Tuesday, February 26, 2008 Gwen to ask Guam officials to hire Cebuanos in expansion
THOUSANDS of jobs may be available in Guam with the US planning to expand its military presence in the territory.
The Cebu Provincial Government wants Cebuanos to be prioritized in its manpower needs.
Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, some municipal mayors, and some members of the Provincial Board (PB) are set to visit the largest of the Marianas Islands in April.
The visit will strengthen ties between two local government units, as well as serve a bid for Guam to consider Cebuanos for manpower needs for the military expansion in the island.
Guam is the venue for the first Pacific Mayors Conference in April.
The Cebu Provincial Government’ official website announced that Garcia plans to go with the Cebu mayors to the conference to promote Cebu.
The conference aims to strengthen ties among cities and municipalities, with focus on the preparations for military expansion and the job opportunities that come with it.
According to Capitol, the military expansion is worth $20 billion.
“That’s $20 billion to be spent on manpower, on materials, on equipment and whatever else they may need and we are the most logical choice because we are the nearest,” Garcia was quoted as saying.
Compostela Mayor Ritchie Wagas agreed.
Wagas was reportedly the first to establish ties with Guam. He said that because of the US base’s expansion project in Guam, they will need not less than 25,000 workers.
“That is a very big opportunity. And we have a track record. Filipinos gyud mao’y usa sa pinakamaayo nga (one of the best) workers in terms of constructing these bases: in Subic, in Guam, in Okinawa, Japan, Filipinos gyud (were behind their construction),” Capitol quoted him as saying.
With some PB members in tow, Garcia also wants to explore future partnerships with Guam.
Guam and Cebu have a standing sisterhood agreement. A memorandum of understanding was signed early this year with Guam represented by Lt. Gov. Michael Cruz.
More than 200 mayors and vice mayors from the Philippines, Saipan, Rota, Tinian, and Palau are expected to attend the conference in Guam.
Capitol will extend financial support to the League of Municipalities in the Philippines so more Cebu mayors can attend the conference. (JGA)
