RECIPROCITY. This is a word that should be of keen interest to the people of Guam. As military buildup continues on our island and billions of federal dollars are poured into Andersen and Big Navy infrastructures, we should be mindful of our civilian infrastructure.
As thousands of sailors, marines, soldiers, and airmen arrive on island over the next several years, we should be aware of the needs of our native, non-military population. When a region experiences significant population growth, increased demands are placed on existing resources necessitating expansion in all sectors, public and private alike. In the case of an island such as our own, which is in many ways self-sufficient and self-sustaining due to its remote location, a population increase of even modest proportions requires thoughtful planning so as to ensure reliable utilities, healthcare, education, transportation, and various other needs of the enlarged population are consistently met.
So what does any of this have to do with reciprocity? In short, everything. The military is making use of our island as a strategic outpost from which to conduct tactical and logistical operations in the Far East, and we certainly welcome their presence in these troubled times. However, daily life goes on, and we have our own needs and concerns to address as the people who have made Guam their home.
If the military is going to make use of our land and our resources, then it is only fair that they contribute to the island infrastructure they are rooted in and from which they are deriving benefit.
In the 28th Guam Legislature, Sen. Jesse Lujan put forward Resolution 127, which requested $2.4 billion in federal money. This may seem a bloated sum on the surface, but upon considering the individual cost and figures that, when added together, form this aggregate, it takes on a far more reasonable request: $200 million for war reparations, $300 million for hospital and healthcare improvements, these sound like things we not only deserve, but things that we need. Funding for our schools, our roads, our line agencies, this is what Resolution 127 is all about.
The federal government should reciprocate with Guam, not just use Guam. Senator Lujan and others are right in asking the federal government to give back and help our island; they are asking for reciprocity. We have made the same great sacrifices for our country that our brothers and sisters back in the mainland have. We are proud Americans who have and continue to make valuable contributions to our nation. We are a part of the United States, not an asset or resource to be called upon in time of need and then mothballed until urgency calls again for further use.
Our relationship with our nation must be one of mutual respect and reciprocal service. We must not hesitate to claim our rightful place as an integral part of the United States.

ARCINIA PANGELINAN
Dededo, Guam