(Tumon, Guam) The Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) and Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to have GVB manage the restroom facilities at Governor Joseph Flores Memorial (Ypao Beach) Park and Matapang Beach Park.

The MOA was signed on November 22 and is for a three-year commitment. DPR is anticipated to transfer funding to also assist with GVB’s management services.

“DPR has been making diligent efforts to secure maintenance services in our public parks. However, the onerous process of preparing proposals for procurement has been met with multiple unforeseen delays since April. With our long-standing relationship with DPR, we will ensure the restroom facilities are maintained 24/7 at Ypao and Matapang, and hopefully in the near future, Ipan Beach Park and Talo’fo’fo Bay restrooms. We pride ourselves on being a results-oriented organization,” said GVB President & CEO Carl T.C. Gutierrez.

Under the MOA, the Bureau will procure, contract, and manage the restroom facilities maintenance at Matapang Beach Park and Ypao Beach Park, subject to adequate funding.

“We’re happy GVB is partnering with our agency over the management of Ypao and Matapang. DPR does its best with limited resources and manpower to oversee the maintenance of over 70 public parks and facilities. The spirit of collaboration is needed even more for the upkeep of our local resources. Hopefully, GVB will also assist with other perennial problem areas,” said DPR Director Roque Alcantara.

“I want to thank Director Roque Alcantara. His leadership at DPR has moved the agency forward and we need forward-thinking leaders to get us to the next era of tourism. As we look to rebuild, reinvigorate, and reimagine Destination Guam, it is more important than ever to develop our home for our residents and visitors,” added Gutierrez.