20 April 2016 - Philippine Ambassador to the United States of America Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. made his second official visit to Guam on April 15. His first visit to Guam was in March 2012. Philippine Consul General to Agana Marciano R. de Borja and Mrs. Esperanza de Borja, together with the officers and staff of the Philippine Consulate General, welcomed the Ambassador at the A.B. Won Pat International Airport upon his arrival.
During his visit, Ambassador Cuisia called on Lt. Governor Ray Tenorio, who received the Ambassador in behalf of the Governor. Ambassador Cuisia briefed the Lt. Governor on the state of Philippine-US relations, and thanked him for the strong support and warm treatment of Filipino workers by the government and people of Guam. The Ambassador also expressed the hope that the ongoing military build-up will enable the return of Filipino construction workers to assist in the growth and development of the island.
The Ambassador also called on Rear Admiral Bette Bolivar, Commander of Joint Region Marianas. He was joined during the call by Consul General de Borja and Consul Mark Francis C. Hamoy. Admiral Bolivar was one of two Outstanding Filipino-Americans last year who received plaques of recognition from Ambassador Cuisia during the reception on the occasion of the 117th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence in June 2015. She is among the highest-ranking Filipino-Americans on active duty in the US Navy and traces her roots to Camarines Sur and Nueva Ecija.
After the calls on government and military officials, the Ambassador had the opportunity to visit the Consulate General where he was greeted by the officers and staff of the Consulate General. Consul General de Borja also gave the Ambassador a tour of the expanded premises and explained how the additional 1,618 square foot expansion has enhanced the representational character of the office and provided new space for the Cultural Affairs and Assistance to Nationals sections.
The highlight of the Ambassador’s visit was the dinner reception hosted in his honor by Consul General and Mrs. de Borja at The Gallery of Hilton Hotel. During the dinner reception, Ambassador Cuisia had the opportunity to meet the leaders and members of the different Filipino organizations headed by Ms. Nita Baldovino, President of the Filipino Community of Guam (FCG), the umbrella organization of Filipino associations on Guam.
Ambassador Cuisia, in his remarks, thanked the Filipino community in helping the Consulate General in promoting Philippine culture and for its contribution to the advancement and success of the Guam community. He as well encouraged the Filipino community, particularly the Filipinos and dual citizens, to participate and vote in the 2016 election.
Senator Dennis G. Rodriguez, Jr. and Senator Nerissa Bretania Underwood of the 33rd Guam Legislature presented a Legislative Resolution to Ambassador Cuisia recognizing and commending the Ambassador for his exemplary service as the Philippine Ambassador to the United States of America and extending to him the warm and sincere appreciation of Guam for his efforts to promote and expand relations between the United States and the Philippines. END
