A groundbreaking ceremony was held on July 3 for the long-awaited renovations of the Hagåtña Pool.
This marks the second public pool project Angel R. Sablan, Department of Parks and Recreation director, has been tasked with since joining the administration, he said.
“I never thought that I’d be able, during my term at least, to get this pool open,” Santos said.
BME & Sons Inc. was selected as the contractor for the $8.8 million renovation project and has one year to complete it.
Adelup said in a statement that the Hagåtña Pool project is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act and the U.S. Economic Development Administration.
The Office of the Governor of Guam hosted a groundbreaking ceremony at the Hagåtña Pool on June 3. Photo by Skyler Obispo
Additionally, Amorient Engineering was selected for the architectural and engineering designs for the project.
Vincent P. Arriola, Department of Public Works director, said he is confident in BME & Sons to get the project done on time.
“They’re reputable, they’ve gotten great quality work, and I have no doubt this project, when they’re all done, is going to be something that we can all appreciate,” he said.
The renovations will fix major structural issues, modernize its filtration system, and improve its bathhouses.
Santos said that the Hagåtña Pool, an Olympic size swimming pool, can hold up to 660,000 gallons of water. The Harmon Complex Pool holds up to 96,000 gallons of water in comparison.
Acting Gov. Joshua F. Tenorio said that Hagåtña Pool is a fixture in the community.
“[Public swimming pools] are a gathering place for the very young, the very old, and every age in between,” he said.
Tenorio also reflected on Guam’s history with competitive swimming.
“For decades, individual swimmers and teams that trained here in Hagåtña, represented Guam in regional, national, and international sporting events,” he said.
The Guam Registered Apprenticeship Program saw tax credit claims surge by nearly 40% in fiscal 2026, reaching $17.4 million as local businesses sought to offset operating costs and build skilled local labor.
Unofficial results for the 2026 General Election indicate Republican gubernatorial team, Vice Speaker Vicente Anthony "Tony" Ada and businessman Edward “EJ” Calvo, will head to Adelup with Alicia Limitiaco as Guam delegate to Congress, and Phillip James Tydingco to be the next Attorney General of Guam.
