Calvo proposes economic think-tank

Guam Sen. Eddie Calvo shared the stage with Philippine presidential candidate and Sen. Richard Gordon on Friday at an Asia-Pacific mayors' conference, where Calvo proposed a joint economic think-tank with Olongapo City.

Olongapo once was host to a U.S. Navy base at Subic Bay, and has successfully transformed itself into an international trade center when U.S. troops pulled out two decades ago.

Calvo, who is running for governor in the November General Election, said the proposed Guam-Olongapo Center for Best Practices "will be so much more than a think tank for our two communities."

L-R SBMA Adm Armand Arreza, Olongapo Mayor James Gordon, APILG Pres Paul McDonald, Sen. Eddie Calvo, Councilor Ed Piano, Sen. Tina Muna-Barnes

"There is so much our communities can learn from each other. This center can examine what works and how we can improve the practices that lead to our economic vitality," according to Calvo's speech at the conference. "It can promote our core competencies to each other and work to involve both our communities in an active exchange of ideas and programs geared toward mutual prosperity."

His speech followed a keynote address by Gordon, who led Subic's shift from having been a military town to an international business hub.

"Our hometowns ... can be known for our forward movement of people, starving for greatness, building dreams, and making our mark in the world," Calvo added.

Calvo and Sen. Tina Muna Barnes were among the Guam guests at the conference.

"Guam is at the starting gate of heated economic growth," according to Calvo, referring to the looming military buildup. "What we do and how we see ourselves as global contributors will determine the future ahead. It all starts with a vision far beyond what some would accept, and the belief that we can reach it. That was the beginning of Olongapo's road to success, and it is one that is working."

BY GAYNOR DUMAT-OL DALENO • PACIFIC DAILY NEWS