A United States congressman representing Guam’s at-large congressional district has recommended to the Biden-Harris transition team Filipino-American Shelly Vargas Calvo to serve as US Ambassador to the Philippines.
US Rep. Michael San Nicolas made the recommendations to the incoming US administration, citing, among others, Calvo’s Filipino-American heritage as well as her “extensive networks in domestic and Filipino organizations, along with business and philanthropic success in both Guam and the Philippines.”
"We are excited to recommend for nomination Shelly Vargas Calvo for consideration to serve as United States Ambassador to the Philippines," San Nicolas said in a statement posted on his official social media accounts.
"Shelly Calvo's Filipino American heritage, extensive networks in domestic and international Filipino organizations, along with business and philanthropic success in both Guam and the Philippines make her an ideal candidate to reinvigorate Philippine-American diplomacy," the Guamanian congressman continued.
The Democratic politician from the US territory stressed that it is an honor to recommend Calvo whom he described as an “accomplished Filipino-American” to serve the United States and its people and strengthen Guam and American historical ties in the interest of shared greater economic prosperity and American security in the region.
Interviewed over Guam-based online platform Kuam News, Calvo said she is “proud and honored” to be recommended for the top US diplomatic post to the Philippines where she was born and raised before she migrated to the US almost 25 years ago.
A product of the Assumption College, Calvo is a successful entrepreneur, having established multiple small businesses and international businesses on Guam and the Philippines.
A dedicated philanthropist, she has served as a community organizer of many performing arts projects and in numerous leadership capacities in various civic and non-profit organizations.
Rep. San Nicolas said Calvo has established multiple channels throughout the Philippines and Guam that would greatly enhance the complex diplomatic mission of the United States in the Philippines.
Calvo called Guam her home for the last 18 years after spending a few years in San Francisco, California. She is married to Guamanian Paul Calvo.