“She was receptive and shared her knowledge of our very active Filipino community and expressed interest in visiting Guam,” Guthertz said. “So we’ll be penning the proper invites and working with the Filipino Community of Guam, the Philippine Consul General’s office, and others to persuade the president to accept our invitation.”
Guthertz explained that an upcoming military buildup summit would be an opportune time for the Philippine president’s visit. Guthertz has also invited President Obama to the event.
The military buildup committee, in conjunction with Sen. Rory Respicio’s federal affairs committee, and the University of Guam’s School of Business and Public Administration, will jointly host the Military Buildup Conference in November.
Guthertz recently returned after attending the annual Philippine Ambassador and Consul General Goodwill tour, which was participated in by about 500 persons from all parts of the world.
During her visit, Guthertz met with top level Philippine government officials and business leaders Tourism Undersecretary Oscar Palabyab and Sen. Richard Gordon.
The senator noted that many were interested in the impending buildup and talked with great anticipation about the processes as Guam prepares to grow exceptionally in the coming months and years.
“It’s almost a certainty that the buildup will require the expertise of skilled and professional workers from the Philippines,” said Guthertz. “As we prepare for the current military buildup, discussions and meetings related to workforce needs in support of the buildup reflects one constancy: everyone agrees that the Philippines will be a significant source for temporary skilled laborers and professionals to augment our island’s current labor pool.”
Over 20 persons made up the Guam contingent on the Goodwill tour including Sen. Matt Rector, UOG Professor Ron McNinch and former Lt. Gov. Kaleo Moylan.
Inos, returns from leadership summit
CNMI student Anamaria Inos, a 12th grader, at Saipan Southern High School, recently returned from University of California Los Angeles, where she attended a People to People Leadership Summit from July12-July18. Inos, along with fellow delegates from around the country, participated in a ropes course, Venice Beach clean-up and enjoy a day in Disneyland, the world happiest place on earth.
During the week-long program in UCLA, Inos learned about effective leadership and how to develop her own leadership abilities to make a difference at home. Hands-on activities such as creating an Action Plan Workshop for the CNMI, professional speakers, workshops, and visits to significant local venues gave Inos, a new perspective on what it takes to lead.
“This program helped me to become a better person both mentally and physically. It opened my mind into a whole new perspective in life. I learned that being eager, yourself, and fully present is what will get you to where you want to be,” says Inos.
People to People Leadership Summit is designed to allow students a chance to explore the various aspects of leadership in specific contexts, and they are help in prestigious venues around the country. Its programs offer students a unique blend of specialized educational, leadership, and cultural exposure as well as an itinerary filled with the highlights of the hosting community. Participants in these programs often experience life-changing attitudes toward individual and shared responsibilities, global leadership, appreciation of cultural diversity, and enhanced personal growth and self-confidence. Contact: People to People Program Office, 888.275.5061 or [email protected], www.peopletopeople.com.
MVA, Okinawan mayors talk tourism
(MVA) — Twelve mayors from Okinawa, Japan visited the Northern Mariana Islands last week to learn more about how this tropical destination attracts Japanese visitors.
On Thursday (July 16) Marianas Visitors Authority (MVA) welcomed the mayors from northern Okinawa to meeting where the two sides exchanged information on number of tourists and source areas, flights and air seats, promotions, and other data. The mayors made the trip as part of their effort to learn about tourism and economy situations influencing Okinawa and other resort destinations. The discussions proved to be a two-way street as local Visitors Authority officials learned valuable information from the Okinawan Mayors in return.
The Northern Marianas delegation was lead by Japan Consul Tsutomu Higuchi, MVA Chairman Jerry Tan, MVA Vice Chairwoman Marian Aldan-Pierce, and MVA Managing Director Perry Tenorio. The mayors represented Izena Village, Ieson Village, Oogimi Village, Iheya Village, Onna Village, Kunigami Village, Ginoza Village, Kincho Town, Nakiji, Nago City, Motobu Town and Higashi Village.
“Okinawa receives a huge number of visitors from mainland Japan each year,” said MVA Managing Director Perry Tenorio. “Our meeting with the mayors was an excellent opportunity to learn from their experience, as well as share some of our perspectives from here in the Northern Marianas.”
The Mayors visited Guam last week, where they met with Guam Visitors Bureau and several village mayors.
MHS Class 1999 reunion
(MHS) — MHS Class of 1999 reunion meeting, Thursday July 23, 5:30 p.m., Civic Center Pavilion.
The agenda is the fundrasing, reunion banquet.
For more information contact Francis Mendiola cell# 287-6700 email [email protected].
Exchange student program
(Mayor’s Office) — Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela, wished to announce the arrival of students from Japan under the Sanpo En Students Exchange Program on July 28 through August 3, 2009. The students will spend two nights with the homestay sponsors on July 31 to August 1, 2009.
Mayor Tudela would like to ask residents of Saipan, most especially those families whose children have participated in the Sanpo En Students Exchange Program in the past to open their hearts and welcome the students.
Anyone who would like to sponsor a student may call the Saipan Mayor’s Office at 234-6280 or 6208 during normal business hours, Monday to Friday and ask for Tony A. Benavente or you may leave your message.
