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Over 300 Pacific local govts on island in May
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Posted on Apr 21 2009
Over 300 delegates from the Pacific region are expected to be on island next month for the second annual Pacific Mayors’ Conference.
Saipan Tribune learned that the Association of Pacific Island Local Governments, APILG, will host the mayors’ conference on Saipan in May.
Delegates from Guam, Rota, Tinian, Honolulu, Federated States of Micronesia, Palau and the Philippines are expected to descend on the island for the conference, scheduled for May 14 to 17 at the Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan.
According to Antonia M. Tudela, co-chairwoman of the APILG conference, many mayors will attend due to their membership with the group.
Tudela said others are interested in the association’s plan to provide information at the conference about the region’s military buildup, the potential need for raw materials, H-2 visa laborers and supplies from the Philippines.
A report on the constant traffic for medical care at hospitals in the Philippines is also among the much-awaited presentations at the event.
Last year’s inaugural conference was held in Guam, which saw more than 450 delegates and guests.
“As an association of municipalities, we want to explore ways and means of maximizing our muscle through collaborative ventures among mayors from the Philippines, Guam, and the Northern Marianas and Micronesia,” Tudela said in her invitation to local lawmakers to grace the event.
Tudela said the conference aims to achieve the following objectives: celebrate common elements in culture and customs; establish a network in the areas of education, health care, agriculture and commerce; to further business and investment endeavors; assist in the availability of affordable health care; to improve and re-establish communication among families and friends; and provide for assistance in times of disasters.
Tudela said the association also aims to nurture “sister-city relationships” among the participating jurisdictions in Micronesia, Guam and the Philippines.
