Business Briefs: PayLess Sinajana reopens; TakeCare accreditation renewed; Capstone project tackles procurement reform

Oldest and newest

Pay-Less Supermarkets in Sinajana celebrated its grand reopening on Dec 6. after a four-month pause in operations for renovation.

The newly refreshed Sinajana Pay-Less blends modern convenience with island warmth, featuring bright, open spaces, natural textures, and design elements that honor Sinajana’s agricultural roots.

The renovation transforms the historic store into an updated neighborhood market designed to gather, nourish, and connect the community it serves.

 Established in 1967, the Sinajana location is the oldest among the seven PayLess stores throughout Guam.

TakeCare earns renewed AAAHC accreditation

TakeCare Insurance Company Inc. has received the renewal of its accreditation from the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, extending TakeCare's certification through 2028.

The accreditation validates TakeCare's compliance with national standards for quality healthcare delivery, patient safety and operational excellence. AAAHC, a private nonprofit organization established in 1979, accredits more than 6,000 healthcare organizations nationwide through peer-based evaluation processes.

"This renewal reflects TakeCare’s continued commitment to meeting the highest benchmarks in healthcare quality and member services," said Arvin Lojo, TakeCare health plan administrator. "The rigorous accreditation process ensures our members receive care supported by systems that meet nationally recognized standards."

TakeCare became the first health plan in the region to achieve AAAHC accreditation in 2016. The organization has maintained continuous accreditation renewals in 2019, 2022 and 2025.

The accreditation requires regular independent evaluation by external experts to verify compliance with healthcare management best practices. Members can access services knowing TakeCare's operations undergo ongoing validation against industry standards.

"This accomplishment represents countless hours of meticulous preparation, collaboration across departments, and an unwavering commitment to excellence," said George Chiu, TakeCare president. "Our team's work ensures that our members continue to receive healthcare services backed by the highest national standards."

UOG students showcase Capstone project on procurement reform

The University of Guam’s Public Administration and Legal Studies Program will host a capstone presentation titled “Clearing the Way: Guam’s Journey to Procurement Reform” on Dec. 11, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the School of Business and Public Administration, Room 111.

The presentation is the culminating project for PA 490: Special Projects, taught by Prof. Chirag M. Bhojwani.

Throughout the semester, students have engaged directly with government of Guam stakeholders involved in procurement to gain a deeper understanding of the system’s real-world challenges, bottlenecks, and opportunities for reform.

By meeting with practitioners across agencies, the students examined issues such as process delays, legal and regulatory constraints, capacity gaps, and the impact of procurement inefficiencies on service delivery and public trust. Their final presentation will highlight key findings and propose ideas to support a more transparent, efficient, and accountable procurement framework for Guam.

“Our students have spent the semester listening to the people who live and work inside the procurement system every day,” Bhojwani said. “This project is about bridging theory and practice—using what they’ve learned in the classroom and grounding it in the lived experiences of government of Guam stakeholders. We hope their work can contribute to an honest and constructive conversation about how to strengthen procurement for the benefit of our island.”

The PALS Program has extended a formal invitation to all senators to attend the presentation, recognizing the Legislature’s central role in shaping procurement laws, oversight mechanisms, and broader public sector reforms.