GORDON ATTENDS INDUSTRY FORUM IN GUAM

Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. was one of the more than 1,350 participants in the Guam Industry Forum III, the third series of industry forums related to the relocation of the US Base from Okinawa, Japan to Guam, USA on April 28-30, 2009.

Several other representatives from the Philippines are also in attendance during the forum, including 53 worker recruitment agencies, 15 contractors and several Philippine labor officials.

Gordon also had the opportunity to meet with several personalities including Guam-Senator Eddie Calvo and initiated discussions on “furthering trade and sister-city ties between Guam and Olongapo City,” according to the Guam newspaper Pacific Daily News.

In a statement, Senator Calvo said he is leading an effort to establish a sister-relationship with Olongapo City after hearing Mayor Gordon’s proposal during their meeting at Guam’s Hyatt Regency.

Guam-Senator Eddie Calvo and Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. discuss the possibility of forging a sister-city relationship between Guam and Olongapo City.

According to the Senator, “Subic is a community that once had a strong US military presence” and “we can learn from their experience and share in the prosperity ahead. I want to build a strong partnership that will benefit both our communities,” he added.

Senator Calvo shares that he has already written to the concerned agency heads in Guam, including the Guam Visitors Bureau, Guam Economic Development Authority and Department of Labor, to consider Gordon’s invitation to establish a sister-city relationship.

“Our presence here is not only about opportunities for workers, but also for investments. The people of Olongapo are interested in setting up businesses in Guam. I am hopeful that Guam and Olongapo City can forge a sister-city relationship,” Mayor Gordon was quoted as saying.

PAO/chay