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Hagåtña, Guam - The Government of Guam has reached a new pinnacle in emergency management training, establishing an unprecedented standard for disaster preparedness and resilience across the nation. For the first time among the territories, a Governor and Lieutenant Governor participated in a Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Emergency Management Institute (EMI) 0209: Territory Recovery Planning and Coordination Training. Held at the University of Guam from April 1 to April 4, the session was a collaborative effort by the Office of the Governor, the Guam Department of Homeland Security and Office of Civil Defense, along with FEMA’s Interagency Recovery Coordination and EMI Teams. Participating agencies included the Mayors’ Council of Guam, the Guam Economic Development Authority, the Department of Public Health and Social Services, the Department of Parks and Recreation, the Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority, the Department of Public Works, the Guam Power Authority, the Guam Waterworks Authority, the Department of Agriculture, the Bureau of Statistics and Plans, the Guam Regional Transit Authority, and the University of Guam.
“As Governor, I've witnessed firsthand the importance of hands-on leadership during times of disaster alongside Lieutenant Governor Josh Tenorio. That’s why we make it a priority to join our key infrastructure leaders in disaster preparedness training,” said Governor Leon Guerrero. “We understand that true leadership is about leading by example. By actively participating in opportunities to grow and improve, we not only build resilience but also demonstrate our commitment to ensuring Guam’s strength and unity in the face of adversity.”
“Readiness isn’t just a concept but a testament to the resilience ingrained in the people of Guam. As we approach the one-year mark since Typhoon Mawar, our island reflects on the trials we’ve faced and the lessons we’ve learned. From weathering storms to navigating a global pandemic, Guam’s strength lies in its people. With our relentless spirit and determination, our administration will use every tool at our disposal to enhance our readiness. Together, drawing from our shared experiences, we will fortify our island and emerge even stronger. Guam's resilience knows no bounds, and together, we’ll face any challenge head-on,” added Lt. Governor Tenorio.
“Training is critical in refining recovery strategies, enhancing resilience frameworks, and creating a stronger, more robust island community. This landmark involvement by our territorial leaders brought immense pride and served as a beacon of proactive leadership unmatched by any other state or territorial administration in the United States,” said Territorial Disaster Recovery Coordinator Forrest Chargualaf. “Our engagement in the FEMA EMI 0209 training reaffirms our unified resolve to ensure our recovery efforts are strategic and cohesive. This commitment is our promise to protect and enhance the resilience and well-being of our community, now and for the future.”
Focused on enhancing territorial-level recovery planning and coordination, the EMI 0209 training equipped our island’s leaders with the crucial knowledge and skills required to navigate disaster recovery’s complexities and strategically fortify our communities against future calamities. This training symbolizes Guam’s forward-thinking approach to disaster readiness, transcending mere reactive measures to establish a proactive, comprehensive plan of action. It addresses the myriad challenges of disaster recovery, emphasizing the importance of integrating public, private, and non-governmental sectors into a cohesive planning effort.
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