guam-ofw.blogspot.com/2009/05/guam-wage-rates.html

9. How do we register?

http://guam-ofw.blogspot.com/2009/07/application-form.html

10. How do we know if we qualified? And do we need a passport?

The employer checks our data base whenever they require manpower; they are the one who will select the applicants for interview.

Passport is a must if you intend to travel outside of the country. Employers who are choosing between two equally qualified applicants will definitely select the one who already has passport.

11. Do we need to regularly email the task force to ask questions and make follow-up on the status of our application?

If you have finished thoroughly reading this document and you were not able to find answer to your question, then you can email your question and we will answer as soon as we can (even post it here if we think others will be interested to the answer. You are not however advised to make follow-ups on your application, remember that the employer will be the one who will contact you if they are convinced that you are the worker they are looking for.

12. Where can we submit our resume and supporting documents?
We are encouraging applicants to submit digital applications (via email) since we are not capable of storing volumes of papers. Just have your resume and other documents ready, you will have to bring it (original and two photo copies) when you are called for interview or initial screening. You will learn more about the details once you receive and email or text message from the task force.

13. What training program can we avail for free at the Olongapo Skills Training Center and how can we avail of such training?

Welding, Shipbuilding, Computer Cyber Skills, Call Center, etc

14. Is the Task Force Guam acting like an employment agency? NO

15. What POEA land based agencies are connected to the task force Guam?

At present there are five with formal MOU, one of which is the Philippine Association of Service Exporters Inc (PASEI) which have more than seven hundred member agencies.

16. Why would Guam prefer Filipinos over other nationalities who are accepting lower salaries such as Chinese, Vietnamese, Thailanders, Indians, etc. and why don’t they just hire jobless Americans?

First of, remember that they are constructing a military facility (their military secrets are of prime consideration – the Chinese is one military might which they need to always be “on-guard” (you know where this discussion is going to…)

I can’t talk for the other third world workers but I will just quote Guam Officials on what they can say about the OFW:

“The most likely source of non-US workers for us would be the Philippines," said Guthertz. This, said Respicio, was because “Filipinos are hardworking, they’re loyal, and they’re very, very industrious."

Guam - Olongapo Relation Formalized

2009-11-13T21:53:00.000+08:00

Guam and the City of Olongapo now have a strategic and official relationship. Guam Speaker Judith T. Won Pat, Ed.D. and Olongapo City Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. signed the Memorandum of Understanding establishing the relationship this morning at the Legislative Public Hearing Room.

“I am so excited about the future we have with Olongapo City,” Senator Eddie Baza Calvo said. The senator authored Resolution No. 170-30, which allowed Guam to enter the sister-city relationship. “Not only do we have so much in common with Olongapo City, but many of our people can trace their ancestry there and to the Zambales province. This is a remarkable partnership, and one that will only strengthen our sisterhood with the Philippines.”

Our two communities will use the relationship to enhance Guam’s workforce, sustain economic development and promote trade. The resolution stressed the Guam military buildup and how Guam and Olongapo can help each other to maximize opportunities presented by the buildup.

Key to the Island of Guam

Senator Calvo presented the Key to the Island of Guam shortly after the signing of the MOU to Mayor Gordon. The event marked the first time the Legislature has entered the island into a sister-city relationship, according to Speaker Won Pat.

Mayor Gordon was accompanied by Olongapo Vice Mayor Cynthia G. Cajudo, members of the city government and leaders from the Metro Olongapo Chamber of Commerce. Philippine Consul General to Guam Olivia Palala also witnessed the signing, along with Senators Tina Muna-Barnes, Eddie Baza Calvo, Jim Espaldon, Judith Guthertz, DPA, Adolpho Palacios, Telo Taitague, and Ray Tenorio.

Discussions on the sister-city relationship began in April, when Mayor Gordon visited Guam and talked to Senators Calvo, Guthertz and Rory Respicio about the matter. The three senators introduced the resolution shortly thereafter; and the Legislature passed it earlier this week.

Please call Troy Torres at 788-6009 for more information. -- pacificnewscenter.com

Follow Guam OFW group on Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=179147321916

Olongapo City mayor on Guam

2009-11-12T21:45:00.000+08:00

Olongapo City Mayor James Gordon is on island for the signing of the Guam-Olongapo Sister City Agreement that will be formalized during a signing ceremony at the Guam Legislature on Friday. The agreement, at the request of Senator Eddie Calvo and Yona Mayor Pedo Terlaje, is expected to be the catalyst for a growing partnership between Guam and the city in the Philippines that was once host to one of the largest U.S. military installations in the region.

Said Mayor Gordon, "It's going to be a fruitful relationship because Olongapo and the Province of Zanpales and the free port has been here for so many years sending our constituents here ever since the Americans touched base with the Philippines so the sister hood won't be a one-sided affair." by Heather Hauswirth - Kuam News

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVyJXlNVDDQ

Revised Temporary Labor Certification Guideline

2009-11-12T05:15:00.001+08:00

The Guam Department of Labor's Alien Labor Processing & Certification Division is pleased to release the Revised Temporary Labor Certification Guidelines.

A Temporary Labor Certification is required for the filing of a petition for H-2B workers with the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Service. Federal regulations at 8 CFR 214.2, vests the Governor of Guam with the authority to issue Temporary Labor Certifications for job opportunities in Guam.

In order to complete this process the employer must: • Advertise the job opportunity, prior to filing, and be able to document such efforts.

• Submit their COMPLETED application to the Department of Labor Alien Labor Processing & Certification Division (ALPCD).

• Test the local labor market through Guam Employment Service and via advertisements in the Pacific Daily News.

• Obtain an approved Temporary Labor Certification.

• File for and obtain approval from the USCIS. • File for and obtain the workers VISAs in the foreign country.

• Once the workers arrive in Guam, file for and obtain Work Permit ID Cards from ALPCD

This guideline has been developed to assist you in successfully filing an Application for Temporary Labor Certification in Guam. Once you have compiled all of the required documents, you may contact our office and one of our staff will be happy to review your documents and identify any deficiencies prior to filing. Only completed applications will be accepted for filing and further processing. Please contact us to make an appointment with a caseworker.

Click here to download the Revised Temporary Labor Certification Guidelines in it's entirety. (pdf format)

Guam Job Vacancy

2009-11-12T05:03:00.001+08:00

Why are we monitoring this?

To give us lead time as to what are the possible jobs that may be offered to us in the near future.

You see, after posting these vacancies for a reasonable period and there are either no taker or no qualified from either Guam, CNMI, or US Mainland, these positions will be certified by Guam Government as "no applicant" or "no qualified applicant." Then this position will be open for us to apply.

So keep track of the job you maybe looking for and qualified because once you see them in here, chances are... they will eventually be open for OFWs.

http://guamdol.net/component/option,com_jobline/Itemid,365/task,list/limit,50/limitstart,0/

Date Posted Job Title Company

3470 Thursday, 12 November 2009 Sales Clerk (1) 2544 FC New! 2544 FC

3469 Thursday, 12 November 2009 Sheet Metal Worker (2) 2402 PJO New! 2402 PJO

3468 Thursday, 12 November 2009 Reinforcing Metal Worker (5) 2402 PJO New! 2402 PJO

3467 Thursday, 12 November 2009 Field Supervisor (1) (Mechanical Works) 2402 PJO New! 2402 PJO

3466 Thursday, 12 November 2009 Field Supervisor (1) Electrical Works) 2402 PJO New! 2402 PJO

3465 Thursday, 12 November 2009 Field Supervisor (2) (Civil Works) 2402 PJO New! 2402 PJO

3464 Thursday, 12 November 2009 Electrician (5) 2402 PJO New! 2402 PJO

3463 Thursday, 12 November 2009 Cement Mason (22) 2402 PJO New! 2402 PJO

3462 Thursday, 12 November 2009 Carpenter (22) 2402 PJO New! 2402 PJO

3461 Thursday, 12 November 2009 Cook, Camp (2) 2402 PJO New! 2402 PJO

3458 Monday, 09 November 2009 General Clerk IV, MIS (1) 6224 FC New! 6224 FC

3459 Monday, 09 November 2009 Warehouse Specialist, Material Management (1) 6224 FC New! 6224 FC

3460 Monday, 09 November 2009 Health Customer Service Representative (1) 6332 FC New! 6332 FC

3457 Monday, 09 November 2009 HR Generalist (1) 6340 FC New! 6340 FC

3456 Friday, 06 November 2009 Automotive Body Repairer (5) 2479 PJO 2479 PJO

3455 Thursday, 05 November 2009 Cement Mason (15) 1422 PJO 1422 PJO

3454 Thursday, 05 November 2009 Carpenter (30) 1422 PJO 1422 PJO

3453 Thursday, 05 November 2009 Logistics and Support Manager (1) 1066 FC 1066 FC

3452 Thursday, 05 November 2009 Quality Control Manager (1) 1066 FC 1066 FC

3451 Thursday, 05 November 2009 Bachelor Housing Supervisor (1) 1066 FC 1066 FC

3450 Thursday, 05 November 2009 Family Housing Manager (1) 1066 FC 1066 FC

3449 Thursday, 05 November 2009 COM (Change of Occupancy Maintenance) Manager (1) 1066 FC 1066 FC

3448 Tuesday, 03 November 2009 Salesperson (5) 1149 1149

3446 Thursday, 29 October 2009 Deputy Project Manager (1) 1066 1066

3445 Thursday, 29 October 2009 Cost Estimator (1) 6424 6424

3444 Thursday, 29 October 2009 Administrative Assistant (1) 6424 6424

3443 Thursday, 29 October 2009 Civil Drafter (1) 6424 6424

3442 Thursday, 29 October 2009 Civil Engineer (1) 6424 6424

3441 Wednesday, 28 October 2009 Quality Management Manager (1) 6224 FC 6224 FC

3431 Tuesday, 27 October 2009 “B” & “D” Endorsed Chauffeurs & Bus License Driver (1) 1093 1093

3430 Tuesday, 27 October 2009 Warehouse Supervisor (3) 1397 1397

3429 Tuesday, 27 October 2009 Sales Associate (1) 1397 1397

3428 Tuesday, 27 October 2009 “B” Endorsed Commercial Truck Driver (4) 1397 1397

3426 Tuesday, 27 October 2009 Heavy Equipment Operator (2) 1920 PJO 1920 PJO

3425 Tuesday, 27 October 2009 Cement Mason (17) 1920 PJO 1920 PJO

3424 Tuesday, 27 October 2009 Carpenter (14) 1920 PJO 1920 PJO

3427 Tuesday, 27 October 2009 “C” Endorsed Commercial Truck Driver (4) 1397 1397

3423 Tuesday, 27 October 2009 Caregiver (Home Care) (1) 1111 PJO 1111 PJO

3422 Tuesday, 27 October 2009 Cement Mason (2) 6358 PJO 6358 PJO

3421 Tuesday, 27 October 2009 Carpenter (8) 6358 PJO 6358 PJO

3420 Tuesday, 27 October 2009 Accountant (1) 6307 PJO 6307 PJO

3419 Monday, 26 October 2009 Maintenance Mechanic (2) 2207 PJO 2207 PJO

3412 Tuesday, 20 October 2009 Warehouse Operator (1) 1148 1148

3394 Monday, 28 September 2009 Field Supervisor (1) 2324 PJO 2324 PJO

3393 Monday, 28 September 2009 Reinforcing Metal Worker (6) 2324 PJO 2324 PJO

3392 Monday, 28 September 2009 Cement Mason (13) 2324 PJO 2324 PJO

3391 Friday, 25 September 2009 Crane Operator, Transportation (1) 6224 FC 6224 FC

3381 Tuesday, 22 September 2009 Chinese Specialty Cook (7) 1305 PJO 1305 PJO

3380 Tuesday, 22 September 2009 Cement Mason (5) 1009 PJO 1009 PJO

3379 Tuesday, 22 September 2009 Reinforcing Metal Worker (3) 1144 PJO 1144 PJO

Date Posted Job Title Company

3378 Tuesday, 22 September 2009 Cement Mason (4) 1144 PJO 1144 PJO

3377 Monday, 21 September 2009 Cement Mason (3) 2456 PJO 2456 PJO

3376 Monday, 21 September 2009 Carpenter (3) 2456 PJO 2456 PJO

3375 Monday, 21 September 2009 Welder, Combination (1) 6333 PJO 6333 PJO

3374 Monday, 21 September 2009 Plumber (1) 6333 PJO 6333 PJO

3373 Monday, 21 September 2009 Electrician (1) 6333 PJO 6333 PJO

3372 Monday, 21 September 2009 Air Condition Mechanic (1) 6333 PJO 6333 PJO

3371 Monday, 21 September 2009 Cement Mason (2) 6333 PJO 6333 PJO

3370 Monday, 21 September 2009 Carpenter (3) 6333 PJO 6333 PJO

3365 Wednesday, 16 September 2009 Cement Mason (4) 6426 PJO 6426 PJO

3364 Wednesday, 16 September 2009 Carpenter (3) 6426 PJO 6426 PJO

3359 Tuesday, 15 September 2009 Live-In Housekeeper (1) 1199 1199

3358 Monday, 14 September 2009 Automotive Body & Related Repairer (4) 6281 PJO 6281 PJO

3357 Monday, 14 September 2009 Cost Estimator (2) 6437 PJO 6437 PJO

3356 Monday, 14 September 2009 Electrician (1) 6437 PJO 6437 PJO

3355 Monday, 14 September 2009 Cement Mason (3) 6437 PJO 6437 PJO

3354 Monday, 14 September 2009 Carpenter (6) 6437 PJO 6437 PJO

3348 Tuesday, 08 September 2009 Reinforcing Metal Worker (1) 2597 PJO 2597 PJO

3347 Tuesday, 08 September 2009 Cement Mason (4) 2597 PJO 2597 PJO

3346 Tuesday, 08 September 2009 Carpenter (3) 2597 PJO 2597 PJO

3345 Tuesday, 08 September 2009 Project Supervisor (1) 2587 PJO 2587 PJO

3344 Tuesday, 08 September 2009 Reinforcing Metal Worker (1) 2587 PJO 2587 PJO

3343 Tuesday, 08 September 2009 Cement Mason (5) 2587 PJO 2587 PJO

3342 Tuesday, 08 September 2009 Carpenter (1) 2587 PJO 2687 PJO

3341 Friday, 04 September 2009 Cement Mason (6) 6264 PJO 6264 PJO

3340 Thursday, 03 September 2009 Cement Mason (6) 2297 PJO 2297 PJO

3339 Thursday, 03 September 2009 Carpenter (8) 2297 PJO 2297 PJO

3338 Thursday, 03 September 2009 Cement Mason (3) 6409 PJO 6409 PJO

3337 Thursday, 03 September 2009 Carpenter (5) 6409 PJO 6409 PJO

3335 Tuesday, 01 September 2009 Civil Engineer (1) 1920 PJO 1920 PJO

3334 Tuesday, 01 September 2009 Field Supervisor (5) 2486 PJO 2486 PJO

3333 Tuesday, 01 September 2009 Reinforcing Metal Worker (6) 2486 PJO 2486 PJO

3332 Tuesday, 01 September 2009 Cement Mason (14) 2486 PJO 2486 PJO

3331 Tuesday, 01 September 2009 Carpenter (19) 2486 PJO 2486 PJO

3330 Tuesday, 01 September 2009 Cook, Camp (1) 1127 PJO 1127 PJO

3329 Tuesday, 01 September 2009 Restaurant Manager (1) 6376 PJO 6376 PJO

3328 Tuesday, 01 September 2009 Masseuse/Massage Therapist (5) 2518 PJO 2518 PJO

3327 Monday, 31 August 2009 Home Health Aide (3) 6509 PJO 6509 PJO

3326 Monday, 31 August 2009 Electric Motor Winder (1) 2498 PJO 2498 PJO

3325 Monday, 31 August 2009 Heavy Equipment Operator (10) 1404 PJO 1404 PJO

3324 Monday, 31 August 2009 Graphic Designer (1) 1565 PJO 1565 PJO

3323 Monday, 31 August 2009 Plumber (5) 1404 PJO 1404 PJO

3322 Monday, 31 August 2009 Cement Mason (7) 1404 PJO 1404 PJO

3321 Monday, 31 August 2009 Carpenter (8) 1404 PJO 1404 PJO

3320 Monday, 31 August 2009 Electrician (1) 6502 PJO 6502 PJO

3319 Monday, 31 August 2009 Carpenter (9) 6502 PJO 6402 PJO

3318 Monday, 31 August 2009 Chef (1) 6376 PJO 6376 PJO

3317 Monday, 31 August 2009 Cook (India Cuisine) (1) 6376 PJO 6376 PJO

3316 Monday, 31 August 2009 Cement Mason (8) 6470 PJO 6470 PJO

3315 Sunday, 30 August 2009 Procurement Manager (1) 1238 PJO 1238 PJO

Date Posted Job Title Company

3314 Sunday, 30 August 2009 Cement Mason (2) 2468 PJO 2468 PJO

3313 Sunday, 30 August 2009 Carpenter (1) 2468 PJO 2468 PJO

3312 Sunday, 30 August 2009 Cement Mason (4) 6435 PJO 6435 PJO

3311 Sunday, 30 August 2009 Carpenter (3) 6435 PJO 6435 PJO

3310 Sunday, 30 August 2009 Plumber (1) 6497 PJO 6497 PJO

3309 Sunday, 30 August 2009 Electrician (3) 6497 PJO 6497 PJO

3308 Sunday, 30 August 2009 Field Supervisor (1) (Mechanical Works) 1243 PJO 1243 PJO

3307 Sunday, 30 August 2009 Field Supervisor (1) (Electrical Works) 1243 PJO 1243 PJO

3305 Sunday, 30 August 2009 Carpenter (15) 6494 PJO 6494 PJO

3306 Sunday, 30 August 2009 Cement Mason (14) 6494 PJO 6494 PJO

3304 Friday, 28 August 2009 Electrician (1) 6452 PJO 6452 PJO

3303 Friday, 28 August 2009 Cement Mason (5) 6452 PJO 6452 PJO

3302 Friday, 28 August 2009 Carpenter (1) 6452 PJO 6452 PJO

3301 Friday, 28 August 2009 Cement Mason (7) 2610 PJO 2610 PJO

3300 Friday, 28 August 2009 Carpenter (3) 2610 PJO 2610 PJO

3299 Friday, 28 August 2009 Cement Mason (3) 6500 PJO 6500 PJO

3298 Friday, 28 August 2009 Carpenter (2) 6500 PJO 6500 PJO

3297 Friday, 28 August 2009 Heavy Equipment Mechanic (2) 2571 PJO 2571 PJO

3296 Friday, 28 August 2009 Cement Mason (3) 6389 PJO 6389 PJO

3295 Friday, 28 August 2009 Carpenter (1) 6389 PJO 6389 PJO

3294 Friday, 28 August 2009 Cement Mason (5) 6450 PJO 6450 PJO

3293 Friday, 28 August 2009 Carpenter (2) 6450 PJO 6450 PJO

3292 Friday, 28 August 2009 Carpenter (8) 6358 PJO 6358 PJO

3291 Thursday, 27 August 2009 Heavy Equipment Operator (6) 2169 PJO 2169 PJO

3290 Thursday, 27 August 2009 Reinforcing Metal Worker (3) 2169 PJO 2169 PJO

3289 Thursday, 27 August 2009 Cement Mason (10) 2169 PJO 2169 PJO

3288 Thursday, 27 August 2009 Carpenter (5) 2169 PJO 2169 PJO

3287 Thursday, 27 August 2009 Cement Mason (22) 6446 PJO 6446 PJO

3286 Thursday, 27 August 2009 Carpenter (12) 6446 PJO 6446 PJO

3284 Thursday, 27 August 2009 Heavy Equipment Mechanic (4) 1260 PJO 1260 PJOC

3281 Thursday, 27 August 2009 Heavy Equipment Operator (3) 1050 PJO 1050 PJO

3280 Thursday, 27 August 2009 Heavy Equipment Mechanic (1) 1050 PJO 1050 PJO

3279 Thursday, 27 August 2009 Reinforcing Metal Worker (8) 1050 PJO 1050 PJO

3278 Thursday, 27 August 2009 Cement Mason (15) 1050 PJO 1050 PJO

3277 Thursday, 27 August 2009 Carpenter (16) 1050 PJO 1050 PJO

3274 Wednesday, 26 August 2009 Reinforcing Metal Worker (3) 1108 PJO 1108 PJO

3272 Wednesday, 26 August 2009 Cement Mason (11) 1108 PJO 1108 PJO

3271 Wednesday, 26 August 2009 Carpenter (15) 1108 PJO 1108 PJO

3270 Wednesday, 26 August 2009 Cement Mason (20) 1127 PJO 1127 PJO

3269 Wednesday, 26 August 2009 Carpenter (44) 1127 PJO 1127 PJO

3268 Tuesday, 25 August 2009 Precision Etcher / Engraver (1) 1138 PJO 1138 PJO

3267 Tuesday, 25 August 2009 Parachute Jumping Instructor (1) 1132 PJO 1132 PJO

3265 Tuesday, 25 August 2009 Japanese Specialty Cook (2) 6457 PJO 6457 PJO

3264 Tuesday, 25 August 2009 Cosmetologist (1) 2588 PJO 2588 PJO

3263 Thursday, 20 August 2009 Cement Mason (4) 6359 PJO 6359 PJO

3262 Thursday, 20 August 2009 Carpenter (3) 6359 PJO 6359 PJO

3261 Thursday, 20 August 2009 Reinforcing Metal Worker (2) 6359 PJO 6359 PJO

3259 Thursday, 20 August 2009 Specialty Cook (10) 6438 PJO 6438 PJO

3258 Thursday, 20 August 2009 Spa Therapist/Masseuse 6396 PJO 6396 PJO

3257 Thursday, 20 August 2009 Spa Supervisor 6396 PJO 6396 PJO

Date Posted Job Title Company

3256 Thursday, 20 August 2009 Cement Mason (7) 6471 PJO 6471 PJO

3255 Thursday, 20 August 2009 Spa Manager 6396 PJO 6396 PJO

3254 Thursday, 20 August 2009 Carpenter (3) 6471 PJO 6471 PJO

3253 Thursday, 20 August 2009 Food & Beverage Hostess/Server 6396 PJO 6396 PJO

3252 Thursday, 20 August 2009 Cement Mason (22) 2595 PJO 2595 PJO

3251 Thursday, 20 August 2009 Carpenter (20) 2595 PJO 2595 PJO

3250 Thursday, 20 August 2009 Reinforcing Metal Worker (5) 2595 PJO 2595 PJO

3249 Thursday, 20 August 2009 Heavy Equipment Mechanic (1) 1385 PJO 1385 PJO

3248 Thursday, 20 August 2009 Electrician (4) 1385 PJO 1385 PJO

3247 Thursday, 20 August 2009 Carpenter (4) 1385 PJO 1385 PJO

3245 Thursday, 20 August 2009 Automotive Body Repairer (1) 2479 PJO 2479 PJO

3246 Thursday, 20 August 2009 Electrical Drafter (3) 6324 PJO 6324 PJO

3244 Thursday, 20 August 2009 Cement Mason (2) 6467 PJO 6467 PJO

3243 Thursday, 20 August 2009 Carpenter (3) 6467 PJO 6467 PJO

3242 Wednesday, 19 August 2009 Floral Designer (2) 1128 PJO

3241 Wednesday, 19 August 2009 Wedding Coordinator (2) 2537 PJO 2537 PJO

3239 Wednesday, 19 August 2009 Electrician (6) 2445 PJO 2445 PJO

3238 Wednesday, 19 August 2009 Cement Mason (20) 1053 PJO 1053 PJO

3237 Wednesday, 19 August 2009 Carpenter (15) 1053 PJO 1053 PJO

3236 Wednesday, 19 August 2009 Photographer (1) 1681 PJO 1681 PJO

3232 Tuesday, 18 August 2009 Field Supervisor (Electrical Works) (1) 6403 PJO 6403 PJO

3231 Tuesday, 18 August 2009 Field Supervisor (Architectural Works) (1) 6403 PJO 6403 PJO

3229 Tuesday, 18 August 2009 Field Supervisor Electronics & Communication (1) 6403 PJO 6403 PJO

3228 Tuesday, 18 August 2009 Reinforcing Metal Worker (1) 6403 PJO 6403 PJO

3227 Tuesday, 18 August 2009 Graphic Designer (1) 6403 PJO 6403 PJO

3226 Tuesday, 18 August 2009 Dive Instructor (2) 1034 PJO 1034 PJO

3225 Tuesday, 18 August 2009 Mechanical Drafter (3) 6355 PJO 6355 PJO

3224 Tuesday, 18 August 2009 Carpenter (1) 2510 PJO 2510 PJO

3223 Monday, 17 August 2009 Cement mason (8) 6353 PJO 6353 PJO

3222 Monday, 17 August 2009 Carpenter (11) 6353 PJO 6353 PJO

3221 Monday, 17 August 2009 Operating Engineer (1) 6262 PJO 6262 PJO

3220 Monday, 17 August 2009 Estimator (1) 6262 PJO 6262 PJO

3219 Monday, 17 August 2009 Cement Mason (2) 6262 PJO 6262 PJO

3218 Monday, 17 August 2009 Wedding Service Attendant (1) 1072 PJO 1072 PJO

3217 Monday, 17 August 2009 Cement Mason (10) 6262 PJO 6262 PJO

3216 Monday, 17 August 2009 Carpenter (16) 6262 PJO 6262 PJO

3215 Monday, 17 August 2009 Cement Mason (3) 2402 PJO 2402 PJO

3214 Monday, 17 August 2009 Carpenter (15) 2402 PJO 2402 PJO

3213 Monday, 17 August 2009 Cement Mason (1) 6493 PJO 6493 PJO

3212 Monday, 17 August 2009 Carpenter (2) 6493 PJO 6493 PJO

3211 Monday, 17 August 2009 Cement Mason (6) 6285 PJO 6285 PJO

3210 Monday, 17 August 2009 Cement Mason (2) 6273 PJO 6273 PJO

3209 Monday, 17 August 2009 Carpenter (2) 6273 PJO 6273 PJO

3208 Monday, 17 August 2009 Reinforcing Metal Worker (21) 6411 PJO 6411 PJO

3207 Monday, 17 August 2009 Plasterer (6) 6411 PJO 6411 PJO

3206 Monday, 17 August 2009 Cement Mason (18) 6411 PJO 6411 PJO

3205 Monday, 17 August 2009 Carpenter (27) 6411 PJO 6411 PJO

3204 Friday, 14 August 2009 Plasterer (40) 1920 PJO 1920 PJO

3203 Friday, 14 August 2009 Heavy Equipment Operator (1) 1920 PJO 1920 PJO

3202 Friday, 14 August 2009 Carpenter (7) 1920 PJO 1920 PJO

Date Posted Job Title Company

3201 Friday, 14 August 2009 Reinforcing Metal Worker (3) 1020 PJO 1020 PJO

3200 Friday, 14 August 2009 Cement Mason (3) 1020 PJO 1020 PJO

3199 Friday, 14 August 2009 Reinforcing Metal Worker (4) 2433 PJO 2433 PJO

3198 Friday, 14 August 2009 Cement Mason (44) 2433 PJO 2433 PJO

3197 Friday, 14 August 2009 Carpenter (19) 2433 PJO 2433 PJO

3195 Friday, 14 August 2009 Sheet Metal Worker (1) 1129 PJO 1129 PJO

3193 Friday, 14 August 2009 A/C & Refrigeration Mechanic (2) 1129 PJO 1129 PJO

3192 Friday, 14 August 2009 Carpenter (1) 1129 PJO 1129 PJO

3191 Friday, 14 August 2009 Cement Mason (36) 6200 PJO 6200 PJO

3190 Friday, 14 August 2009 Carpenter (29) 6200 PJO 6200 PJO

3189 Friday, 14 August 2009 Reinforcing Metal Worker (5) 6275 PJO 6275 PJO

3188 Friday, 14 August 2009 Cement Mason (3) 6275 PJO 6275 PJO

3187 Friday, 14 August 2009 Carpenter (7) 6275 PJO 6275 PJO

3186 Friday, 14 August 2009 Estimator (4) 1119 PJO 1119 PJO

3185 Friday, 14 August 2009 Electrician (5) 1119 PJO 1119 PJO

3184 Friday, 14 August 2009 Cement Mason (9) 1119 PJO 1119 PJO

3183 Friday, 14 August 2009 Carpenter (4) 1119 PJO 1119 PJO

3181 Thursday, 13 August 2009 Electrical Engineer (1) 1096 PJO 1096 PJO

3178 Thursday, 13 August 2009 Field Supervisor (3) 1377 PJO 1377 PJO

3177 Thursday, 13 August 2009 reinforcing Metal Worker (8) 1377 PJO 1377 PJO

3176 Thursday, 13 August 2009 Cement Mason (8) 1377 PJO 1377 PJO

3175 Thursday, 13 August 2009 Finishing Carpenter (13) 1377 PJO 1377 PJO

3174 Thursday, 13 August 2009 Reinforcing Metal Worker (1) 2446 PJO 2446 PJO

3173 Thursday, 13 August 2009 Cement Mason (5) 2446 PJO 2446 PJO

3172 Thursday, 13 August 2009 Carpenter (5) 2446 PJO 2446 PJO

3169 Wednesday, 12 August 2009 Reinforcing Metal Worker (46) 1597 PJO 1597 PJO

2996 Friday, 29 May 2009 Precast Plant Manager/Engineer - 6432 FC 6432 FC

2454 Monday, 15 September 2008 Psychiatric Social Worker Supervisor (1) - 6233 6233

2453 Monday, 15 September 2008 Psychiatric Social Worker II (1) - 6233 6233

2452 Monday, 15 September 2008 Psychiatric Social Worker I (1) - 6233 6233

2451 Monday, 15 September 2008 Psychiatric Nurse Supervisor (1) - 6233 6233

2450 Monday, 15 September 2008 Psychiatric Nurse III (1) - 6233 6233

2449 Monday, 15 September 2008 Psychiatric Nurse II (1) - 6233 6233

2448 Monday, 15 September 2008 Psychiatric Nurse I (1) - 6233 6233

1996 Friday, 28 March 2008 Psychologist - 6233 6233

1974 Friday, 14 March 2008 Physician (Psychiatrists) Specialist (Board Eligible) - 6233 6233

1975 Friday, 14 March 2008 Physician (Psychiatrist) Specialist (Board Certified) - 6233 6233

U.S. to release huge report on impact of Guam buildup

2009-11-11T16:47:00.000+08:00

It weighs in at 10 volumes and has more than 5,000 pages of text and 9,000 pages of appendices and tables.

Putting it together was a chore, but figuring out what it all means might be the hardest part.

After more than 2½ years of research, the U.S. military this month will release a mammoth study explaining how its expansion plans on Guam will affect the land, water, wildlife and living standards on the island.

The study, officially called an environmental impact statement (EIS), is part of the Defense Department’s required legwork to add 8,000 Marines, an Army air defense unit and repeated aircraft carrier visits to an island with a land mass slightly smaller than Chicago.

Moreover, the study’s release in the Nov. 20 issue of the Federal Register will be the first detailed look at the military’s plans for most local leaders and residents. On Guam, which is across the International Date Line, the release date will be Nov. 21.

To prepare for the release, Guam’s governor hired a Colorado engineering and planning firm for more than a year to help decipher the impact statement.

Last month, night classes were held at community and senior centers to help people understand what to expect.

The military has set up a special Web site — www.guambuildupeis.us — and promised to put extra copies in libraries and government offices to provide more widespread access to the free document.

With such public anticipation for the weighty and complicated document, the military is trying to ensure the report doesn’t land with a thud.

"Most of the time, draft EIS’s don’t get much attention," said David Bice, a former Marine major general now serving as the Pentagon’s point man on the Guam buildup project. "The size and complexity of this EIS is not like anything I’ve ever dealt with. It’s a huge document. Ten volumes of 15,000 pages. Holy cow."

The release of the draft statement comes as Japanese and U.S. leaders are still discussing the future of 8,000 Marines’ current home on Okinawa. Both countries agreed in 2006 to move that many Marines to Guam by 2014, and Japan promised to pay $6.09 billion of the $10.3 billion estimated cost. Last summer, the U.S. military cashed the first payment, $335 million, from Japan.

More recently, a newly elected government in Japan has balked at the agreement because it calls for a new Marine air station in a rural portion of Okinawa.

Yet Bice says the military is moving ahead to meet a goal of awarding some construction contracts in 2010. Already, Navy engineers in Hawaii are soliciting for applicants to a "multiple award construction contract," a comprehensive job that would pay an estimated $4 billion to facilitate building various parts of the expansion.

Guam leaders and residents are both embracing and bracing for the planned expansion, which Bice once compared to adding 2.5 million people to New York City almost overnight.

"A lot of people are not opposed to the buildup," said Sen. Judith Guthertz, who chairs Guam’s legislative committee that oversees the military expansion. "They know it’s going to change their island. They just don’t want to change it too much."

Understanding that change begins, in many ways, with the draft statement. Already, local officials have won one request, which will double the normal review period from 45 days to 90 days.

There’s benefit for those who peruse through the legalese. The statement will explain where the military plans to build its gates and how it will mitigate for excess traffic, people, training and trash. It also will indicate who might benefit by selling a section of land needed for a wider road or offering convenient housing for the construction workers expected to migrate to the island.

Finding those insights, though, will be hard, officials say. The statement will be filled with scientific analysis and technical terms, which even the military needs help verifying. And that process already has begun, to some local leaders’ surprise.

Guthertz learned at her own committee meeting last month that several Guam employees had received early portions of the statement for a technical review. Those employees, including Guam’s top Environmental Protection Agency official, signed agreements with the military promising confidentiality.

"It’s not something commonly practice in my understanding," said Lorilee Crisostomo, Guam EPA’s administrator.

She and Bice said the military and the island staff, who also helped build the data within the document, agreed to the early reviews months ago.

"It’s not designed for secrecy," Bice said of the reviews, which he called technical in nature. "It’s designed to keep the integrity of the process."

Still, it struck a chord on a U.S. territory that often feels ignored.

"Maybe other communities, local government might represent them, or at least in Congress," said Sen. Edward J. B. Calvo, the Guam legislature’s minority leader, noting that Guam’s one congresswoman has a committee but no floor vote in the House of Representatives.

"As a territory, we just don’t have that same type of political family," Calvo said. "Here, it’s more unilateral decisions."

It doesn’t help that the omnibus defense budget, signed into law by President Obama last month, contains $734 million for the Guam buildup yet left out the island’s claims for war reparations, Guthertz and Calvo said. Under the proposal, the claims would compensate island residents and descendants of those imprisoned, tortured and killed by the Japanese during World War II. The proposal, which Obama supports, was shot down for the third time this fall.

That irony prompted Guthertz to release her own proposal. When the reparations were cut in October, she introduced a bill to impose a local toll on federal vehicles entering and leaving the military base on the island.

A week later, she put the proposal on hold. When asked about it, Guthertz chuckled and said she did it to get Washington’s attention as the environmental impact statement is released.

"If you’re looking for more land on Guam, you’d better be careful how you ask," she said. By Teri Weaver, Stars and Stripes

Economic forum to be held at Guam university

2009-11-08T16:34:00.001+08:00

A powerhouse of speakers, panelists and topics will highlight the University of Guam economic forum Thursday and Friday at the Sheraton Laguna Guam Resort.

Steve Ricci, a senior research engineer at Battelle Institute who will work with UOG on an alternative energy initiative, joins the list of panelists at the forum, UOG announced. The alternative energy program is funded through a $750,000 grant from the Office of Naval Research.

UOG President Robert Underwood, Delegate Madeleine Bordallo and Gov. Felix Camacho are expected to speak to the crowd during opening speeches or remarks.

Guest speakers include:

Derek Mitchell, principal deputy assistant secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs, who will talk about "Guam's Role in Asia and the Current State of the Guam Buildup."

Philippine Sen. Richard Gordon, who will discuss "Overall Asian Economies and the Redevelopment of Economic Zones."

Speaker Judith Won Pat, who will discuss "Public Sector Reforms and Fiscal Discipline, Accountability, Land Use."

Bob Cook, CEO and president, El Paso Regional Economic Development Corp. He will discuss El Paso's planning for the Fort Bliss buildup. PACIFIC DAILY NEWS

American Samoans apply for Guam jobs

2009-11-04T16:31:00.000+08:00

The first batch of American Samoan applications for jobs in the military build up in Guam has been sent to Professional Personnel International in Houston.

A former American Samoan ongressional candidate, Aumua Amata Coleman, who initiated the recruitment effort with PPI, says there are about 1,000 applications.

She says PPI headquarters will have an initial review and pass the applications to its office in Guam for a preliminary selection.

Aumua says this will be the first step in a long process which will include extensive background checks and drug testing before any job interviews.

She expects that the hiring will begin in the first quarter of next year, with the work, mostly in construction, due to get underway by the middle of the year.

While the majority of those who applied were cannery employees, many college students and high school leavers, as well as people already working, have also submitted applications.

She says a quarter of the applicants are women.

Ada proposal lowers increase to H-2 fee

2009-11-01T16:28:00.000+08:00

Senators yesterday considered a bill that would increase hiring fees for H-2 workers to fund the jobs of more health inspectors, but the proposed increase had shrunk substantially since the bill was introduced.

Bill 135 originally proposed raising the annual fee per worker by $243, but bill author Sen. Tom Ada amended the proposed legislation to increase the fee by only $91.

Ada said he had "recalculated" the amount of money that should be raised to hire health inspectors and increase enforcement of health standards in immigrant workers' barracks, based on the coming military buildup. The original increase would have funded more workers than necessary, he said yesterday.

By charging an extra $91 per worker, GovGuam would raise about $6.7 million in five years, or nearly enough money to hire about 15 more health inspectors, Ada said.

Those health inspectors will be used primarily to enforce sanitary standards at worker housing, Ada said.

"I think we need to take proactive measures with regards to the temporary worker barracks that will be popping up all over the island to make sure that the environmental health of those facilities are in fact being maintained," Ada said yesterday.

Senators debated Bill 135 for hours yesterday, but eventually agreed to vote on it the next time it is discussed.

The Guam Contractors Association has sent letters to senators attempting to dissuade them from passing the bill, but Ada yesterday dismissed some of the arguments.

A recent letter from GCA President James Martinez said the military was going to enforce standards at worker barracks so Bill 135 was redundant.

Ada wasn't so sure.

"We need to take the responsibility for the health in our community," he said. "If everybody has all these good intentions, then fine, all the better that the health in our community will be looked after. But as of right now, there is nothing in writing that says it will be done."

Ada also said that although the new inspectors would be hired primarily to inspect work-force housing, they could be sent to other establishments if they were following a lead. BY BRETT KELMAN • PACIFIC DAILY NEWS

Obama OKs $734M for buildup

2009-11-01T16:26:00.000+08:00

Guam will receive more than $734 million for military buildup projects, as outlined in the Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010, which was signed into law Wednesday by President Obama.

That's more than four times the amount that was appropriated for the Department of Defense for military construction in 2009, according to Gary Hiles, chief economist at the Guam Department of Labor.

"The $734.2 million in military construction projects is more than double the previous record of military construction appropriation for Guam of $345 million in fiscal 2008. The appropriation for fiscal 2009 was $180 million," Hiles said.

"That's probably the biggest appropriation that Guam has seen for a military project," added James Martinez, president of the Guam Contractors Association.

This sum roughly translates into about 7,000 new construction jobs created for fiscal 2010, based on the ratio of construction industry project amounts to jobs in the 2007 Economic Census for Guam. Every million dollars in expenditures created about 10 construction jobs at that time, Hiles said.

It's the skilled trade workers who will be the most in demand, according to Martinez. However, Guam probably won't see these jobs open up until early next year, Martinez said. The projects most likely will be let out for bid during the first quarter of 2010, in the March-to-April time frame. That cushion of time will allow Guam's construction industry to evaluate how many qualified workers there are in the labor pool, he said.

"I would expect that by the end of calendar year 2010, Guam will add in the neighborhood of 2,000 to 3,000 construction jobs to the existing number of 6,700 as of June 2009," Hiles said.

But the defense spending bill requires that construction companies look for qualified U.S. citizens and residents first before turning to recruitment of foreign workers.

Reliable Builders Project manager Rey Brigino said he hoped the local worker pool would support the need presented by construction companies. BY AMRITHA ALLADI • PACIFIC DAILY NEWS

Guam granted extra time for review of Impact Study on military build-up

2009-11-01T16:24:00.000+08:00

Guam has been granted an extra ninety days to review the Draft Environmental Impact Study, or EIS, for the United States military build-up on the island.

This follows a meeting between Guam’s Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo and the secretary of the US Navy Ray Mabus in Washington yesterday.

Guam officials had been pleading with the federal government for an extension of the 45-day period originally allocated for a review of the soon-to-be-released EIS.

They argued that such a highly detailed and technical document needed a longer period for review because Guam civillians would have to live with the environmental consequences of the build-up for the rest of their lives.

Following the meeting, Congresswoman Bordallo said she also discussed the importance of the Department of Defense being more proactive in supporting the Guam World War II Loyalty Recognition Act.

Wage protections will apply to Guam buildup contractors' workers

2009-10-08T17:53:00.000+08:00

PACIFIC DAILY NEWS • NEWS@GUAMPDN.COM

The fiscal 2010 defense spending bill, as approved by a House-Senate conference committee yesterday, would extend the Davis-Bacon wage protections to all military construction projects on Guam.

Under the Davis-Bacon Act, federal contractors and subcontractors must pay their laborers and mechanics no less than the locally prevailing wages and fringe benefits for corresponding work on similar projects in the area, according to the U.S. Labor Department. The Davis-Bacon Act directs the U.S. Department of Labor to determine such locally prevailing wage rates, according to the federal Labor Department.

The federal law also requires federal contractors to pay workers weekly.

Bordallo’s office states the defense spending bill, as agreed upon by the House-Senate conference committee, would require contractors performing work on military construction projects on Guam to develop a recruitment plan that is submitted to the U.S. Department of Labor that details their efforts to hire local and other U.S. citizens and nationals.

It also requires that the contractors submit a follow-up report that details why any U.S. citizen or national was not hired for a specific project, according to Bordallo’s office.

The bill maintains the governor of Guam's ability to certify the need for H-2B workers, but he must submit an additional certification to the Secretary of Defense for military construction projects only.

Buildup Bump: Guam Lawmakers Take Aim As Feds Rush Environmental Impact Process

2009-10-07T05:49:00.000+08:00

By Jeff Marchesseault - http://guamnewsfactor.com

GUAM - News Monday that the public would have a mere 45 days to respond to a complex 8,000-page Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the island's massive military buildup has at least two local lawmakers scrambling to make up for lost time.

After taking a moment to shake off their initial 'shock' and frustration, Vice Speaker BJ Cruz and Military Buildup Chairperson Judi Guthertz are getting the word out that the 30th Legislature isn't about to be bowled over in a rush to comply with minimum environmental standards at the risk of overlooking legitimate local developmental concerns.

Straining Out Gnats, Swallowing Camels

In a radio interview with Newstalk K57 Breakfast Show Host Ray Gibson on Tuesday morning, Cruz said there was no way he could read, let alone understand, 8,000 pages of abstruse, federal officialese inside a month and a half. The Vice Speaker insisted that before local lawmakers can be expected to get up to speed and contribute meaningfully to the conversation, federal officials must provide funding for the legislature so senators can hire a qualified consultancy to wade through the Sanskrit, interpret federal findings, and, presumably, make recommendations that advance the interests of Guam's residents.

Getting To The Bottom Of It

In an October 7th request for help addressed to key divisions of the U.S. Departments of Interior and Defense, Guthertz' (who has consistently fought for a buildup that benefits Guam while meeting the Pentagon's regional objectives) tells Interior Assistant Secretary for Insular Areas Tony Babauta and DOD/Office of Economic Adjustment Program Manager Gary Kubarawa that the Joint Guam Program Office (JGPO) briefed local senators on Monday regarding the status of environmental impact studies.

And she explains that JGPO "informed us that the draft EIS will be released to the public on November 20, 2009, triggering a 45 day window for public comment. It will be ten volumes and run about 8,000 pages."

A Damper On The Holiday Cheer

Dousing in a dose of reality, Cruz asked K57's Gibson point-blank, "do you know how much work gets done on Guam between November 20 and January 5?" Cruz explained that Guam shifts into holiday mode before Thanksgiving straight through the New Year and insinuated that the federal M.O. on the buildup borders on conspiracy.

At this point, push has come to shove. Ten volumes in 45 days feels an awful lot like a force feeding -- especially at a time when everyone needs a little extra room for cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie.

In her letter to Assistant Secretary Babauta and OEA's Kuwabara, Guthertz asserts that although the Office of the Governor may have the resources it needs to respond to the EIS, the Legislature is sorely lacking similar information and funding:

"We think that our Governor intends to use funds provided by the Office of Economic Adjustment (OEA) to provide expertise for his review and comment on the draft EIS. However, the Legislature will not have access to those funds."

So, who within the territory might these national authorities want to talk to next?

Clue: On Guam They Make The Rules And Divvy Up The Cash

Although federal officials may be forgiven for their tendency to deal at the executive-to-executive level, the reality is this. The sooner the Department of Defense and representatives of the Obama Administration begin engaging Guam's legislative branch of government, the sooner our local lawmakers will be enabled to act in the spirit of Guthertz' win-win buildup philosophy.

Given its policymaking and appropriation authority, the Guam Legislature is a critical component to the military buildup. A project of this scale and magnitude will require a great deal of legislative input and flexibility -- from the development of port, road, utility and facilities infrastructure to the expansion of social programs -- in order to support a ballooning population, regulate the economy and handle exponential new loads of vehicular traffic.

Think of Guam as a mid-level American municipality. And say you're playing a computer-simulated game of 'community development'. You wouldn't foist a $15 billion federal master plan (the Guam Buildup) on the city council (the Guam Legislature) without their input -- would you?

We've said it before here at the Factor. And we'll say it again. A buildup that is good for the military must also be good for Guam. It's hard to coexist peacefully without mutual respect for one another's needs. Especially when two groups must coexist within a remote island not much bigger than a couple of hundred square miles.

The Rising Action

To expedite buildup matters on the homefront, Senator Guthertz has called an October 15th oversight hearing on "Draft EIS input" and "Military Build-up Funds from All Sources" and is asking pertinent GovGuam agency heads and experts to attend and to update the Legislature on their individual input and comments on sections of the federal government's draft EIS.

John Dela Rosa contributed to this report.

Here is a media release from Senator Guthertz' office updating voters on her response to the draft EIS -- and the tight timeline to respond:

Oversight Hearing On Draft EIS Is Now Set

Senator Guthertz Seeks Expert Assistance And Demands "Full Disclosure" On Draft EIS And Buildup Funding

Hagåtña - Senator Judi P. Guthertz has scheduled an Oversight Hearing to gather details on the Administration's input regarding the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) presented by the Joint Guam Program Office (JGPO).

Sen. Guthertz also wrote to Assistant Secretary of the Interior Tony Babauta and Mr. Gary Kuwabara from the Office of Economic Adjustment seeking assistance in acquiring an expert to help the Committee on the Guam Military Buildup and Homeland Security with digesting the technical points of the Environmental Impact Statement in its working and final form.

"We haven't time to waste, the more information we learn about regarding the EIS for the buildup the better. Knowledge of what is contained in the EIS will aid us in formulating policy and planning for our people," explained Sen. Guthertz. "The military buildup is too vast a program to compartmentalize."

The lawmaker added, "It is all about transparency, accountability and preparedness. The Committee has committed to these tenets and will endeavor to hold the federal government and our local agencies including the Administration to the same. It just makes sense to keep

our people informed and aware."

As well, Sen. Guthertz will query the Governor's office on all funding received from the federal government in support of the military buildup on Guam. In late July, the senator advised the governor's office to be prepared for an Oversight Hearing on all military buildup

funding.

The Oversight Hearing is scheduled on Thursday, October 15, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. at the Public Hearing Room of the Guam Legislature.

Click here to read Senator Guthertz' letter to Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Insular Areas Tony Babauta and Office of Economic Adjustment staffer Gary Kuwabara.

Click here to read Senator Guthertz' letter to Guam Governor Felix Camacho.

JIGPO Briefs Lawmakers On Military Buildup EIS

2009-10-05T23:33:00.000+08:00

Guam - Guam lawmakers were briefed on the military’s buildup environmental impact concerns Monday.

The sum result of the meeting was that members of the island community should have more to say about the EIS.

With long announced plans to officially break ground for the first phase of the Guam military buildup set for early 2010, a variety of government and military environmental experts as well as consultants have been putting together the environmental impact assessment required by both federal law and the planning process. However, it was only today that the Joint Guam Program Office shared details of what was being found and how it might affect the final shape of the $15 billion buildup and its impact on ordinary Guam citizens.

“It’s the first solid information we’ve had on the EIS,” said Senator Judi P. Guthertz. At a legislative briefing with more than half the senators represented, JGPO’s John Jackson, Director, JGPO (Forward), was grilled by legislators eager for information and unhappy with the short amount of time that the public will have to comment on the EIS.

Presented to the lawmakers was the outline of a ten volume document that is expected to be thousands of pages long. JGPO said that the draft of the EIS would be out on November 20th. At that time the public and other interested parties would have just 45 days to offer further comments or objections.

Some material from the preliminary report already suggests impacts on non-military Guam residents: Plans are to drill deep wells to ensure water supplies on base. On the other hand, the military expects to pay part of the costs of expanding the northern GovGuam sewage treatment plant to cover its expanded requirements.

Access to information about the military buildup has been a source of frustration in local government circles. While some government agencies have received copies of EIS drafts, the most recent version apparently did not go to the governor’s office. On the other hand, governor’s staffers who were not provided with copies have been invited to a session in Hawaii later this week to help drafters of the EIS review it.

In the short run, senators were most unhappy about the limited time they’ll have to review the EIS. Senator Matt Rector complained, “We’ve got no expertise to analyze an EIS…There’s no way in hell we can do this in 45 days…” Senator Guthertz agreed, but promised, “I’ll go through the EIS word by word.”

Guthertz urged that all citizens and particularly government officials with environmental expertise be prepared to lend a hand to review of the EIS, which she said is “vital” to the future of everyone making their home on Guam.

[Present at the EIS briefing were: Senators Guthertz, Speaker Won Pat, Senator Ada, Senator Pangelinan, Telo Taitague, Matt Rector; Senators Cruz, Palacios and Respicio were represented by staff]. Pacific News Center

Buildup's start may be late

2009-09-26T10:28:00.000+08:00

Completion of environmental study delayed

BY DIONESIS TAMONDONG • PACIFIC DAILY NEWS

A draft study of the military buildup's potential environmental impact to the island may be completed by November -- several months later than the date federal officials had previously announced.

While the delay may push back the expected start of military construction projects, they're still scheduled to begin next year, according to federal and local officials. The start of those projects was targeted for early 2010.

The Environmental Impact Statement is a detailed study of the consequences that the projects may have on the environment. It must be approved before any military construction projects can break ground.

The target date for the draft EIS study to be completed is November, Guam Buildup Office Deputy Director Nora Camacho said during a meeting yesterday at the Guam Economic Development Authority.

The draft statement was supposed to be issued in January this year, then it was pushed back to spring, according to Pacific Daily News files. In July, retired Marine Maj. Gen. David Bice, executive director of the Joint Guam Program Office, said more time was needed to prepare the study, which consisted of more than 8,000 pages.

Camacho said JGPO officials continue to work with certain local agencies to reconcile inconsistencies found in the voluminous study.

Sen. Frank Aguon Jr., chairman of the legislative committee on economic development, said large construction projects, particularly those that require significant digging, will likely be affected by delays. But the senator, who was at yesterday's GEDA meeting, said he also believes the buildup shouldn't be rushed.

"I don't think (major delays) bode well for local businesses who are ready to start breaking ground within the next couple of months, but the reality is the EIS is critical so the community knows and understands exactly what the impact will be to Guam's environment," Aguon said.

Aguon said he thinks any major delays to large construction projects might affect the military's goal of relocating 8,000 U.S. Marines and their 9,000 dependents to Guam from Okinawa by 2014.

Guam Contractors Association President James Martinez said it's no big deal if projects are held back by a few months.

"We're all very anxious and excited to start, but there's also a lot of preparations involved and a little more time to do so might help," he said.

Marine Capt. Neil Ruggiero, JGPO public information officer, reiterated yesterday that they are on track with the environmental impact study and the goal for construction to start is still within fiscal 2010. He wouldn't say whether it would be in the early or later part of the year.

After the final EIS study is approved, a record of decision will be issued, detailing which projects will move forward.

Respicio And Guthertz Assure Guam Jobs For Filipinos

2009-09-05T22:25:00.000+08:00

By Michael Rudolph - Guam News Factor

GUAM - Yesterday, Senators Rory Respicio and Judith Gurthertz met with Philippine Overseas Employment Administration officials in Mandaluyong, Philippines. The discussion points revolved around the recruitment of manpower for the Guam military buildup. During their visit the Senators expressed their positive sentiments of the Filipino labor force on Guam.

That, according to reports filed by the Philippine Star and GMA Television News.

Guthertz stated that "Filipinos are hardworking, they're loyal, and they're very, very industrious." Senator Respicio also shared his personal thoughts when he said "we have affinity for foreign workers, especially for Filipinos."

The two senators made assurances that the projected 15,000 to 20,000 job openings on Guam in 2010 related to the military buildup will be open to Filipinos, as potential employment opportunities for Filipinos will not be stymied by the efforts of Hawaii Congressman Neil Abercrombie (D).

"We do not believe it will pass. He will not get everything he is wishing for," said Guthertz commenting Abercrombie's prevailing wage provision. The prevailing wage provision or Kalua Pork Provision would require that the minimum wage standard for all construction workers on Guam will be at the prevailing wage level for similar construction projects in Hawaii. In addition, foreign workers will be allowed to do no more than 30% of the work on the project. According to the Congressional Budget Office, Abercrombie's provision would increase the cost of the buildup by $10 billion.

Filipinos should know that they have advocates in their corner, as evidenced by Senator Guthertz and Recpicio's comments and efforts to ensure that our fellow Pacific Islanders do not get left out in cold by Abercrombie's Kalua Pork Provision.

Read the Philippine Star article, "20,000 jobs up for grabs in Guam", September 2, 2009.

Read the GMA News.TV story, "Filipino workers assured of more jobs in Guam", September 2, 2009.

Guidelines on Guam out in Nov.

2009-09-04T22:18:00.000+08:00

THE Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) chief said on Thursday the guidelines for the deployment of 15,000 to 20,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to Guam would be released in November or December this year.

POEA Administrator Jennifer Jardin Manalili said in a press conference the agency is finalizing the rules and regulations for the deployment to craft a standard contract for workers who will be hired to work in Guam.

“The guidelines will hopefully be out by the end of the year, around November or December. We foresee that there will be a surge of OFWs who would want to go to Guam,” Manalili said.

Guam is offering construction work to foreign workers who could earn as much as $17 an hour, Guam senator-adviser Alfredo Antolin Jr. said.

No recruitment fee will be collected from aspiring workers but a service fee of up to $1,000 will be collected from the construction companies that will hire foreign workers.

However, recruitment consultant Emmanuel Geslani said the standard employment contract of the POEA, which insists on free food and accommodation for the OFWs, is contrary to Guam labor laws.

The Guam labor laws, which are patterned after the US mainland laws, state that food and accommodation should be shouldered by workers, similar to what is practiced in all the US states.

Geslani expressed the fear that if the contractors from Guam will shoulder the $400 airfare and a visa fee of $1,000 for a H2-B temporary working visa, the companies might be “turned off” and hire Americans instead.

“Therefore, it would be easier to hire jobless American nationals or other foreign workers who are from the mainland or can fly in on their own airfare and without the need of a visa and no service fee is involved. So, no additional costs are involved if the contractor hires [jobless] American nationals who now number 2.5 million mostly in the construction and home industry,” Geslani said.

“The hiring rules are the same as in the US, which [pay] on a per hour [basis] and Filipinos will receive the same pay as the Americans. So why hire a Filipino if you can hire an American at no cost to you? This is what recruitment leaders are saying. There is no advantage in hiring Filipinos. In fact, it is a disadvantage to contractors or subcontractors who will work on the expansion of the Andersen Air Force Base in Guam,” he added.

A proposed bill, the 2010 National Defense Authorization Act, to the United States House Representatives, 70-percent of jobs in Guam are reserved for American citizens. Written by Sara Fabunan / Business Mirror Correspondent

RP needs labor attaché in Guam

2009-09-03T22:22:00.000+08:00

HAGATNA, Guam—Guam Sen. Frank Aguon Jr. asked Philippine Labor Secretary Marianito Roque to send a labor attaché to Guam to oversee the needs of Filipino workers expected to fill thousands of jobs that will be generated by the impending US military buildup on the island with the relocation of thousands of US Marines from Okinawa.

Aguon last week wrote to Roque on the heels of a complaint filed by nine H2 workers who left Guam on August 27 after reluctantly accepting a meager amount of cash from Base Corp., their former employer. The United States H2 visa is issued to unskilled workers and is the most commonly used for workers in farming or construction.

They filed a complaint against the company at the local and federal labor departments for wage theft and maltreatment.

“It is critical that a Philippine representative with labor and welfare expertise assist workers in their need as they adjust to their new living and working environment,” said Aguon, chairman of the Committee on Economic Development, Health and Human Services and Judiciary.

The nine Filipino construction workers came to Guam early this year with hopes of earning good salaries to send back home to their families. But they flew back to the Philippines and decided to abandon their labor complaint after receiving $1,500 each from Base Corp.

“They could have stayed to see their case through because the federal labor department offered to give them immigration relief that would allow them to stay legally,” said Felix Aguon, a local labor-rights activist who assisted the Filipino workers. “But they wouldn’t take chances. They just wanted to leave.”

Danilo Navarette, spokesman for the group, signed a contract with the company to work as a carpenter. His contract stipulated a minimum wage of $13.56 an hour, but he only made $11.70 an hour. The employer deducted $200 from his monthly pay checks.

“We didn’t know the purpose of the deduction,” Navarette said in Pilipino in an interview before he left Guam. “We spent more for the recruitment than the amount we saved.”

The complaint was filed by Navarette, Victor Cortez, Ruben Enriques, Vergilo Enriques, Arnulfo Ruiz, Ferdinand Lubong, Rolando Aquino, Leonardo Paulino and Roberto Fabian, who all came to Guam in January.

Their contracts were supposed to be good until October but Base Corp. fired them after they filed the complaint.

“More Filipino workers with H2 visa will be coming here. We don’t want them to suffer what we had experienced,” Fabian said in Pilipino.

Guam will need about 30,000 foreign workers to pick up the construction jobs that will be generated by the relocation of 8,000 US Marines from Okinawa.

The island is dependent on the federal guest-worker program to fill its huge labor gap. The Philippines is a main source of manpower for Guam’s construction industry. Written by Mar-Vic Cagurangan / Special to the BusinessMirror

OFWs assured in Guam

2009-09-02T22:09:00.002+08:00

Filipino workers assured of more jobs in Guam’

KIMBERLY JANE T. TAN, GMANews.TV

Despite an American lawmaker’s recent proposal to cut down the number of foreign workers in Guam, the US territory’s officials said Wednesday that the projected 15,000 to 20,000 job openings there will still be up for grabs – preferably to Filipinos – come 2010.

“We have affinity for foreign workers, especially for Filipinos," said Guam Senator and Majority Leader Rory Respicio during a press conference held Wednesday at the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) office in Mandaluyong.

Respicio made the assurance after US Representative Neil Abercrombie filed a bill that would cut down the percentage of work for foreign workers in the Guam labor market to only 30 percent.

But Guam Senator and Assistant Majority Leader Judith Guthertz said that their Senate will have to pass a similar proposal as Abercrombie’s before it can even take effect. “We do not believe it will pass. He will not get everything he is wishing for," she said.

‘Hard-working, loyal’

Guam officials had also earlier expressed their intention to hire Filipino workers for thousands of jobs that would open up during the transfer of the US military bases from Okinawa, Japan to the island in 2010. (See: Pinoys eyed to fill up 15,000 job vacancies in Guam)

“The most likely source of non-US workers for us would be the Philippines," said Guthertz. This, said Respicio, was because “Filipinos are hardworking, they’re loyal, and they’re very, very industrious."

Alfredo Antolin Jr., senior adviser of both Respicio and Guthertz, said that Filipino workers should find this opportunity very promising. “In Guam, they will be making good money, there won’t be exploitation," he said.

For the relocation project, Guam is willing to pay foreign workers at least $12 or almost P590 per hour or about $1,920 a month equivalent to about P94,000.

Moreover, Guthertz said prospective hires will not have to worry about any placement fees because they will be charging the annual $1,000 service free to their contractor. She said the fee collected will go to their manpower development fund used to train their local workers.

“That (the service fee) is something they have to monitor pero magpupulis din naman tayo dito sa atin (but we will also monitor that on our side)," said POEA Administrator Jennifer Manalili on the possibility that the burden of the service fee might be passed on to the worker.

Manalili said recruitment for the Guam relocation project will not begin until 2010. She added that they have yet to determine the modes of recruitment.

POEA records showed that as of June 2008, a total of 14, 497 Filipinos were residing and working in Guam. A total of 2,352 Filipino workers have been deployed there since 1998. - GMANews.TV

50K Philippine Workers 'Set To Be Hired' For Guam Buildup. But U.S., Japan Still Coming To Terms

2009-09-02T22:05:00.001+08:00

Written by Jeff Marchesseault, Guam News Factor Staff Writer

GUAM - The Philippine government's optimism about Guam's massive military buildup and the island's arguable 'need' for qualified Filipino labor is refreshing. But the reality among the powers that be says it'll be awhile before Washington, the Department of Defense, and the government of Japan -- much less the Government of Guam -- will know when housing and other construction can start in order to begin accommodating the arrival of U.S. troops eventually to be resettled here from Okinawa.

Let's Not Jump The Gun

This morning's edition of the Philippine Star reports:

At least 50,000 Filipino construction and other skilled workers are set to be hired in Guam to construct a large military base in that US territory, the government said yesterday.

Augusto Syjuco, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority director general, said Guam will hire carpenters, welders, masons, heavy equipment operators, and cooks and waiters who will serve those construction workers.

While more than 50,000 may stand willing, ready and able for hire from across the Philippine Sea, several key issues must be settled within Washington and between the U.S. and Japan before labor can be identified and construction can begin.

A Seismic Undulation

Over the weekend Japan experienced a major power shift after a nationwide election ended the more than five-decade reign of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to make way for the much-favored Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) in a landslide victory that may only embolden the DPJ's resolve to carry through on its scrutinous intentions with regard to traditional U.S.-Japanese relations. Chief among sticking points in these relations is the Guam buildup.

Still On The Table

If the DPJ carries through on its stated resolve to stop following the U.S. lead in foreign affairs and start implementing cost controls on Japan's investment in American protection, then the Guam buildup could conceivably receive less than the $6.09 billion in financing earlier promised by the LDP for Japan's part of the deal. And an LDP-brokered deal to move a Marine air base from metropolitan to remote Okinawa to help relieve military congestion as part of the Okinawa-to-Guam transfer will be reexamined. Furthermore, the U.S. Congress has yet to settle on a bicameral version of the 2010 Defense Authorization Act, which means foreign labor quotas and wages for Guam's buildup remain unknown, right along with other defense spending on Guam.

As Guam News Factor reported on August 23, independent news sources had found that, owing to various delays including a lack of clarity on when (and how many) troops will leave Okinawa for Guam, Guam's military housing construction timetables were already six months behind schedule.

Buildup Terms Depend On America And Japan

The Republic of the Philippines is doing the right thing by remaining vigilant about vouchsafing Guam jobs for its skilled workers. However, along with this vigilance must come an appreciation for the U.S.-to-Japan bilateral relations guiding the Guam buildup, outside the control of the governments of Guam and the Philippines.

Today's Philippine Star also states:

Syjuco said two senators from Guam are arriving in Manila this week for the preparatory hiring of Filipino skilled workers.

"The two senators will be staying from Sept. 2 to 4 to discuss preparations for the deployment of Filipino workers, and soon afterwards we expect the interviews and recruitment to start," he said.

Syjuco said TESDA has now sufficient manpower to fill up the requirement in Guam.

Even if two senators from Guam are planning to visit Manila to help ease the way for the hire of Filipino workers, it must be realized that, ultimately, both houses of the U.S. Congress and the President of the United States must agree on the terms and makeup of Guam's buildup labor before any hiring can begin. And it also must be expected that a victorious DPJ might also have something to say about it.

Read the Philippine Star story,"50,000 OFWs set to be hired in Guam", August 31, 2009.

Read the Guam News Factor analysis, "Guam Buildup Housing Delays: There's A Much Bigger Picture At Play", August 23, 2009.

Read the Guam News Factor analysis, "Guam Better Brace For New Buildup Hurdles: Exit Poll Shows New Leadership In Japan", August 30, 2009.

Read the Guam News Factor analysis, "Guam's Fall-2010 Buildup Launch Could Hinge On Japan's Election This Sunday", August 29, 2009.

Americans are priority in Guam jobs

2009-08-31T09:22:00.003+08:00

There had been discussions lately about OFWs losing jobs in Guam due to the possibility that many Americans who are unemployed now going to Guam for work.

Actually this writer had been repeatedly stating that indeed . . . Americans, Guamenians, Hawaiian and the other islanders have the first crack of the jobs to be offered during Guam Buildup or any other Guam job offer for that matter.

Guam Governor has to certify that in fact, either no one from the above priorities applied or qualified for the job before it can be offered to other nationalities.

There is no question however that more or less 20,000 jobs are expected to be generated by the project.

At the current situation... if you will go to Guam, the reality is that there are now substantial number of OFWs presently working in various fields.

What does this mean...?

That the locals... (Guamenians, Americans... etc) are simply NOT interested to take the job!

Because if they are... all the jobs there should have been taken and nothing left for the OFW!

And we are just talking about the regular construction work in Guam... not yet the Guam buildup which will need 20,000 workers or so.

The point of the matter that made this issue prominent is due to the proposal by Hawaiian representative to make salaries in Guam (specially during buildup) comparable to Hawaii or even mainland rate...

If that happens... maybe this discussion can change shape..

Below if the comparison of WAGES: GUAM VS. HAWAII
Wages determined by the Department of Labor for federal projects under the Service Contract Act (all figures are rates per hour) versus Hawaii's:
Jobs ..........................In Guam >> In Hawaii %Change
Carpenter, maintenance . $13.00 >>$30.88 +137.5%
Electrician, maintenance .$14.99 >>>$28.25 +88.5%
Heavy equipment mechanic $14.81 >>$26.98 +82.2%
Heavy equipment operator $13.73 >>>$29.54 +115.1%
Painter, building maintenance $13.55 >$23.09 +70.4%

But by the way things are going in the US Congress.... the possibility is not that promising because if this adjustment gets implemented, an additional USD 10B budget is required to complete the project... and we all know that funds are not easy to come-by these days.

In the mean time... this writer (who happens to be the Head of Task Force Guam) finds it prudent to continue with the preparations... manpower registry ... training needs assessment ... continous open communication with both applicants and employers ... document preparation and go ahead with good relationship with the people of Guam! I don't see us loosing anything by being friendly and prepared!

Hafa Adai!

http://guam-ofw.blogspot.com/2009/07/wage-proposal-being-debated.html

http://guam-ofw.blogspot.com/2009/08/bad-news-good-news-on-guam-jobs.html

http://guam-ofw.blogspot.com/2009/08/subcontracts-manpower-philippine.html

http://guam-ofw.blogspot.com/2009/07/mayor-gordon-believes-guam-wage-ok.html

http://guam-ofw.blogspot.com/2009/08/guam-wage-most-likely-to-stay.html

http://guam-ofw.blogspot.com/2009/07/washington-post-10B-guam-buildups-too-costly.html

http://guam-ofw.blogspot.com/2009/07/proposal-adds-10b-to-cost-of-buildup.html

http://guam-ofw.blogspot.com/2009/07/guam-governor-expects-filipinos-to-fill-jobs.html

Now here's the latest article on this issue.... you be the judge.

OFWs may lose jobs in Guam to Americans

By Jerome Aning

Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines -- The 15,000 up to 20,000 job openings in Guam being eyed by the Philippine government for overseas Filipinos workers are imperiled by a United States legislator who wants most of the jobs given to US citizens, according to a consultant for overseas job recruitment.

Emmanuel Geslani, a consultant of several Manila-based recruitment agencies, said the US Senate and House of Representatives have been reconciling the final version of the proposed 2010 National Defense Authorization Act, which would specify the budget and expenditures of the US defense department for 2010.

According to Geslani, however, the US Congress might move to prioritize Americans for such jobs.

Various online news have reported that the House version of the bill contains an amendment by Hawaii 1st district Rep. Neil Abercrombie, which, among others, reserved to US citizens up to 70 percent of the jobs to be generated by the US$15 billion worth of construction and infrastructure projects for the planned move of 8,000 Marines and their 9,000 dependents from Japan to Guam.

Abercrombie’s amendment to the House version of the bill also required that the wages for the jobs match the level in Hawaii for similar work.

Reports said that US Navy Secretary Ray Mabus opposed the Abercrombie amendment, which he said would add another US$10 billion to the Guam military-buildup, which centered on the expansion of the Andersen Air Force Base on the island.

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration announced last month that OFWs would be preferred in the buildup jobs resulting from the transfer of the US military bases and personnel from Okinawa, Japan, to Guam, a US territory.

The POEA had even started negotiating with job providers in Japan on the wages the OFWs would be getting, adding that OFWs were preferred for their professionalism and hard work.

Geslani said a delay in the passage of the bill by the US Congress would “certainly” affect the timetable for the withdrawal and the POEA’s expected mobilization of OFWs by the first quarter of 2010.

“OFWs are advised to wait until the POEA clears up the situation and accredits selected agencies for this huge project, according to the criteria being drafted by the POEA for licensed recruitment agencies interested in gaining access to the Guam labor market,” he said in a statement.

He also warned OFWs that the POEA has not been processing any job orders for Guam. He urged them not to listen to illegal recruiters who have been going around provinces, recruiting applicants for Guam and telling them that licensed agencies have been listing up possible workers for Guam.

Geslani said the negotiations for OFW deployment have been affected because of the disputes and deadlocks in the processing and procedures for the construction of the new military and housing facilities for the US soldiers.

The consultant, quoting Filipino and Guamanian labor experts familiar with the negotiations, said differences over the selection of contractors for the projects could lag up to a year, upsetting the timetable for the completion of the military transfer by as much as three to four years.

He said another unresolved issue has been the POEA contract containing provisions contrary to Guam labor laws, which have been patterned after those in the US mainland.

“POEA insists that OFWs’ food and accommodation should be free but under Guamanian labor laws, food and accommodation are to be shouldered by the workers, similar to what is practiced in all the US states,” he said.

He said manpower agencies in Guam and the Philippines have also bee also “turned off” by projected costs of sending an OFW to Guam. These costs include the $400 airfare, service fees amounting $1,000 to $2,000, and visa fees of about $1,000.

“Therefore, it would be easier to hire jobless American nationals from the mainland who can fly on their own airfare without the need of a visa, no service fee involved, and no additional costs. Probably the contractors would hire jobless Americans from the construction and home industry who now number 2.5 million,” he said.

He noted that hiring rules were the same as in the US, which would be per hour, and this meant that OFWs would receive the same pay as Americans.

“’So why hire an OFW if you can hire an American at no cost to you’ -- this is what recruitment leaders are saying. There is no advantage in hiring Filipinos. In fact, it is a disadvantage to contractors or sub-contractors for the military project,” Geslani said.

Japan has agreed to provide $6.09 billion of the projected $10.27-billion relocation costs, a figure that includes the base housing as well as infrastructure improvements.

The US has already proposed using part of that money for improving other military facilities not directly connected to the transfer of the Okinawa-based Marines.

Proposed Guam wage change debate heats up

2009-08-21T20:36:00.002+08:00

Jobs plan called a threat to Marines' Guam move

Navy secretary says measure may make transfer too costly

By William Cole - Advertiser Military Writer

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, in Hawai'i on his first Pacific tour, yesterday said a jobs requirement added to a defense bill by U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie would jeopardize the planned $15 billion move of 8,000 Marines and their families from Japan to Guam.

"It's no secret that we oppose his (Abercrombie's) amendment to do that," Mabus said. "For one thing, we don't think we can afford to make the move if that happens."

Abercrombie yesterday said defense authorization bills passed by the U.S. Senate and House are in conference committee "and we're talking over what some of the (jobs amendment's) implications are."

The Hawai'i Democrat said the Obama administration is "open to discussion" over the amendment.

"So I have a lot of confidence that our point of view is going to get a fair hearing," Abercrombie said. "Now, whether we prevail, or prevail exactly the way I'd like to prevail, I don't know."

Abercrombie's amendment to the House version of the 2010 National Defense Authorization Act requires that 70 percent of jobs for the Guam buildup go to Americans and that wages be set at levels for similar projects in Hawai'i.

A Congressional Budget Office report estimated the measure would double the $10 billion construction cost for the move by 8,000 Marines and 9,000 family members from Okinawa to Guam, where labor costs are much lower than in Hawai'i.

Madeleine Bordallo, Guam's delegate to the House of Representatives, previously predicted Abercrombie's measure would be heavily altered or omitted.

Mabus, a Democrat and former Mississippi governor, is the 75th secretary of the Navy. He took over the job in May. As secretary of the Navy and Marine Corps, he is responsible for an annual budget of more than $150 billion and 900,000 people.

Mabus said the February grounding of the cruiser Port Royal is a concern.

"Anytime you've got a ship that runs aground it raises concern," Mabus said. "But we've taken a good look at what caused that. I think we understand it and I don't think it speaks of a big training and readiness concern across the Navy."

Mabus recently traveled to Iraq and Afghanistan, and he said 12,000 to 14,000 sailors operate on the ground in the region — more than the 9,500 at sea. He said he visited a Provincial Reconstruction Team in eastern Afghanistan headed up by a Navy submariner.

Real Estate up as Guam buildup nears

2009-08-21T20:35:00.000+08:00

Real estate sales up 55%

BY GAYNOR DUMAT-OL DALENO • PACIFIC DAILY NEWS •

Overall real estate sales on Guam increased 55 percent to $56.1 million during the second quarter this year compared to the same period last year, announced local market tracker The Captain Real Estate Group.

"The good news confirms that the worst is over," according to the company, which compiles residential and commercial real estate transactions on Guam and issues quarterly statistics. Without timely government statistics, Captain's figures are looked to as an indicator of the industry's health.

"The overall market reflected strong gains during the second quarter of 2009 and expectations remain high that significant growth will occur over the next 12 to 24 months," according to the company.

At the same time, Captain confirmed there are certain sectors in the local real estate market that remain weak.

According to the company, some of the signs of a rebounding market include:

The median price of a house rebounded 25 percent to $199,500, the strongest quarterly gain on record, but still 16 percent below the $238,000 median price high set in the third quarter of 2008.

Guam saw 158 houses sold in the second quarter, up 40 percent from the five-year low of 115 sales in the first quarter. However, the 158 sales are relatively weak compared to the 210 average units sold during the same period from 2006 to 2008.

The more volatile condominium sector reflected 38 sales, up 52 percent, and a $131,000 median price per unit, down slightly from first-quarter statistics.

The U.S. military buildup, when it starts to go into full swing next year, is expected to raise real estate values, as well as sales activity, according to Captain.

Captain also noted "the bad news" that overall sales activity fell short of expectations -- 2009 sales volume reflects $225 million, down 42 percent from 2008.

Captain added "the ugly news" -- that Guam's real estate market lacks foreign investment.

South Korean investment "has shifted from acquisition into construction, which is positive, but we need foreign capital injections to push real estate to the next level," according to Captain.

Bad news, good news on Guam jobs

2009-08-20T06:28:00.001+08:00

The bad news: As next year’s scheduled relocation of the United States military base from Okinawa, Japan to Guam gives Filipinos seeking overseas employment hope, they may not get priority for construction jobs, a recruitment specialist said Sunday.

Although Filipinos are preferred in Guam, the huge unemployment situation in the US, particularly mainland-based construction workers, may get in the way of getting Filipinos hired for jobs created by the planned construction of various buildings and infrastructure in the new site of the US Marine and Air Force units, said Emmanuel Geslani.

Quoting Guam Governor Felix Camacho, he said construction workers in the US may compete with the prospective Filipino workers.

Among those that will be built are new barracks, dependents’ housing, new roads, and infrastructure like electrical power, water facilities, waste treatment, commissary and other buildings necessary to accommodate the transfer and relocation of the additional 23,000 persons, he said.

He said the demand for construction workers for the Guam build-up will start by the first quarter of 2010, when the bids for the new US Marines headquarters will be awarded. Actual construction will start in July 2010 after all bids have been awarded. The 18-month project is scheduled for completion by 2012 for the total relocation of US military personnel from Okinawa by 2014.

At the same time, there are no still job orders approved by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, said Geslani.

He said the employment contract acceptable to both Guam labor officials and the POEA is still being finalized, although the basic issues have already been agreed on—the hourly wages start at $12 and US labor laws will be followed.

Camacho was in the country last month and met with members and officials of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce, the Philippine Association of Service Exporters Inc. (Pasei), and the Philippine Construction Association.

The good news

But once Guam is transformed into a major US military base in the Pacific, Filipino health care personnel will be in demand, the Guam governor said.

“Guam is substantially underserved in health care services. Filipino nurses who have passed the requisite US licensure examinations and Filipino doctors that have US board certifications are qualified to apply,” the Guam official said.

Guam, which is only three hours away from the Philippines, will become home to 8,000 more US Marines and 15,000 more dependents starting 2012.

Actual demand for healthcare workers will start in 2012 when the relocation of the US Marines and their dependents will start so aspiring Filipino nurses and doctors can now prepare by taking the necessary US exams like NCLEX, CGFNS, IELTS, and US Board certifications, Geslani said.

Medical technicians in radiology, cardio laboratories, and CT scan; occupational and physical therapists, as well as medical transcriptionists and medical administrative personnel will be needed to staff the expanded naval hospital in Guam, he said.

The US Department of Defense anticipates that the transfer would double the total patient capacity of the US Naval Hospital, now the primary medical provider for the 14,000 military members and their dependents in Guam.

The US Naval Hospital offers a broad band of medical services that include family practice, OB-GYN, pediatrics, general surgery, internal medicine, occupational health and preventive medicine, physical therapy, health promotions, and social work services.

Japan will fund $8 billion of the $12-billion move, the rest by the US.

Altogether, Geslani said, the relocation of the US military base is expected to generate 20,000 jobs.

Veronica Uy

Guam Senators send letter inviting Obama to buildup conference

2009-08-18T00:13:00.000+08:00

OBAMA Senators send letter inviting Obama to buildup conference

Two local senators have sent a second letter to President Obama, urging him to visit Guam.

According to a press release, Sens. Judith Guthertz and Rory Respicio sent a letter over the weekend asking Obama to attend a conference on the coming military buildup.

The two-day conference — “Island Conference on the Guam Military Buildup: the Guam Perspective” — starts on November 19, the letter states. The previously invited Obama in July.

“… Guam is so much more than just a set of military bases and tourist

hotels,” the letter states. “It would be a tremendous honor for us if you could make room in your very crowded schedule to visit our tiny island; and it would be our great privilege to show you the real Guam.”

Respicio said in a press release that it would be most likely that Obama would visit Guam during a trip to Asia. Obama plans to attend an economic summit in Singapore days before the conference in Guam, the letter states.

Obama, the 44th president of the United States, took office in January.

Although residents of Guam cannot vote for president, a local straw poll held on Election Day overwhelmingly supported Obama. PACIFIC DAILY NEWS • NEWS@GUAMPDN.COM

Guam - Olongapo City sister-city relationship

2009-08-14T17:55:00.000+08:00

Calvo advocates for Olongapo City sister-city relationship

PACIFIC DAILY NEWS

Gubernatorial candidate Sen. Eddie Baza Calvo yesterday introduced a resolution authorizing Speaker Judith Won Pat to enter Guam into a sister-city relationship with Olongapo City, Philippines.

Resolution No. R170-30 (LS) is co-sponsored by Sens. Rory Respicio, Judith Guthertz, Ray Tenorio and Jim Espaldon.

“Guam and Olongapo City can benefit greatly from each other,” Calvo said. "We can learn a lot from their experience as a former host community to one of the largest U.S. military installations in the region," Calvo said.

Olongapo City Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. visited Guam in April and met with Calvo.

Sangguniang Panlunsod of Olongapo earlier passed resolution 2009 R - 60 - A RESOLUTION EXTENDING AN INVITATION TO GUAM, U.S.A. TO BECOME TWIN-PARTNER OF OLONGAPO CITY AND PARTICIPATE IN THE PHILIPPINE INTERNATIONAL SISTERHOOD AND TWINNING PROGRAM (PHISTA) AND AUTHORIZING THE HONORABLE MAYOR, JAMES “BONG” GORDON, JR.TO ENTER INTO AGREEMENTS RELATIVE THERETO

And resolution 2009 R - 62 - A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING HONORABLE MAYOR JAMES GORDON, JR. AS “AMBASSADOR OF GOODWILL” OF THE CITY OF OLONGAPO TO GUAM ,USA IN CONNECTION WITH THE GUAM MARIANAS PROJECT

In the mean time Guam Mayors' Council officers and members are in Olongapo City in preparation for the Pacific Mayors' Conference to be held in Olongapo City next year. Arrangements pertaining to the upcoming Guam build-up project is also part of the agenda.

Guam Wage most likely to stay

2009-08-13T20:58:00.000+08:00

Bordallo Expects Abercrombie Amendment To Be Removed From Defense Authroization Act

Guam - Rep. Bordallo briefed Chamber members on the progress of the Marine realignment and said she expected the controversial “Abercrombie amendment” in the National Defense Authorization Act to either be heavily changed or “omitted altogether.”

“I will be advocating for balance… we are working toward ways to boost the interests on Guam without compromising the larger industries,” Congresswoman Bordallo said. “We also will continue our work to support labor training programs so that every local professional has an opportunity for secure jobs.”

Meanwhile, Senator Ray Tenorio in a release says he maintains his confidence in the Guam buildup after Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo addressed the Guam Chamber of Commerce during a lunch meeting held at the Hyatt Regency Guam today.

Senator Tenorio has been a staunch and vocal opponent of the amendment, which seeks to raise construction wages to a rate that would double the cost of the military buildup and set an unrealistic cap on H2 workers for buildup projects.

“I’m so relieved that our Congresswoman, who has her hand on the pulse of Washington D.C., has told the island that the success of this buildup will not be compromised by a man with a vested personal interest,” Senator Tenorio said. “An amendment of this nature must only be implemented if it serves the best interests of our people – our workers – first and foremost. I am confident in the strong congressional support fighting for a buildup that benefits of all of Guam and I thank the members of this delegation for being our voice during this critical time.”

Congresswoman Bordallo is part of a delegation visiting the island from the House of Representative’s Natural Resource Committee. Chairman Nick Rahall also shared his support for Guam and the need for additional assistance in funding the projects necessary to ensure the buildup’s success in what he called an “environmentally sensitive, socially responsible” manner.

“We have to make this buildup right for Guam – not only on the inside of the fence but on the outside of the fence a well,” Chairman Rahall said. “ www.pacificnewscenter.com

Subcontracts, Manpower: The Philippine Pipeline To Guam?

2009-08-06T09:14:00.000+08:00

By Jeff Marchesseault - Guam News Factor

GUAM - Subcontracting and overseas labor present a best-fit window of opportunity for Philippine businesses who want a piece of the action during Guam's multi-billion-dollar military buildup.

According to the Manila Bulletin, a government study concluded that since the U.S. and Japan are financing the buildup, firms from these two nations "will be given priority."

The Bulletin goes on to quote the report as stating:

"But since the projects are big, it is expected that the main contractors will sub-contract some portions of the projects. This is where Philippine contractors could come in as sub-contractors or manpower service providers."

Opportunity in the service sector may be ripe for foreign investors, but that doesn't mean they won't face competition from Guam-based businesses.

KUAM and the Marianas Business Journal report that a new company with deep local ties called Guam Manpower Resources is already doing business on island and is gearing up for buildup-related work.

Read the Manila Bulletin story, "Guam offers big opportunities for contractors", July 31, 2009.

Read the KUAM story, "MBJ: Manpower maneuver New group steps into HR field", August 3, 2009.

GMA cancels Guam Trip

2009-08-03T17:29:00.003+08:00

GMA Cancels Trip. Guam Hopes For November Visit

By Jeff Marchesseault - www.guamnewsfactor.com

GUAM - Her visit to Guam will simply have to wait. Perhaps till November for a planned military buildup summit.

Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo cut short her four-city U.S. tour (DC, NY, Chicago, GU) on news of the death of former Philippine President Corazon Aquino over the weekend.

Having called for ten days of national mourning and declaring August 5th a nonworking Philippine holiday, President Arroyo will miss prescheduled trips to Chicago and Guam and return home early to attend memorial services.

BusinessWorld Online quoted Arroyo's announcement to her nation in its hour of bereavement on Saturday:

"Today, the Philippines lost a national treasure. Cory Aquino helped lead a revolution that restored democracy and the rule of law to our nation at a time of great peril," said Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo in a message televised from Washington, D.C., where she met with United States President Barack Obama.

"I am announcing today that we will officially observe [a] 10-day period of national mourning. Our hearts go out to the family in this hour of grief and sorrow. The nation prays for Cory and her family."

Arroyo had been slated to meet with Guam officials and the local Filipino community over the course of about eight hours during a stopover on the island on the way back to Manila. August 5th is the day of Aquino's internment and the day that Arroyo had previously planned to visit Guam.

Meanwhile, Guam officials are anticipating that there'll be room in Arroyo's schedule for a visit to Guam this November. That is the month that Senator Judi Guthertz is planning to hold a military buildup conference on island. Last month Guthertz announced plans to invite both President Obama and President Arroyo, among others, to the summit.

The Business Mirror reports that Arroyo was scheduled to depart New York for refueling in San Francisco today. From there she will fly directly to Manila for an early-morning Wednesday arrival.

Read the Business Mirror story, "GMA: August 5 nonworking holiday", August 2, 2009.

Read the BusinessWorld Online story, "A nation mourns", August 3, 2009.

Read the Guam News Factor story, "Guthertz Invites President Arroyo To Guam", July 17, 2009.

Read the Guam News Factor story, "Senator Guthertz Invites President Obama To Guam", July 6, 2009.

Guam Manpower Resources

2009-08-03T17:26:00.000+08:00

MBJ: Manpower maneuver New group steps into Guam HR field

A new company - a local partnership with international relationships - is positioning itself as a player in the labor market for the coming military buildup. Equally, partners told the Journal, the company is bringing its resources to bear in the local human resources area and arranging strategic partnerships. Guam Manpower Resources' partners are Manu P. Melwani and Paris J.M. Blas.

Melwani is president of Pacific American Title Co. and has other business holdings that include Bedrock Construction, Safety 1st and Rainbow Paint Supply; Sherwin Williams Paint and Frazee Paint & Wall Coverings, part ownership of United Pacific Collection Agency, and the Star Building. Blas, previously the office manager at Executive Typing and Employment Services, said the buildup was a factor in the partners' decision to launch the company.

They will draw on the resources of InterAsia Outsource Inc. in the Philippines and ACS Global of Perth, in Western Australia. Guam Manpower opened its doors on July 1 in the Eva Building, which Melwani owns.

The business already has clients, varying in size from Continental Micronesia to Guam Copy Center. It has about 60 registered potential employees and has placed seven individuals in employment as of July 24.

The company has discussed a placement service with a Guam organization and is preparing to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with that organization for its graduates.

Frank Whitman with the Marianas Business Journal contributed to this report. watch "Business Confidential with the MBJ" Mondays on KUAM News Primetime. KUAM.COM

Guam offers big opportunities for contractors

2009-08-01T17:19:00.000+08:00

Local contractors could take advantage of the subcontracting business opportunities that Guam can offer over the next few years.

A government report showed that Guam's construction activities for the operational training housing and other infrastructures relating to military build-up will go full blast in 2010.

“Since the US and Japan are funding the buildup, their contractors will be given priority. But since the projects are big, it is expected that the main contractors will sub-contract some portions of the projects.

This is where Philippine contractors could come in as sub-contractors or manpower service providers," the report said.

The government is confident that Filipino firms could get these contracts owing to the country’s proximity with Guam and previous experiences of US and Japanese contractors working with Filipino contractors, engineers and workers. By EDU LOPEZ - Manila Bulletin

Application Form

2009-07-19T17:29:00.006+08:00

Hafa Adai (Guam Greetings)

Thank you very much for your interest in Guam Buildup Project

May we request that you fill up the required details below (if you have not yet done so) and email it to taskforceguam@yahoo.com

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Please do not attach any other files as it will only be discarded by the computer.

Only the data you provided in this eMail will be read by the computer and transferred to our database for fast and efficient processing of applicants.

You will be notified via eMail and SMS once the position you applied for is open, thats the time when you will need to personally report with your supporting documents both original and photocopies.

Be sure to update us in case there is change in your information such as renewed passport, new contact number, and if you have acquired new skill and applying for other position. Be aware however that the computer accepts a maximum of four positions only.

Remember that a computer will read and process your answers.
So Please DO NOT alter the form provided below

It is best that you copy the text in a notepad and attach the notepad text file with your first_lastname as filename.

DOWNLOAD GUAM APPLICANT FORM
Right Click then save in your computer

and send to taskforceguam@yahoo.com

for regular update visit http://guam-ofw.com/
and join our email group guam-ofw@yahoogroups.com

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GUAM APPLICANT PERSONAL INFORMATION

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WARNING: DO NOT GIVE MONEY TO ANYONE PROMISING TO GIVE YOU JOB IN GUAM – REPORT TO GUAM TASKFORCE & PESO OLONGAPO

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Guam buildup preparations featured in ABS-CBN NEWS

2009-07-16T13:46:00.002+08:00

The preparations being undertaken by Olongapo City under the leadership of Mayor Bong Gordon was featured by ABS-CBN NEWS BANDILA during its report last night over Channel 2. News Anchor Henry Omaga-Diaz detailed the experience of former US Military Base Worker's hopes to land a job in Guam after having lost their jobs in the former US Naval Base in Subic when it pulled out in 1992.

Mayor Gordon stressed that the preparations were initiated after his visit to Guam during the Industry Forum and where the impending transfer of 8,000 Military personnel and their families will commence on 2014.

Guam Task Force headed by Ed Piano was created to ensure coordination with POEA, DOLE, TESDA, DFA, GovGuam, contractors, manpower agencies and applicants are facilitated.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oihenFBe8vc

As discussed by Ed Piano, below is the comparison of present Guam Wages vs that of Hawaii

WAGES: GUAM VS. HAWAII
Wages determined by the Department of Labor for federal projects under the Service Contract Act (all figures are rates per hour) versus Hawaii's:
Jobs In Guam . . . . . . . . . .In Hawaii %Change
Carpenter, maintenance . $13.00 $30.88 +137.5%
Electrician, maintenance $14.99 $28.25 +88.5%
Heavy equipment mechanic $14.81 $26.98 +82.2%
Heavy equipment operator $13.73 $29.54 +115.1%
Painter, maintenance $13.55 $23.09 +70.4%

Welder - US National - Special Trade Contractors
(NAICS: 238, SIC: 17, eSIC: 17-179 )

For Personal Use
Salary Estimate from PAQ's Global Salary Calculator
(See ERI's GSC C3 Matrix below, estimate is all-industry/all-sizes) $52,859.00

Value from ERI or ALAS State Salary Survey
(See graph below, this is a 2007 surveyed/size ranged/state average) $36,915.00

For Business/HR Use
Assessor Series, all US last 365 days
(Data is from ERI's Job Availability Log; allow time for computation. ERI Assessor values are subscriber specific to size, industry, date & city area)

Special Trade Contractors Salary Survey
(NAICS: 238, SIC: 17, eSIC: 17-179 )

Hawaii's Special Trade Contractors Salary Survey reports compensation data for 103 benchmark jobs, accompanied by up to four verifying survey sources (only, for new surveys or below threshold collections). ERI Salary Surveys is the sponsor of this 2009 participant and digitized industry-specific survey available by state and organizational size (or on a national basis).

Mayor Gordon believes Guam wage OK

2009-07-14T00:04:00.000+08:00

Philippine Leaders Acknowlege: Guam Prevailing Wage ALREADY High

By Jeff Marchesseault - Guam News Factor

GUAM - It appears there's no stopping Olongapo City Mayor James Gordon Jr. from digging up, searching for, and finding emplolyment opportunity on Guam for workers once employed at U.S. Navy defense facilities in the Philippines' Subic Bay. Leaving no stone unturned, Mayor Gordon has reportedly been to Guam twice in the last two months.

The Mayor is unrelenting in the face of daunting challenges relative to the rules that will govern wage rates and foreign workers. Right now a battle is brewing over 2010 Defense Authoriztion Act amendments that would limit foreign worker participation in Guam's massive military buildup to 30 percent and would raise construction worker pay to roughly $26 an hour. A Manila Standard column explains that the current $12-an-hour rate now anticipated by Philippine-based workers is already considered high pay by exchange rate standards.

The controversial amendments have already passed the House and are now before the U.S. Senate as part of the $550.4 billion Defense Authorization Act. Local Guam businesses and the Camacho Administration are fighting against this bill they deem bad for business.

Whatever the final form of the national defense spending law for 2010, the Mayor of Olongapo is evidently lining up the best possible employment opportunities for his constituents and offering his best arguments for their hire. And he's reportedly not about to overlook the offshore interests of hometown entrepreneurial colleagues, either. Here's how Manila Standard Today columnist Jojo Robles sums up Gordon's unfolding game plan:

Mayor Gordon says he wants former Subic base workers who were trained by the US Navy to get priority in the hiring process. American military authorities, he says, already know the dedication and professionalism of Olongapo’s workers, who have undergone training in various specialized skills under the direction of the Americans.

The mayor visited Guam twice in the past two months to work out arrangements for the employment of workers from Olongapo, Zambales and Bataan. He also brought local businessmen with him so they check out bidding rules for contracts and projects that will be available once the buildup starts.

Wage Proposal being debated

2009-07-13T23:57:00.000+08:00

Wage provision worrisome: Proposal could lead to higher cost of living

BY CONNOR MURPHY • PACIFIC DAILY NEWS

A proposal to increase wages for workers on military buildup construction projects could lead to more expensive homes and a higher cost of living, said some in the business community.

The annual defense spending bill, recently passed by the House of Representatives, contains an amendment by Hawaii Rep. Neil Abercrombie that would require wages paid to construction workers of buildup projects on Guam to be at least as high as those paid to similar workers in Hawaii.

Those Hawaiian wages are up to 250 percent higher than Guam's current wages, according to a recent Congressional Budget Office report. The report stated that if the proposal were to become law, it would increase the cost of the buildup by $10 billion.

Abercrombie has said he included the amendment -- as well as one to limit work done by foreign workers to 30 percent of each project -- to ensure that buildup-related jobs go to Americans at good wages.

The Senate is working on its annual defense spending bill, and the two bills will be reconciled before a final version is sent to President Obama for his signature.

All construction workers on island would likely see higher pay if the construction wage hike was increased, said Roseann M. Jones, professor of economics and policy planning at the University of Guam.

"I think it's going to take a little bit of the wind out of the sails of the construction industry," she said.

Yesterday's Washington Post included an editorial blasting Abercrombie's wage proposal, citing the costs involved.

"Why add to the burden on taxpayers with these unnecessary provisions?" the editorial asked. "It is tempting to seize on any plan that tries to offer Americans jobs, but this cost is too great."

Housing Affected

Since labor costs are a large portion of each construction project's price tag, this would translate to higher costs for virtually all construction on island, said Peter Sgro, president of International Group Inc., which has been engaged in numerous financial and real estate transactions.

= = =

WAGES: GUAM VS. HAWAII

Wages determined by the Department of Labor for federal projects under the Service Contract Act (all figures are rates per hour) versus Hawaii's:

Jobs In Guam . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .In Hawaii %Change

Carpenter, maintenance $13.00 $30.88 +137.5%

Electrician, maintenance $14.99 $28.25 +88.5%

Heavy equipment mechanic $14.81 $26.98 +82.2%

Heavy equipment operator $13.73 $29.54 +115.1%

Painter, maintenance $13.55 $23.09 +70.4%

SPEAK OUT

Guam Delegate Madeleine Bordallo

Call: Guam District Office 477-4272; Washington, D.C. Office 202-225-1188

Comment online: www.house.gov/bordallo

Write: 120 Father Duenas Avenue, Hagåtña, Guam 96910

Hawaii Rep. Neil Abercromie

Call: Hawaii District Office: (808) 541-2570; Washington D.C. Office: (202) 225-2726

Online: www.house.gov /abercrombie

Write: 1502 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515

Japan Commits $336 Million In Guam Buildup

2009-07-13T23:28:00.000+08:00

Japan Commits $336 Million In Guam Buildup Funding For FY09

By Jeff Marchesseault - Guam News Factor

GUAM - As debate rages on over controversial Guam-buildup spending amendments to a 2010 Defense Authorization Act that has already passed the full House and is awaiting action in the Senate, Tokyo is putting its money where it's mouth is regarding the buildup.

The U.S. State Department issued a statement today that Tokyo is moving forward with its end of the agreement to transfer U.S. Marines from Okinawa to Guam by offering an initial $336 million in payments relative to the move.

Japan Today's Sunday Edition reports that the payments answer the requirements spelled out in a transfer accord that took effect on May 19.

According to Japan Today:

The accord gives a legal basis to the 2006 Japan-U.S. agreement on the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan, commonly referred to as the ‘‘road map,’’ which Tokyo and Washington say is meant to reduce the burden on communities near U.S. bases. It legally requires Tokyo to spend up to $2.8 billion on infrastructure projects on the U.S. territory in the Pacific. The $336 million, or about 34.6 billion yen, will be used for infrastructure projects in the Finegayan area and Apra Harbor on Guam, the ministry [Foreign Ministry] said.

Here is the official media release from the U.S. Department of State:

U.S. and Japan Moving Forward on U.S. Force Realignment

Office of the Spokesman

Washington, DC

July 11, 2009

On July 11, 2009 in Tokyo, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the United States of America James P. Zumwalt and Japanese Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone exchanged Notes pertaining to the transfer of funds provided by the Government of Japan to the United States Government in accordance with the Agreement on the Relocation of United States Marine Corps Personnel from Okinawa to Guam, signed by Secretary of State Clinton and Foreign Minster Nakasone on February 17, 2009.

Based on the exchanged Notes, the Government of Japan will provide $336 million to the United States Government during FY2009 to be used for projects to develop facilities and infrastructure on Guam for the relocation of 8,000 U.S. Marines and their dependents from Okinawa to Guam. This is a significant step forward towards implementation of the realignment package.

The United States Government remains committed to the full implementation of the realignment package as agreed in the May 1, 2006 Realignment Roadmap.

Projects to be funded by the Government of Japan during FY2009 for the relocation of U.S. Marines from Okinawa to Guam:

On-base infrastructure project in Finegayan area (initial phase) $124.8 million

On-base infrastructure project in the north area of Andersen Air Force Base $27 million

On-base infrastructure project in Apra area $169.1 million

Design project (fire station and bachelor enlisted quarters in Finegayan area, and port operation unit headquarters building and medical clinic in Apra area) $15.1 million

TOTAL $336 million

Abercrombie: No To "Wage Slave Class" On Guam

2009-07-11T17:58:00.000+08:00

Written by Kevin Kerrigan - Pacific News Center

Guam - Hawaii Representative Neil Abercrombie is standing by his controversial amendments to the 2010 Defense Authorization Act that critics have said would double the cost of the Guam military buildup and spark inflation on island.

Abercrombie inserted two provisions in the Act, one requiring Hawaiian construction wages be paid on Guam buildup jobs, the other restricting H-2 workers to just 30% of any buildup job.

Guam's Governor, Delegate Madeleine Bordallo, island business leaders, and some, but not all legislators, oppose the Abercrombie amendments.

A recent Editorial in the Washington Post criticized Abercrombie's amendments as being too costly.

However, from PNC's Washington Bureau, Peter Granitz of Capital News Connection (CNC)(http://www.cncnews.org/) caught up with the Hawaiian Representative to ask about the criticism.

Abercrombie defended his amendments saying they will prevent employers from exploiting low-wage workers on Guam.

“There’s no way we’re going to have an elite making a ton of money and a wage slave class out in Guam, no more second class citizenship for workers in Guam," Abercrombie told CNC.

In response to the Washington Post Editorial, Abercrombie said the Post should concentrate on journalism: “I’d ask any of the Post’s editors: Will you work for the prevailing wage in Guam? When you do that you can start lecturing me or anybody else about what people should earn.”

The Defense Authorization Act has moved onto the Senate. A final vote is not expected until the fall.

Guam buildup excites Olongapo-Subic workers

2009-07-07T20:52:00.001+08:00

The plan to move the US military bases from Japan to Guam is getting the people who worked at the former American facilities in this country excited. Building new military bases in Guam, three hours from Manila, is expected to generate employment for the thousands of people who once worked in US bases here.

Guam Gov. Felix Camacho was in town recently to check out plans of local employment companies to deploy Filipinos to work on the new bases, which will replace US military facilities in Okinawa, Japan. Camacho reportedly said that while Filipinos may get some of the work, they will have to compete with US citizens who have lost their jobs recently because of the recession.

But Olongapo City Mayor James Gordon Jr. is one of those who remain upbeat about the possibility of getting high-paying ($12 an hour) jobs for his constituents during the so-called Guam Buildup. The $10 billion project—funded mostly by Japan—is expected to bring up to 25,000 active duty troops and their dependents from Okinawa to the US territory.

Washington Post: Guam Buildup's $10 Billion Wage Add-On "Too Costly"

2009-07-07T20:36:00.000+08:00

By Jeff Marchesseault - Guam News Factor

GUAM - A Washington Post editorial just published online is adding to the growing criticism of the $10 billion more in Guam construction wages called for in the House version of the 2010 Defense Authorization Act.

Amendments added by the House Armed Services Committee and passed by the full House would ensure that 70 percent of the federal construction jobs associated with Guam's 2010 military buildup plans would go to U.S. citizens and that industry wages would be pegged to the prevailing rate in Hawaii -- more than double that of Guam.

The effect would add another $10 billion to the cost of a buildup already estimated at $15 billion. The Post editorial says the provision should give U.S. senators and taxpayers pause and offers an alternative:

If giving U.S. workers jobs on Guam is a priority, this could be accomplished without driving wages up artificially to such a high level. You could, for example, keep the 70 percent restriction on foreign workers and let the market determine their wages. But given that Japan is paying for much of the relocation, does it make sense to limit the participation of Japanese construction firms and their workers?

The Post makes no mention of the Philippine workforce preferred by Guam officials on grounds of precedence (Filipino construction workers have built much, if not most, of post-war Guam), cultural similarities, and English-language proficiency.

The Post does recognize, however, the high cost of the amendments to U.S. taxpayers, who are already suffering the effects of a major recession:

These provisions will complicate a process already fraught with challenges. Guam's overburdened infrastructure will be sorely taxed by the new arrivals, who will amount to a 14 percent population increase, requiring an estimated $6.1 billion of work on roads, water, sewerage, waste processing and the power grid. Since Guam's annual budget is less than $1 billion, this money will have to come from outside. Why add to the burden on taxpayers with these unnecessary provisions? It is tempting to seize on any plan that tries to offer Americans jobs, but this cost is too great.

John Dela Rosa contributed to this analysis.

Guam's Manila Trade Mission Piques Philippines Business Interests

2009-07-06T20:23:00.000+08:00

Written by Guam News Factor Staff Writer Jeff Marchesseault

GUAM - By many accounts, Governor Camcho's trade mission to the Philippines is being hailed a right move at the right time.

A Manila Standard Today columnist reports that Guam's recent outreach visit to Manila more than made up for a lack of attendance by Philippine businesses at the island's buildup business- outreach trade show called Guam Industry Forum III.

Attended by thousands and packed to capacity with activities spread across three hotels, the third annual forum was sponsored by the Joint Guam Program Office and Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) in Tumon in April.

Here is an excerpt from the MST column suggesting that the Guam delegation's personal visit sent a powerful message that Guam is serious about its desire for Philippine investment:

Filipino manpower and construction enterprises joined the initial batch of companies that signed up in the series of industry forums lined up by the US island territory in April. No major Filipino company, except for EEI Corp., joined the forum in Guam.

The Manila round of the industry forum on Tuesday, however, drew some major Philippine companies, including Petron Corp., Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co., Stradcom Corp., Penta Capital Investment Corp. and representatives of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Chemical Industries of the Philippines.

On July 1, the Office of the Governor of Guam issued the following media release:

Guam Trade Mission to Manila Attacts Serious Interest:

Governor Camacho issues invitations to do business on Guam

Governor Felix P. Camacho yesterday attended a conference in Manila as part of the Guam Trade Mission delegation that met with approximately 150 senior executives from several Philippine companies to expand on their initial interest in doing business in Guam. The executives represented companies from the fields of technology, real estate, construction, insurance, financial services, agriculture, aquaculture and medicine. In addition to Governor Camacho, members of the Guam delegation included representatives of the Guam Economic Development Authority (GEDA) and members of the island’s private sector.

“I am excited that these companies are looking to extend their services to our island and we certainly welcome their investment,” said Governor Camacho. “I informed them that my office and GEDA are ready to assist with their entry into the Guam market.”

Philippine companies in attendance included Petron Corporation; Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company;; Land Registration Systems, Inc.; 1 Document Corporation; Stradcom Corporation; Penta Capital Investment Corporation; Saludo, Fernandez, Aquino and Taleon Law Offices; and HP Diagnostic. Additionally, the conference was attended by the Philippine Representative of Asian Development Bank as well as representatives of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Chemical Industries of the Philippines.

A number of private businesses are sponsors of the trade mission, including Continental Airlines; International Group, Inc.; Pacific Rim Brokers, Inc.; Land Registration Systems Inc.; Stradcom Corporation; 1 Document Corporation; Century Insurance Co. Ltd.; and the Marianas Business Journal.

“I would like to thank Governor Camacho and GEDA for their participation in this event. While this mission was arranged by a number of individuals in the private sector, the support we have received for the Governor and GEDA is proving invaluable,” said Peter R. Sgro, chairman and executive officer of International Group. “We look forward to the next step in the process as these organizations firm up their plans.”

Jobs await Filipinos in Guam, Japan

2009-07-04T00:30:00.000+08:00

Thousands of Filipino workers could be hired in the construction of new military bases on the US territory of Guam, the island’s governor said during a visit to the Philippines.

Jobs also beckon in Japan, which is looking not only for Filipino health workers but also engineers, information technology

experts and other professionals, according to an official of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica).

Guam will be hiring between 10,000 and 15,000 workers to support the US military buildup, including the relocation of 8,000 Marines and their families from Okinawa over the next few years, Gov. Felix Camacho told reporters in Manila on Tuesday.

No to Chinese workers

He said he expected skilled Filipino workers to fill job demands that could not be met by local labor alone.

“It is not exclusive but the likelihood is that most will be from the Philippines,” Camacho said. Chinese workers will not be hired because of security concerns related to work on military bases, Camacho said.

Several years ago, Filipinos were also tapped to build facilities in Guantanamo in Cuba where suspected al-Qaida members linked to 9-11 were detained.

Minimum wage

The US House armed services committee last week passed a bill saying foreign workers won’t be allowed to do more than 30 percent of the work on the Guam projects.

The 2010 National Defense Authorization Act would require that the minimum wage for all Guam construction projects be at the prevailing wage level for similar work in Hawaii, said US Rep. Neil Abercrombie from Hawaii.

The buildup in Guam will cost at least $15 billion. Japan is covering $6 billion of the bill.

Tip of iceberg

Filipino engineers, information technology experts and other professionals are welcome to work in Japan especially since the Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (Jpepa) has already taken effect, said Togo Hiroshi, principal Jica senior representative to the Philippines.

“[Jobs for] caregivers and nurses are just the tip of the iceberg,” Togo said yesterday.

He said the same message was reiterated to President Macapagal-Arroyo during her most recent state visit to Japan.

First batch

Some 270 Filipinos were deployed to Japan in May, comprising the first batch of nurses and caregivers to be allowed to work in the land of the rising sun following the ratification of Jpepa.

Under Jpepa that the Senate ratified in October last year, Japan and the Philippines agreed to improve business ties, such as easier access to each other’s markets. The agreement also allows more Filipinos to work in Japan.

Aging population

Togo said Japan’s aging population made it necessary for the Japanese economy to allow the entry of foreign workers to fill in current and future job vacancies.

Since many Filipinos seek employment and better opportunities offshore, Jpepa is a win-win solution for both countries, he said.

More than 200,000 Filipinos are based in Japan, according to government estimates.

In the first quarter of the year, they remitted $185 million to the Philippines, accounting for 4.6 percent of the total remittances from overseas Filipinos during the period.

Arroyo administration officials said the availability of more jobs in Japan for Filipinos was a welcome development for the Philippines, whose economy is partly dependent on remittances to spur household consumption.

Japanese language

For Filipinos to more easily find jobs in Japan, they must study the Japanese language, said Matsuda Norio, Jica representative to the Philippines.

While most Filipino workers know how to speak English, some Japanese firms prefer applicants who can speak Japanese, he said.

“Many Filipino workers think that learning English is enough. They don’t realize that learning Japanese is important as well,” he also told the Inquirer.

Matsuda said it would benefit Filipinos seeking to work in Japan to undergo enhanced training, as most of Japanese firms’ labor requirements are stricter than average.

Robust remittance

The further opening of the Japanese labor market to Filipinos was one reason the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) cited for projecting that remittances would remain robust this year.

Contrary to forecasts by some economists that remittances would shrink, the BSP said the worst would be a flat growth. The country recorded a total of $16.4 billion in remittances last year.

The BSP said robust remittances, which fuel household consumption, would help prevent the Philippine economy from slipping into recession.

Philippine Daily Inquirer - Reports from AP and Michelle V. Remo

Guam construction boom lures Filipinos

2009-07-04T00:19:00.001+08:00

The partial relocation of the American military base in Okinawa, Japan to the tiny Pacific island of Guam has stirred up the interest of a number of Filipino companies. The massive development, which could cost up to $15 billion in six years, this early has attracted over a thousand Guamanian and foreign companies, including those from the Philippines.

Guam Gov. Felix Camacho said the island would require 15,000 workers, preferably Filipinos, for the infrastructure buildup to accommodate about 25,000 US Marines, soldiers, family members and civilian employees from the Okinawa military base. Guam, with a current population of nearly 200,000, has to expand its airport and seaport, build more roads and bridges and provide other facilities for the US military personnel and their dependents.

Filipino health care personnel will also be in demand when Guam transforms itself into a major US military base in the Pacific.”Guam is substantially underserved in health care services. Filipino nurses that have passed the requisite US licensure examinations and Filipino doctors that have US board certifications are qualified to apply,” says Camacho. By Rey Enano - Manila Standard Today

Guam governor expects Filipinos to fill jobs

2009-07-01T21:10:00.000+08:00

(AP): Thousands of Filipino workers could be hired in the construction of new military bases on the U.S. territory of Guam, the island's governor said during a visit to the Philippines.

Guam will be hiring between 10,000 and 15,000 workers to support the U.S. military buildup, including the relocation of 8,000 Marines and their families from Okinawa over the next few years, Gov. Felix Camacho told reporters in Manila on Tuesday.

He said he expected skilled Filipino workers to fill job demands that cannot be met by local labor alone.

"It is not exclusive but the likelihood is that most will be from the Philippines," Camacho said. Chinese workers will not be hired because of security concerns related to work on military bases, he said.

The buildup will cost at least $15 billion. Japan is covering $6 billion of the bill.

U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie of Hawaii said last week that foreign workers won't be allowed to do more than 30 percent of the work on the projects.

The 2010 National Defense Authorization Act requires the minimum wage for all Guam construction projects. The Star