GUAM — Guam delegate-elect Alicia Garrido Limtiaco clarified that she is CHamoru and not Filipino, but stressed that Filipinos hold a special place in her heart and in Guam, where generations of Filipino families helped shape the island's history, economy, and culture.
She said she intends to strengthen Guam's relationship with the Philippines.
Her clarification came after several social media posts suggested that she was of Filipino heritage.
The former Guam attorney general said she takes pride in her Indigenous heritage while recognizing the contributions of the Filipino community to the US territory.
"I would like to respectfully clarify that I am CHamoru, an Indigenous daughter of Guam," Limtiaco said. "My heritage is rooted in the Mariana Islands, and I am proud of the history, culture, language, and traditions of our CHamoru people."
"While I am not Filipina, I have tremendous respect and appreciation for the Filipino community," she added.
Limtiaco, a Democrat, defeated incumbent Republican delegate James Moylan in Guam's Nov. 3 general election. She received 15,645 votes against Moylan's 14,983, putting her on track to become the first CHamoru woman elected to represent Guam in the US Congress.
Despite their different ethnic backgrounds, Limtiaco said CHamorus and Filipinos share many of the same values, including respect for elders, strong family ties, education, faith, hard work, and community responsibility.
She said Filipino contributions extend to nearly every sector of Guam's economy, particularly healthcare, education, construction, business, hospitality, and public service.
"The Filipino community is part of Guam’s family, and its voices deserve to be heard in the decisions that shape our island’s future," she said.
Limtiaco also acknowledged the support her campaign received from residents of different backgrounds, saying her responsibility as Guam's next delegate would be to represent everyone regardless of ancestry, nationality, or political affiliation.
Limtiaco said she intends to strengthen Guam's relationship with the Philippines, particularly in tourism, trade, labor, and cultural exchanges.
One of her priorities is to seek a federal review of whether eligible Philippine visitors could be included in the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, which could make travel to the two US territories easier for Filipino tourists.
"On tourism, I would fight for a federal review of whether eligible Philippine visitors could be included in the Guam–CNMI Visa Waiver Program, with appropriate screening and safeguards," she said.
She also intends to work with tourism officials, airlines, and businesses to identify ways to improve travel and commercial ties between Guam and the Philippines.
On labor issues, Limtiaco acknowledged the challenges confronting foreign workers, including recruitment practices, workplace safety, and reporting mistreatment.
She said she would work with federal agencies, employers, and worker representatives to address these concerns while helping Guam businesses meet legitimate staffing needs.
Housing affordability, healthcare, and job stability are also among her priorities, particularly for families struggling with high living costs and limited medical services.
Limtiaco said she would seek fairer Medicaid funding, federal housing policies that reflect Guam's construction costs, and employment training opportunities for island residents.
Other priorities include compensation under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, extending Supplemental Security Income benefits to Guam, and securing federal investments in water, power, and road infrastructure.
She thanked Filipinos for their contributions and pledged to ensure their concerns are heard in Washington.
"To Guam’s Filipino community, thank you for all the ways you serve our island and for taking the time to tell me what matters to you and your families," she said.