HAGÅTÑA (Guam Department of Labor) — The number of H-2B workers on Guam has surpassed the 6,000 mark which has not been seen in over three decades, reflecting the unprecedented demand for labor driven largely by the military buildup and major construction projects.
Ronaldo Duque Acedo, originally from the Philippines, is the 6,000th H-2B worker to be registered on Guam and is a carpenter employed by Black Construction. Acedo, who’s been employed with Black Construction for six years, has now visited Guam three times. He began working as a carpenter in the Hangar at Andersen Air Force Base. He then moved to the machine gun range at Naval Base Guam.
“This is a turning point for the construction industry and signals Guam is ready to meet and sustain the growing demand for development and investment,” said Guam Department of Labor Director David Dell’Isola. “Our team has streamlined processes, strengthened oversight, and closely partnered with employers and federal agencies to support a reliable workforce that helps move critical projects forward.”
Acedo has previously worked in the Middle East in Riyadh where he was making $500 a month. He now makes about $700 in one week. Back home in the Philippines, he was making 150 pesos per hour, which roughly translates to $2.50 per hour. With the money he is earning now, Acedo is able to support his family back home.
Although H-2B workers are at the highest level in 30 years, the sheer volume of projects exceeds the local availability of local skilled workers. In support of the existing Guam workforce, GDOL has been focusing on registered apprenticeship, supporting job training and upskilling efforts for our local population to fill the long-term jobs that are in demand with the military buildup.
Based on GDOL’s September 2025 Current Employment Report, the local workforce was comprised of 3,740 U.S. construction workers, or 10.26% of U.S. workers in construction, which is roughly double the national average per capita of 5.2% of U.S. construction workers participating in construction activities, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
In addition to welcoming skilled foreign workers to help meet Guam’s immediate labor needs, opportunities for U.S. workers to upskill and build careers locally remain a top priority. Guam residents interested in developing in-demand trade skills are encouraged to explore training and apprenticeship pathways offered through the Guam Contractors Association and the Guam Registered Apprenticeship Program, as well as comprehensive employment and training services available through the American Job Center.
For more information, contact the American Job Center at (671) 475-7000/1 or visit dol.guam.gov/.
