Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo accompanied Cruz at the exposition allowing them the opportunity to discuss issues related to the pending military buildup.
“She is very aware of the pending buildup and jokingly said to me, ‘I hear there’s a big construction project going on in Guam.’ She immediately asked what they could do to help,” Cruz said.
Among the topics of their discussion was Guam’s need for 20,000 skilled laborers for construction projects related to the transfer of the U.S. Marines from Okinawa, Japan, to Guam.
“Filipinos are skilled in many different disciplines,” Cruz said. “They have knowledge in the English language and share a similar culture and religion, so their role in the buildup and the benefits it will bring to our region just makes sense.”
The second annual 10-day provincewide expo allows the local government and the private sector, including many startup and small-town business entrepreneurs, to showcase their products to around 3,000 international delegates.
Cruz said several businessmen at the expo were interested in construction and skilled workforce opportunities associated with the buildup on Guam.
