May 29, 2025 — The Port Authority of Guam has released its Management Performance Assessment (MPA) for the Fiscal Year 2025 Mid-Year Review, highlighting steady progress across all divisions and the continued implementation of reforms aimed at improving accountability, operational performance, and financial stewardship.
The MPA, submitted by General Manager Rory J. Respicio to the Port’s Board of Directors, provides a comprehensive overview of each division’s performance during the first half of the fiscal year. It is based on the official Mid-Year Performance Reviews submitted by division heads and, where applicable, their assistant managers. The report reflects how each individual is meeting their responsibilities, advancing the Port’s priorities, and responding to challenges within their areas of oversight.
The MPA outlines concrete accomplishments in infrastructure modernization, hiring reforms, fiscal controls, and tenant oversight. It also documents the Port’s ongoing pursuit of FEMA and insurance reimbursements tied to post-typhoon recovery, along with preparations for critical capital projects including gantry crane replacement, wharf rehabilitations, and fuel pier upgrades.
“This is more than a progress report. It’s a cultural shift toward consistent performance and shared accountability,” said Respicio. “We are building systems that work, and we’re seeing the results in how Port employees are leading, how our projects are moving forward, and how we are all delivering on our responsibilities to the public and to our federal partners.”
Highlights of the MPA include:
- Maintain active coordination with local, federal, and defense agencies to ensure the Port’s operational readiness through infrastructure upgrades, including gantry crane replacement, fuel pier modernization, and wharf rehabilitation. As Guam’s only commercial seaport, the Port plays a critical dual role in sustaining regional commerce and serving as a frontline logistics hub essential to the nation’s defense posture in the Indo-Pacific.
- Strengthen lease enforcement and tariff billings to fully maximize application of the Port’s approved tariff wherever applicable, ensuring consistency, transparency, and full revenue recovery.
- Advance financial systems improvements to support job cost billing, revenue tracking, and audit readiness, while simultaneously pursuing bond defeasance to reduce liabilities and exploring future bond financing options aligned with the Port’s long-term capital priorities.
- Implement recruitment reforms, including resume redaction, rating panel safeguards, and practical assessments for all certification-based positions to uphold merit-based hiring and ensure compliance with the Port’s Personnel Rules and Regulations.
The MPA also acknowledges operational challenges such as documentation delays, staffing constraints, and legacy practices that require continued reinforcement. Each division is expected to maintain real-time coordination, internal discipline, and measurable follow through.
“Each division’s submission demonstrates that we are actively executing our shared goals,” Respicio added. “The themes of performance, integrity, and follow-through remain consistent throughout. These reviews are not just reports. They are working documents that help us calibrate direction, reinforce expectations, and support the leaders who are stepping forward.”
Across the organization, the Port continues to address inherited challenges while building systems that work for all employees. Many reforms now in place reflect a shift from reactive to proactive management. While progress is real, significant work remains to institutionalize these changes and apply them consistently. Respicio emphasized that each day tests whether the organization will hold the line on reform and avoid slipping back into outdated habits.
“This Management Performance Assessment formalizes expectations, measures leadership alignment, and documents follow-through in ways that strengthen transparency and credibility,” Respicio said. “The Port is moving forward with steady coordination, deeper accountability, and systems that support both integrity and results.”
The Port Authority of Guam extends its appreciation to Governor Lou Leon Guerrero, Lieutenant Governor Josh Tenorio, the Port Board of Directors, Port management and employees, the Port Users Group of Guam, Port tenants, and all stakeholders for their continued support and partnership.
“It is through this collective commitment that the Port continues to grow stronger, deliver results, and meet the needs of the people of Guam and our regional neighbors. Si Yu’os Ma’åse,” Respicio added.
The full mid-year report is attached and will be posted online at www.portofguam.com.
