Filipinos to bid in $15-B Guam US naval project
By Robert Gonzaga
Central Luzon Desk
First Posted 02:51:00 02/04/2010
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.
“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 (in the US military program),” he 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.
Showing posts with label Filipinos. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Filipinos. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Monday, November 16, 2009
REPORT: Guam Contractors To Train Filipino Labor For Buildup
REPORT: Guam Contractors To Train Filipino Labor For Buildup
Written by Jeff Marchesseault, Guam News Factor Staff Writer
Monday, 16 November 2009 10:40
GUAM - Guam-based contractors will "serve as resource speakers" during government- and industry-sponsored training programs for Filipino construction workers. That, according to GMA News.
GMA reports that the Philippine Construction Association and the Department of Trade and Industry have coordinated the training with Guam contractors.
The article cites offshore projects as a growth opportunity for the sector and mentions $15 billion in new developments related to the transfer of Japan-based military. GMA refers to the transfer site as Hawaii, but the jist of the article suggests that it is actually referring to the buildup on Guam.
Read the GMA News.TV story, "Construction industry sees growth in activities", November 13, 2009.
Written by Jeff Marchesseault, Guam News Factor Staff Writer
Monday, 16 November 2009 10:40
GUAM - Guam-based contractors will "serve as resource speakers" during government- and industry-sponsored training programs for Filipino construction workers. That, according to GMA News.
GMA reports that the Philippine Construction Association and the Department of Trade and Industry have coordinated the training with Guam contractors.
The article cites offshore projects as a growth opportunity for the sector and mentions $15 billion in new developments related to the transfer of Japan-based military. GMA refers to the transfer site as Hawaii, but the jist of the article suggests that it is actually referring to the buildup on Guam.
Read the GMA News.TV story, "Construction industry sees growth in activities", November 13, 2009.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Buildup Could Bring Many Filipinos
Buildup could bring many Filipinos
Joe Murphy
Guam PDN
November 17, 2008
Guam is heading for a sea of change. The key behind this, obviously, is the military buildup. That is coming, and if you don't like it I would suggest moving to Palau.
How will all this affect you? Greatly.
I just read a blog from the Asian Journal that puts one part of this typhoon-type change in perspective. It was written by Malou Liwang Aguilar of the AJ Press. It stated: "In the next few years, the number of Filipinos in Guam will possibly increase with the strategic move of U.S. military bases from Okinawa, Japan. At present, approximately one-fourth (or larger) of the island's population are either Filipinos or of Filipino descent.
"This move opens new opportunities for Filipinos in the island, as an estimated $13 billion will be spent for construction of facilities and housing for military personnel in the span of four years.
"This also means that 20,000 to 30,000 Overseas Filipino Workers can find jobs in Guam. Known for their work ethic and English proficiency, Filipino construction workers are preferred by Guam companies, according to the Philippine Association of Service Exporters Inc.
"But Guam is no stranger to Pinoys. In fact, 35 percent of Guam's population is of Filipino descent, according to Guam Gov. Felix Camacho, during his speech at the 'Living the Dream' event sponsored by the Republican National Convention held in St. Paul, Minn. Camacho, who is also part Filipino, emphasized the significant contribution of the API vote and urged his fellow APIs to get involved.
"Also, Filipino businesses thrive in the island. Chinese-Filipino tycoons like Lucio Tan, Henry Sy and George Ty are major investors. Tan owns one of the largest mall in the island, Micronesia Mall, (as well as) the Tropicana Hotel, American Bakery, Toppy Furniture and iConnect, a mobile communications company. His banks, Allied Bank and Philippine National Bank, also have branches, while Philippine Airlines regularly flies between Manila and Guam."
By the year 2014, approximately 8,000 U.S. Marines and 9,000 family members will relocate to Guam. It is said to be the biggest military buildup in the history of the United States. The expansion could include a new Marine base, an Army ballistic missile defense facility and expanded Air Force and Navy bases by 2014, according to an initial Defense Department time line.
However, news of the military buildup has raised fears among some Chamorros that their culture and population will be diluted. In a recent interview, Chamorro leader Debbie Quinata said that she's not sure that the tiny island can cope with the military influx.
With 40,000 people -- about a 25 percent increase -- expected to move to the island in less than a decade, that is certainly a big challenge to all issues that matter to Guam.
That was why during the Republican convention, Camacho reached out to U.S. presidential candidate Sen. John McCain to discuss the issues. "I've met with John McCain, to discuss issues that matter to Guam."
The governor's office is lobbying for financial assistance from the federal government over the next few years, money that is to be spent outside the bases' fence lines. This would mean roads, seaport, utility improvements and other projects.
In a visit to Guam last year, U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney stressed Guam's role in the U.S. bases' relocation.
"The U.S. can move quickly and effectively to protect our friends, to defend our interests, to bring relief in times of emergency, and to keep the sea lanes open for commerce, and close it to terrorists," he said. "This island may be small, but it has tremendous importance to the peace and security of the world."
Yet even with Guam's significant role to the U.S. military, Camacho pointed out to McCain that Washington, D.C., could give Guam better treatment.
"We are also Americans, and we need to change the way Guam is treated," Camacho said.
But no matter how you cut it, you are never going to make everybody happy.
Billions of dollars will be spent in Guam by the military, the American government and the Japanese government. That should make the businessmen joyful.
Millions of dollars, if not billions, will be spent to upgrade our roads and highways, and transportation in general.
We also can rest assured that the U.S. government isn't going to just drop the Marines off here. They will need better air transportation. They will need water and power and a garbage dump.
The people of Guam, if they can see into the future, should know that the Marines, their families and associated workers will pay more in taxes, and thus provide a bigger, better tax base, which should help our schools.
Communication should get better too, with better TV and movies. We will have more restaurants and night spots.
It is going to hurt somewhat that the traffic, already bad, will worsen.
More jobs will be created for local people, and more taxes will be paid into GovGuam, broadening that base.
The people of Guam have always been on the low end of the gross national product, but I think this will change, too. I see clearly that new and better houses will be built. The island people should have more money to spend on vacations and education.
Health care will become an essential issue, and we may get a new, up-to-date hospital built.
If we watch the military buildup, and don't complain too much, maybe we can count on a plebiscite that would grant this island more freedom than it has now, in the form of a commonwealth.
Joe Murphy is a former editor of the Pacific Daily News.
Joe Murphy
Guam PDN
November 17, 2008
Guam is heading for a sea of change. The key behind this, obviously, is the military buildup. That is coming, and if you don't like it I would suggest moving to Palau.
How will all this affect you? Greatly.
I just read a blog from the Asian Journal that puts one part of this typhoon-type change in perspective. It was written by Malou Liwang Aguilar of the AJ Press. It stated: "In the next few years, the number of Filipinos in Guam will possibly increase with the strategic move of U.S. military bases from Okinawa, Japan. At present, approximately one-fourth (or larger) of the island's population are either Filipinos or of Filipino descent.
"This move opens new opportunities for Filipinos in the island, as an estimated $13 billion will be spent for construction of facilities and housing for military personnel in the span of four years.
"This also means that 20,000 to 30,000 Overseas Filipino Workers can find jobs in Guam. Known for their work ethic and English proficiency, Filipino construction workers are preferred by Guam companies, according to the Philippine Association of Service Exporters Inc.
"But Guam is no stranger to Pinoys. In fact, 35 percent of Guam's population is of Filipino descent, according to Guam Gov. Felix Camacho, during his speech at the 'Living the Dream' event sponsored by the Republican National Convention held in St. Paul, Minn. Camacho, who is also part Filipino, emphasized the significant contribution of the API vote and urged his fellow APIs to get involved.
"Also, Filipino businesses thrive in the island. Chinese-Filipino tycoons like Lucio Tan, Henry Sy and George Ty are major investors. Tan owns one of the largest mall in the island, Micronesia Mall, (as well as) the Tropicana Hotel, American Bakery, Toppy Furniture and iConnect, a mobile communications company. His banks, Allied Bank and Philippine National Bank, also have branches, while Philippine Airlines regularly flies between Manila and Guam."
By the year 2014, approximately 8,000 U.S. Marines and 9,000 family members will relocate to Guam. It is said to be the biggest military buildup in the history of the United States. The expansion could include a new Marine base, an Army ballistic missile defense facility and expanded Air Force and Navy bases by 2014, according to an initial Defense Department time line.
However, news of the military buildup has raised fears among some Chamorros that their culture and population will be diluted. In a recent interview, Chamorro leader Debbie Quinata said that she's not sure that the tiny island can cope with the military influx.
With 40,000 people -- about a 25 percent increase -- expected to move to the island in less than a decade, that is certainly a big challenge to all issues that matter to Guam.
That was why during the Republican convention, Camacho reached out to U.S. presidential candidate Sen. John McCain to discuss the issues. "I've met with John McCain, to discuss issues that matter to Guam."
The governor's office is lobbying for financial assistance from the federal government over the next few years, money that is to be spent outside the bases' fence lines. This would mean roads, seaport, utility improvements and other projects.
In a visit to Guam last year, U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney stressed Guam's role in the U.S. bases' relocation.
"The U.S. can move quickly and effectively to protect our friends, to defend our interests, to bring relief in times of emergency, and to keep the sea lanes open for commerce, and close it to terrorists," he said. "This island may be small, but it has tremendous importance to the peace and security of the world."
Yet even with Guam's significant role to the U.S. military, Camacho pointed out to McCain that Washington, D.C., could give Guam better treatment.
"We are also Americans, and we need to change the way Guam is treated," Camacho said.
But no matter how you cut it, you are never going to make everybody happy.
Billions of dollars will be spent in Guam by the military, the American government and the Japanese government. That should make the businessmen joyful.
Millions of dollars, if not billions, will be spent to upgrade our roads and highways, and transportation in general.
We also can rest assured that the U.S. government isn't going to just drop the Marines off here. They will need better air transportation. They will need water and power and a garbage dump.
The people of Guam, if they can see into the future, should know that the Marines, their families and associated workers will pay more in taxes, and thus provide a bigger, better tax base, which should help our schools.
Communication should get better too, with better TV and movies. We will have more restaurants and night spots.
It is going to hurt somewhat that the traffic, already bad, will worsen.
More jobs will be created for local people, and more taxes will be paid into GovGuam, broadening that base.
The people of Guam have always been on the low end of the gross national product, but I think this will change, too. I see clearly that new and better houses will be built. The island people should have more money to spend on vacations and education.
Health care will become an essential issue, and we may get a new, up-to-date hospital built.
If we watch the military buildup, and don't complain too much, maybe we can count on a plebiscite that would grant this island more freedom than it has now, in the form of a commonwealth.
Joe Murphy is a former editor of the Pacific Daily News.
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