Guam, Pangasinan seek sisterhood ties
LINGAYEN—The province of Pangasinan and the territory of Guam in the United States have exchanged official notes indicating their respective intent to forge a “sisterhood” pact.
The bilateral notes were exchanged last week as two senators from the 3lst legislature of Guam (Mina’ Trentai Uno Na Legislaturan Guahan) visited Pangasinan and were received as official guests of the province during a special session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on Oct. 13, attended by Governor Amado Espino Jr.
The two visiting Guam senators were Rory Jonathan Respicio who traces his roots in Ilocos Norte, the majority leader of Guam Legislature, and Judith Paulette Gutherz, assistant majority leader and chairperson of the Military Buildup and Homeland Security. She credits her professional and political successes to her nine-year studies at the University of the Philippines in Diliman.
The two accompanied members of the Federation of Pangasinenses in Guam led by Retired Maj. Vic Rivo, president, a native of Mapandan town, who were visiting the province on the invitation of Gov. Espino.
Provincial Resolution No. 394-2011 authored by Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Calimlim states that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Pangasinan fully supports and acknowledges the creation of sisterhood relationship and goodwill with the people of Guam in the promotion of “citizenship diplomacy, cultural exchange and economic development”.
The resolution also cited potential benefits that could be derived from the sisterhood ties in areas of business development cultural experiences and exchanges between Pangasinenses and people of Guam.
The resolution will be forwarded to Guam Governor Eduardo Baza Calvo, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas Jr., and President Benigno C. Aquino III.
At the same time, Respicio read Resolution No. 216-31 expressing the territory’s intent to establish sister relationship and goodwill between the people of Guam and Pangasinan.
EMPLOYMENT AND TOURISM
Respicio pointed out that Guam’s legislature has designated the Federation of Pangasinenses in Guam as ambassador honoree of goodwill.
Guthertz said Guam is preparing to host a huge U.S. military installation and its construction will need thousands of workers, most of them are expected to come from the Philippines.
She assured that workers from the Philippines, especially from Pangasinan, will be treated fairly.
Gutherz said she has proposed to U.S. Ambassador Thomas a no visa policy for Filipinos visiting Guam as she invited Pangasinenses to visit.
The “Guam Only Visa” will allow Filipinos to visit but only limited to the island territory of Guam and does not cover mainland U.S.
Before the session ended, Respicio and Guthertz were presented copies of provincial board resolutions adopting them as sons and daughters of Pangasinan.
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