This follows a meeting Calvo and Aquino had earlier this year in Manila.
“Guam is home to tens of thousands of Filipinos, who share in a rich, diverse and common culture here,” Calvo wrote in his letter to Aquino. “Their leadership on our island follows centuries of trade, political relations, and friendship between our communities. This tradition built a strong bridge between our islands, linking Guam and the Philippines into a lasting alliance.”
Calvo emphasized several issues, including the opportunities stemming from the propensity for Philippine economic growth and the unprecedented buildup happening in Guam.
“We are the closest U.S. jurisdiction to Asia, with billions in capital investments that will be made over the next decade,” Calvo wrote. “This alone brings possibilities for major mutual contributions and benefits to Guam and the Philippines. Our partnership in this regard can produce a stronger workforce, larger capacity, and the sharing of best practices, not to mention the immediate mutual economic benefit.”
A major potential policy that can have long-reaching effect on Guam’s Filipino residents and tourism is the request for a Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program with the Philippines.
“Many of Guam’s Filipinos have families living in the Philippines,” Calvo wrote. “The approval of a Guam and CNMI-only Visa Waiver Program with the Philippines will make it easier for families to see each other. It will also build a new tourism market between Guam and the Philippines.”
