Building Skills at UOG

Blas was a student in UOG’s Pacific Asian Studies - CHamoru Studies track program, which was a precursor to the current CHamoru Studies program. Through his classes, he gained valuable knowledge and skills that he would utilize in the various job positions he would eventually hold.

Class presentations helped Blas develop his public speaking, making him more confident while conversing with others. He also learned the structure of the CHamoru language and became a proficient speaker. Blas put those two skills to use when he became an instructor at the Chief Hurao Academy. He was able to connect with his students through his love for the language and helped pass along CHamoru speaking skills to a younger generation. As Vice Mayor, Blas continues to use the language to communicate with the manåmko' in his village.

Additionally, Blas had the opportunity to meet and interact with a diverse range of people, first through his classes, and later, as a work study student at the University of Guam Press. After graduating in 2021, he was hired full time at UOG Press, and in his role as Distribution Manager, Blas coordinated with various vendors, businesses, and community organizations. Most notably, Blas helped lead the Village Bookshelf Competition, a collaboration with the Mayors’ Council of Guam to promote literacy among the island’s youth.

“I have the experience of working with people of all walks of life through UOG, which makes it so much easier today, speaking and working with many different people within my community,” Blas says.

A Family Legacy of Public Service

Even before his experiences at UOG, Blas was no stranger to hard work and giving back to others. He grew up helping out on his family’s ranch and raising cows, and as he got older, he always tried to apply the diligence and work ethic he learned from his låncheru upbringing to all of his endeavors.

And while Blas is just starting his career in politics, he has family members who have set the example of serving one’s community.

“Before they were called mayors, my grandfather and his brother, as well as my father’s brother, all served as commissioners of Yigo. Their commitment to public service inspired me to step up as well,” explains Blas. “When I saw the challenges that our village was facing, I realized I could do my part, too. I wanted to bring a fresh perspective and energy to the leadership role.”

Serving with Purpose

Now that Blas is officially in office, he has made it his mission to improve the daily lives of his constituents. Whether it is managing Yigo’s maintenance and beautification efforts, assisting the mayor, or simply listening and responding to residents’ concerns, he plays a hands-on role in working closely with those who need help the most.

“I hope to instill pride in our village,” Blas shares. “I want our residents to feel connected to the place they call home and to know that their voices matter. It’s about creating a community where people feel comfortable and supported.”

While the work may be challenging at times, Blas is motivated by a deep-rooted sense of responsibility to the village that raised him. His desire to make a difference is a cornerstone of the kind of leader he wants to be.

“I don’t expect to solve every problem, but as long as I can make a positive impact for even one person each day, I feel like I’m doing my job,” Blas says.