Guam registers 6,000th H-2B worker, record-breaking number in 30 years
- Admin
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
By Pacific Island Times News Staff
The number of H-2B workers on Guam has surpassed the 6,000-mark for the first time in over three decades, reflecting unprecedented labor demand driven largely by the military buildup and major construction projects.
Ronaldo Duque Acedo, a carpenter employed by Black Construction, is the 6,000th H-2B worker to be registered on Guam.
Guam had approximately 5,000 foreign workers at the height of tourism construction in the 1990s.
“This is a turning point for the construction industry and signals Guam is ready to meet and sustain the growing demand for development and investment,” said David Dell’Isola, labor director.
“Our team has streamlined processes, strengthened oversight, and closely partnered with employers and federal agencies to support a reliable workforce that helps move critical projects forward," he added.
Originally from the Philippines, Acedo has been employed with Black Construction for six years and has now visited Guam three times.
He began working as a carpenter in the Hangar at Andersen Air Force Base. He then moved to the machine gun range at Naval Base Guam.
Acedo has previously worked in Riyadh, the Middle East, where he earned $500 a month. He now makes about $700 in one week.
The daily minimum wage in the Philippines ranges from 470 pesos ($7.86) to $695 pesos (11.63), depending on the region.
Guam has been experiencing a construction boom over the past decade, with the U.S. National Defense Authorization Act authorizing $2 billion in annual spending for military projects on island. There were 58 active projects in Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz as of 2024.
Guam has been dependent on the H2-B program due to a limited pool of local skilled workers.
The Philippines, one of the world's largest sources of manpower, has been Guam's recruitment destination.
In 2015, the federal government lifted Guam’s exemption from the 66,000-visa national H-2 B quota, prompting several developers to put the brakes on their projects.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security later eased the rules, noting that the influx of military personnel and activity on Guam would drive a surge in demand in the civilian construction sector, including homes, hospital expansions, and commercial projects.
The labor department noted that although Guam has reached the largest number of H-2B workers in 30 years, the volume of projects exceeds the local availability of skilled workers.
Based on GDOL’s September 2025 employment report, the local workforce comprised 3,740 U.S. construction workers, or 10.26 percent of U.S. construction workers, roughly double the national average of 5.2 percent.
The labor department said it has been focusing on registered apprenticeship, supporting job training and upskilling the local workforce to fill the long-term jobs that are in demand with the military buildup.
The Guam Registered Apprenticeship Program provides tax credit incentives to eligible businesses that employ apprentices, who are training in highly skilled trades and occupations such as technicians and automotive.
Eligible businesses are entitled to tax credits against their gross receipts tax liability equal to 50 percent of the eligible training costs paid or incurred by the business.
Guam residents interested in developing in-demand trade skills are encouraged to explore training and apprenticeship pathways offered through the Guam Contractors Association and the Guam Registered Apprenticeship Program, as well as comprehensive employment and training services available through the American Job Center.
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