AGP Executive Report

SNAP Changes: New SNAP benefit rules start this month, with small inflation-based payment increases but bigger future impacts as work-related requirements tighten and states take on more administrative costs. Guam Courts: The Guam Supreme Court ruled in the Core Tech vs. GWA land dispute, reversing parts of a lower-court decision tied to title claims over plant property at the Northern District Wastewater Treatment Plant. UOG & STEM: UOG’s Drone Corps expanded its FAA-licensed pilot roster, and Kayleena Blas Diaz became the first UOG civil engineering graduate to earn a Guam professional engineer license. Local Tech & Jobs: PowerUP is targeting an early December opening at Micronesia Mall with bowling, electric go-karts, a 60-foot zip line, and a hiring fair. Healthcare Training: GRMC is expanding Cath Lab training by bringing in a Guam native technologist from California to fill a local education gap. Environment & Food Security: Guam’s boat fishers reported spending more time trolling yet landing 53% less fish in 2025, while Guam also signed a long-awaited MOU to strengthen invasive species and biosecurity coordination. Energy & Finance: Moody’s downgraded Guam Power Authority to Baa3, citing fuel-cost volatility and tighter limits on rate flexibility.

Guam Courts: The Guam Supreme Court reversed part of a land dispute involving Core Tech International Corp. and the government/Guam Waterworks Authority over property tied to the Northern District Wastewater Treatment Plant, ruling the lower court erred on title under the after-acquired title doctrine while the case continues. STEM & Education: UOG’s Drone Corps expanded its FAA-licensed pilot roster, reaching 64 licensed remote pilots after a new cohort passed Part 107; UOG also received a replica 1734 Murillo Velarde map highlighting Guam–Philippines maritime ties for education and research. Workforce & Health Tech: GRMC brought in a Guam-trained Cath Lab technologist from California to provide classroom and hands-on training because Guam lacks a formal Cath Lab technologist program. Engineering Milestone: Kayleena Blas Diaz became UOG’s first civil engineering graduate to earn a Guam professional engineer license. Local Economy & Tech-Adjacent Leisure: PowerUP is targeting an early December opening at Micronesia Mall with bowling, electric go-karts, and a 60-foot zip line. Environment & Food Security: Guam fishers spent more time trolling in 2025 yet landed 53% less pelagic fish, with ocean-condition shifts suspected but no single cause confirmed. Energy & Infrastructure Finance: Moody’s downgraded Guam Power Authority to Baa3, citing fuel-cost volatility and tighter rate-setting flexibility. Biosecurity: Guam Customs and Quarantine and the Department of Agriculture finally signed a long-awaited MOU to strengthen invasive species and pest prevention. Regional Tech/Defense: Taiwan received the first US-made F-16V Block 70 jets, with deliveries routed via Hawaii and Guam, underscoring Guam’s role in regional logistics.

UOG STEM Milestone: Kayleena Blas Diaz became the first University of Guam civil engineering graduate to earn a Guam Professional Engineer license after passing the Principles and Practice exam, a win for UOG’s School of Engineering. Guam Governance & Heritage: The Chamorro Affairs Board rejected a request to send 120 ancestral remains samples to Sweden for DNA testing, citing ethics, data use, and unclear community benefits. Local Energy & Finance: Moody’s downgraded Guam Power Authority to Baa3, pointing to fuel cost volatility and tighter limits on rate-setting flexibility. Health Care Tech Funding: Core Tech Foundation donated $1M to GMHA to buy new acute-care beds, with deliveries expected late October to early November. Biosecurity Coordination: Guam Customs and Quarantine and the Department of Agriculture finally signed an MOU to strengthen invasive species and pest prevention. Climate & Innovation: Guam’s Green Growth (G3) push highlighted circular-economy training, a makerspace with digital fabrication, and aquaponics efforts to cut reliance on imported food. Regional Tech Watch: Taiwan received its first US-made F-16V jets, flying via Hawaii and Guam, boosting air-defense capabilities.

Guam Green Growth & climate resilience: At the 8th Virtual Island Summit, Gov. Leon Guerrero highlighted Guam’s G3 circular economy push, including a Conservation Corps workforce pipeline and a Hagatña makerspace teaching 3D printing and digital fabrication, plus 120 community aquaponics systems to cut reliance on imported food. Local biosecurity coordination: After years of work, the Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency and the Guam Department of Agriculture signed an MOU to tighten invasive species and agricultural pest prevention. STEM research funding: UOG’s Guam NSF EPSCoR E-CORE launched its first seed grants, awarding nearly $200,000 to faculty-led projects aimed at expanding Guam’s research capacity and STEM workforce. Health & infrastructure upgrades: Core Tech Foundation donated $1M to GMHA for new acute-care beds, while CLTC reallocated $9.4M to the Guam Power Authority for utility infrastructure and mapping on Land Trust properties. Community learning: UOG’s Land Grant Extension is offering the free Healthy Grandfamilies workshop series for grandparent and kinship caregivers. Policy watch: Guam’s special legislative session recessed after advancing Section 30 funding bills, including proposals tied to electronic health records, power bill credits, DOE facility fixes, and school modernization.

Guam Power Authority Credit Watch: Moody’s downgraded GPA’s senior lien rating to Baa3, citing fuel-cost volatility, weaker liquidity, and tighter limits on rate-setting as another Levelized Energy Adjustment Clause increase looms Oct. 1. Local Biosecurity Deal: Guam Department of Agriculture and the Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency finally signed a long-awaited MOU to better coordinate invasive-species and agricultural pest prevention. Healthcare Equipment Boost: Core Tech Foundation pledged $1M to GMHA to buy 80 patient beds for acute care, surge, surgical, telemetry, and possibly ICU needs. STEM Research Funding: UOG’s Guam NSF EPSCoR E-CORE launched its first seed grants, awarding nearly $200,000 to faculty-led projects aimed at expanding Guam’s research and STEM workforce. Community Science & Heritage: UOG hosts Guam Community Archaeology Day, with a focus on archaeological sites on military land and a live-streamed program on heritage access. Energy Innovation Pathway: Hawaiʻi State Energy Office opened applications for DOE’s ETIPP 2026 cohort, pairing Pacific communities with national lab researchers for resilient energy planning and analysis. Food Assistance Changes: SNAP benefit amounts rise with inflation, while new work and state-cost requirements begin rolling in, with Guam included in the updated maximum allotments.

Guam Recognition & STEM: Human rights lawyer Julian Aguon made TIME100 Next 2026, the first person from Guam on the list, spotlighting climate justice leadership. Local Research Funding: UOG’s Guam NSF EPSCoR E-CORE launched its inaugural seed awards, nearly $200,000 to kick off multidisciplinary STEM projects and grow Guam’s research workforce. Community Science & Heritage: Guam Preservation Trust’s first Community Archaeology Day hits UOG Friday, with hands-on activities and a talk on archaeological sites on military land. Climate & Ocean Governance: Guam Gov. Leon Guerrero shared the G3 circular economy push at the 8th Virtual Island Summit, including aquaponics and a conservation corps pipeline for green jobs. Defense & Costs: The Pentagon says its Golden Dome missile shield would cover Guam and the whole homeland for $185B, while the CBO estimates $1.2T over 20 years—fueling a major cost dispute. Guam Economy & Military Buildout: JTF Micronesia commander Joshua Lasky said DOD views Guam’s proposed economic adjustment committee as “not necessary yet,” as personnel and infrastructure demands rise. Food Security Admin: SNAP maximum allotments increase Oct. 1 for Guam and other territories, with monthly changes varying by household size. Tech & Contracts: Tamuning firm Amorient Engineering won a $20M DOD architecture/design contract for Guam military facilities through 2031. Accessibility: Guam marked National Deaf Awareness Month with a proclamation ceremony and American Sign Language support.

Missile Defense Cost Clash: The Pentagon says its “Golden Dome” shield would protect the whole homeland for $185B, while the Congressional Budget Office estimates a notional system could cost about $1.2T over 20 years—an over-$1T gap that hinges on classified details. SNAP Boost for Guam: USDA says SNAP maximum allotments rise Oct. 1 for 48 states, Alaska, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with most households seeing $8–$52 more per month. Guam Legislature Section 30 Gridlock: Lawmakers recessed a special session on $20M in Section 30 funds until Oct. 5, with competing proposals for hospital electronic records, power bill credits, education facility fixes, and a high school modernization fund. Local Infrastructure Funding: CLTC will reallocate $9.4M to the Guam Power Authority for infrastructure on Land Trust properties, including utility easements and power poles, alongside surveying for hundreds of lots. Defense Tech in the Pacific: A Tamuning firm, Amorient Engineering, won a $20M DoD architecture/design contract for Guam military facilities through 2031. Coastal Science Contracts: CSA Ocean Sciences secured multiple coastal resilience and environmental monitoring contracts, including ongoing survey work in Hawaii and Guam for invasive species and coral protection. Accessibility Moment: Guam marked National Deaf Awareness Month with a proclamation ceremony and American Sign Language support at the Governor’s Complex. Hispanic Culture Abroad: Guam will march in Madrid’s Hispanidad 2026 parade for the first time, showcasing CHamoru culture in Spanish-era inspired dress.

Guam Legislature: Lawmakers recessed a special session on Section 30 bills until Monday, Oct. 5, after reports for several $20M proposals were still pending signatures and key officials’ return. The four proposals include an electronic health records push for Guam Memorial Hospital and UOG aquaculture funding, power bill credits, Department of Education facility fixes, and a Simon Sanchez modernization fund. Infrastructure & Land Trust: The CHamoru Land Trust Commission reallocated $9.4M to the Guam Power Authority for utility easements, power poles, and surveying/mapping across thousands of acres to avoid losing funds before Sept. 30. Public Safety Pay: Bills to double juror compensation from $30 to $60 per day and adjust signage rules advanced to the voting file, with lawmakers weighing cost impacts. Defense Tech: A Tamuning firm, Amorient Engineering, won a $20M DOD architecture/design contract for Guam military facilities through 2031. Marine Science: CSA Ocean Sciences secured multiple coastal resilience and environmental monitoring contracts, including ongoing survey work in Hawaii and Guam for invasive species management and coral protection. Health & Compliance: FinCEN flagged $17.5B in suspected healthcare fraud-related suspicious activity, underscoring new red-flag focus for financial institutions. Regional Security: Guam’s role in U.S.-Japan-China tensions remains in focus as Japan seeks reassurance after Trump-Xi talks, with maritime incidents in the Philippines’ area of operations adding pressure.

Guam Policy & Courts: A bill to double juror pay from $30 to $60 per day and let the Guam Land Use Commission decide on signage restriction waivers advanced to the voting file, with lawmakers debating how the Judiciary would cover the added cost. Defense Tech & Funding: The Pentagon’s FY2027 budget request includes $938M for the Guam Defense System, including missile and interceptor procurement plans tied to Aegis and THAAD. Local Engineering Contract: Tamuning firm Amorient Engineering won a $20M DoD architecture/design contract for Guam-area military facility work, running through 2031. Marianas Science Communication: UOG named Rota journalist Thomas Mangloña II as the inaugural Marianas Science Communications Fellow to translate local environmental research for Guam and CNMI communities. STEM in the Classroom: Jamestown High freshman Isabel Rossi reached national STEM finals for earthquake sensor placement modeling, while Horizon Honors students earned major academic honors. Biosecurity & Invasive Species: A Guam-focused explainer highlights how invasive insects hitchhike via travel and trade, stressing island biosecurity. Ocean Governance: NRDC and regional voices urged meaningful participation in Marianas deep-sea mining decisions as UN and regional bodies weigh sea-level and ocean policy impacts.

Defense Contract: Amorient Engineering (Tamuning) won a $20M DoD architecture/design contract for Guam military facilities, with work running through Sept. 2031. STEM Recognition: Horizon Honors students earned national nods—Trinn Lim as a Top 300 Junior Innovator finalist in the Thermo Fisher challenge, and Kimimila Beetso named a National Merit semifinalist. Earthquake Update: A magnitude 6.6 quake struck near New Caledonia’s Loyalty Islands; tsunami warnings were cleared with no threat to Guam or nearby U.S. areas. Naval Medicine Leadership: Naval Medical Forces Pacific changed command as Rear Adm. Kevin Brown handed over to Rear Adm. Reginald Ewing III. Guam Tech & Infrastructure: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed an agreement to move Guam Customs to UNCTAD’s ASYCUDA automated customs data system. Local Science Culture: ARTSOLUTION GUAM opened in Tumon, featuring Heo Injung’s “Miracle Mouse” and other feng shui-inspired works. Public Safety: A Yigo stabbing suspect, Arnusio Lucio, was placed on house arrest pending trial. Marine Policy: The Western Pacific Fishery Council urged federal agencies to expedite Guam/NMI/American Samoa green sea turtle status reviews tied to cultural harvest.

Guam Defense Tech: The Pentagon’s FY2027 budget request includes $938M for the Guam Defense System, aiming to speed development and fielding of layered missile defense capabilities, including THAAD interceptors and Aegis SM-3 missiles. Naval Engineering: The USS Connecticut Seawolf-class submarine’s return to service has slipped to summer 2027 after collision damage, with retirement planning now pointing to 2031. Maritime Security & Guam’s Role: As Japan’s PM seeks reassurance after Trump’s Xi summit, Guam’s strategic position is highlighted amid concerns about how China may behave in contested waters. Undersea & Ocean Governance: Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine urged the UN to base seabed mining decisions on science and safeguards, stressing Micronesian voices—including Guam’s—in the process. Local Infrastructure Risk: A Guam Memorial Hospital facilities assessment again spotlights a single point of failure in switchgear that could knock out power to patient wards. STEM & Youth: Jamestown High freshman Isabel Rossi advanced to national STEM finals with an earthquake sensor placement study using optimization methods. Customs Modernization: Guam signed onto UNCTAD’s Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) to streamline trade, revenue, and enforcement. Conservation & Culture: The Western Pacific council called for green sea turtle status reviews in Guam and other territories to support cultural harvest needs.

Seabed Mining & Nuclear Legacy: Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine urged the UN to slow seabed mining and deliver an apology over nuclear weapons testing harms, saying Micronesian voices—including Guam and CNMI—must be heard. Sea Turtle Governance: The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council pushed federal agencies to expedite green sea turtle status reviews in Guam, CNMI, and American Samoa to support traditional cultural harvests. Guam Defense Funding: The Pentagon’s FY2027 budget request includes about $938M for the Guam Defense System, with major missile and interceptor procurement plans. Customs Modernization: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed an agreement to move Guam toward UNCTAD’s Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) to streamline declarations, revenue collection, and enforcement. Local Oversight: Guam lawmakers requested oversight of acting GPD reorganization after concerns about costs, transfers, promotions, and pay increases. STEM Spotlight: A Jamestown High freshman advanced to national STEM finals with an earthquake sensor placement project using optimization and game theory. UOG Science Comms: UOG named Rota journalist Thomas Mangloña II as the inaugural Marianas Science Communications Fellow to translate research into community stories. Youth & Learning: Guam 4-H announced free National 4-H Week workshops, and GTA selected five students as 2026–27 Youth Leaders. Conservation & Health: A Guam diabetes coalition began building a new five-year strategy, while a report highlights invasive species biosecurity risks for island ecosystems.

Seabed Mining & Nuclear Legacy: Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine urged the UN to slow seabed mining until science and safeguards are in place, warning “there are no do overs,” and also called for a UN apology over harm from 67 nuclear tests in the Marshall Islands—while stressing Micronesian voices, including Guam, must be heard. Deep-Sea Mining Participation: NRDC says Marianas residents lack time and information to weigh a deep-sea mining lease sale, arguing the federal process is moving too fast without meaningful local input. Guam Water Safety: A report highlights Yigo residents’ fears after dieldrin contamination warnings tied to nearby Air Force base activity, raising health concerns and questions about how long the issue has been known. Defense Tech Funding: The Pentagon’s FY2027 budget request includes $937M for the Guam Defense System and Joint Program Office, with more interceptors and missile procurement. Customs Modernization: Gov. Leon Guerrero signed an agreement to deploy UNCTAD’s ASYCUDA automated customs data system, aiming to streamline declarations, revenue collection, and enforcement risk checks. STEM & Youth: Jamestown High freshman Isabel Rossi advanced to national STEM finals for an earthquake sensor placement study; Guam 4-H announced free National 4-H Week workshops, and UOG named Rota journalist Thomas Mangloña II as the inaugural Marianas Science Communications Fellow. Health Strategy: Guam’s diabetes coalition began building a new five-year prevention and control plan.

SNAP Update: Starting Oct. 1, Guam’s SNAP maximums will rise (with Guam set apart by higher grocery costs), while states—including Guam—face a bigger share of SNAP admin costs, raising pressure on budgets. Biosecurity & Invasive Species: A new look at how invasive insects hitchhike through travel and cargo, and why island territories like Guam need stronger biosecurity to protect agriculture and unique ecosystems. Public Safety Oversight: Guam lawmakers are pushing for oversight into Acting GPD Chief Col. Joseph Carbullido’s reorganization after concerns about costs, transfers, and pay changes. UOG Food Science Workshop: UOG Land Grant is hosting hands-on tofu and soy milk making sessions, bringing practical food systems skills to residents. Youth STEM & 4-H: Guam 4-H is gearing up for National 4-H Week with free workshops spanning DNA experiments, fisheries, sewing, and bug hunting. Science Communication in the Marianas: UOG names Rota journalist Thomas Mangloña II as the inaugural Marianas Science Communications Fellow to translate local research for island communities. Customs Modernization: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed an agreement to move Guam Customs toward the UN’s automated customs data system (ASYCUDA) to streamline trade and strengthen enforcement. Defense Spending: DOD’s FY2027 budget request includes major funding for the Guam Defense System, plus more interceptors and missile procurement. Climate & Sea Level Rise: The UN adopted a declaration affirming island nations’ statehood and maritime zones as seas rise—directly relevant to Guam’s coastal risks.

Defense & Guam Tech: The Pentagon’s FY2027 budget request backs the Guam Defense System with $938M, including Aegis upgrades and missile buys like SM-3 Block IB/IIA plus THAAD interceptor procurement. Food Science & Local STEM: UOG Land Grant will host hands-on workshops on making homemade tofu and soy milk (Sept. 28 or Oct. 24), teaching practical food science from soybeans to finished products. Climate & UN Policy: The UN adopted a Declaration on Sea Level Rise, affirming island nations’ statehood and maritime zones can remain stable even if rising seas make territory uninhabitable—an issue Guam is watching closely. Youth STEM Pipeline: Guam 4-H kicks off National 4-H Week (Oct. 4–10) with free, grade-based workshops from DNA experiments to targeted bug hunting and sewing. Science Communication: UOG named Thomas Mangloña II (Rota) the inaugural Marianas Science Communications Fellow to translate environmental research for Guam and CNMI communities. Trade Modernization: Guam Customs and Quarantine signed on to deploy ASYCUDA to automate customs data, streamline declarations, and strengthen enforcement. Health & Prevention: The American Cancer Society recognized Guam’s Marisha Artero-Perez for advancing HPV vaccination policy work.

Sea Level Rise & UN Statehood: The UN adopted a Declaration on Sea Level Rise saying island nations won’t automatically lose statehood or UN membership if rising seas make land uninhabitable, and that maritime zones tied to fishing and resources would stay stable even as coastlines shift. Guam Customs Modernization: Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero signed an agreement to move Guam’s Customs and Quarantine Agency toward UNCTAD’s Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA), replacing decades of paper processing with streamlined digital trade and enforcement functions. UOG Science Communication: The University of Guam named Rota journalist Thomas Mangloña II as the inaugural Marianas Science Communications Fellow, launching a yearlong push to translate environmental research into community-ready stories. Youth STEM Week: Guam 4-H announced free National 4-H Week workshops (Oct. 4–10) featuring hands-on DNA, fisheries, targeted bug hunting, sewing, and more for students from elementary through high school. Tourism EXPO Japan: Guam is using Tourism EXPO Japan 2026 to rebuild its Japanese visitor market, backed by new WTTC-JATA-TEJ cooperation efforts. Health & Prevention: Guam’s diabetes coalition began work on a new 5-year strategy after a two-day planning workshop. Local Tech/Infrastructure: A Hawaii firm won a $49M DoD contract for fire protection engineering across Indo-Pacific bases, with most work expected on Guam. Energy Policy Debate: A report highlights renewed interest in small modular reactors as Guam weighs potential nuclear power plans tied to military needs.