WASHINGTON, D.C. – Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem recently hosted Canadian Ambassador to the United States Kristen Hillman and Finnish Minister of Economic Affairs Sakari Puisto in Washington, D.C., where the three countries affirmed their commitment to strengthening domestic shipbuilding and expanding their icebreaker fleets.
The ministerial meeting is the latest milestone in the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE) Pact, a trilateral initiative designed to enhance Arctic security, support President Donald J. Trump’s Executive Order to revitalize the U.S. maritime industrial base, and rebuild the U.S. Coast Guard’s aging icebreaker fleet.
“Today, we marked a major milestone in the race to secure the Arctic against our adversaries,” Secretary Noem said. “ICE Pact, the historic trilateral partnership between the United States, Canada, and Finland, will power our economies with good jobs, strengthen our collective Arctic defense, and bring us one step closer to rebuilding our icebreaker fleets. Under President Trump, we are finally asserting our Arctic dominance.”
During the meeting, Noem also announced the U.S. National Workforce Development Plan, which will draw on ICE Pact partners’ expertise to expand opportunities for American workers in manufacturing and shipbuilding while helping rebuild the nation’s industrial base.
Secretary Noem, Ambassador Hillman, and Minister Puisto signed a Joint Statement of Intent to continue the partnership into 2026. The representatives highlighted the ICE Pact’s 2025 accomplishments: workforce development collaborations, industrial cooperation, icebreaker acquisition, and joint research and development projects.
ICE Pact is considered central to the U.S. Coast Guard’s long-term strategy for modernizing its icebreaker fleet—an essential capability as Arctic waters become more strategically contested.
Due to limited investments in past decades, the United States has lagged behind countries such as Russia and China in icebreaking capacity. The ICE Pact aims to accelerate the development of modern Arctic and polar icebreakers while supporting partners with reliable, cost-effective vessels.
According to DHS, the initiative represents the largest Arctic and maritime investment undertaken by the United States in recent years, signaling Washington’s intent to reclaim a leading role in Arctic capability and presence.
Encounter with Sen. Shelly V. Calvo of Guam
I arrived early at the 4th Dangal ng Lahing Filipino Awards ceremony at the Lancaster Hotel in Mandaluyong City. Organizer Maria Liza F. Lorenzo and her team were already overseeing preparations, and the venue looked elegant and festive.
Among the awardees I met were philanthropic and multi-awarded film director Romm Burlat, young actress Elia Ilanoaccompanied by her mother Ssheng, comedian Kitkat, the charming couple Jigo and Camille Postolero, Josephine Arboleda, and Paul A. Calvo, president and CEO of Calvo’s Insurance, with his wife, Guam Senator Shelly V. Calvo.
Senator Calvo received the Hall of Fame Award for Most Outstanding Public Servant of the Year. She serves on key committees in the Guam Legislature, including child welfare, youth affairs, senior citizens, women’s affairs, disability services, arts and culture, historic preservation, and Hagåtña restoration.
I shared a seat with them at Table 6 in the VIP section. Senator Calvo spoke warmly about her Filipina mother, expressing gratitude for her family’s heritage. She and Paul were gracious and even offered to take several of my photos. They applauded when I received my Lifetime Achievement Award for Most Outstanding Freelance Journalist in the Philippines, and I remain grateful for their kindness and encouragement.
On Bonifacio Day
To commemorate Bonifacio Day, the Philstagers Theatre Foundation will stage a special grand gala of Bonifacio: Ang Supremo, Isang Musikal on November 30 (Sunday), 6:00 p.m., at the Adamson Theatre, Adamson University, San Marcelino Street, Ermita, Manila.
Fans of Philstagers, school alumni who grew up watching its productions, and advocates of history and cultural arts are invited to attend.
Tickets will be available at Adamson University on the day of the show, or through +63 956 669 0335 for reservations. Prices are ₱500 for general admission and ₱1,000 for VIP seats.
Looking forward to seeing Atty. Vince Tañada, my favorite director, writer, and actor in one.
Congratulations to Ralph Recto
Congratulations to former Finance Secretary Ralph Recto on his appointment as Executive Secretary. A proud Batangueño and alumnus of De La Salle University, Ralph brings decades of legislative and administrative experience to the role.
Wishing you success, Ralph. Animo La Salle!