[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 27, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E9]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          TRIBUTE TO THE LATE HONORABLE FRANCISCO DUENAS PEREZ

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 27, 1998

  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, the island of Guam lost a very valuable 
member of its community on December 22, 1997. Mr. Francisco Duenas 
Perez, a farmer, businessman, government administrator, and legislator 
was called to his eternal rest at the age of 84. The late Francisco 
Perez worked early on in life at the U.S. Navy's Bureau of Yards & 
Docks. He graduated from Guam Evening High School and in 1984 received 
an honorary Doctorate of Laws degree from the University of Guam.
  Frank Perez accomplished many things during his lifetime. He was the 
first Chamorro farmer to successfully incubate imported fertilized eggs 
from the United States and sell locally produced eggs to stores 
throughout Guam. In 1983, he was commissioned as a captain in the Guam 
Militia. During the World War II occupation of Guam he risked his life 
by secretly operating a radio to rescue two American escapees. He was 
named administrator for the Agricultural Department under the Bureau of 
Naval Intelligence in 1944 and later went on to begin a long and 
distinguished career in the Guam Legislature. He is also known as the 
``father'' of the Guam Economic Development Authority, having 
formulated the concept of developing a government agency to help 
promote and attract new businesses to Guam. He introduced the idea of 
tax breaks, known as qualifying certificates, as a valuable economic 
stimulus. In 1947, he cofounded the Pacific Construction Company. He 
served as its president until 1951, when he founded what is now known 
as Perez Bros. Inc., a construction company and the island's first 
private subdivision. In addition, he was a cofounder of the Guam 
Contractors Association in 1960 and contributed to that organization's 
work with economic development activities on Guam.
  Frank Perez was recognized for his outstanding accomplishments and 
contributions to the success of Guam's economy by being elected to the 
Guam Chamber of Commerce's Business Hall of Fame in 1995. He was one of 
Guam's outstanding leaders whose experiences during World War II shaped 
several generations. His dignity, his selfless service, his commitment 
to family and to Guam serve as reminders of the qualities which our 
island needs. His passing is a great loss and his presence will be 
missed.
  On behalf of the people of Guam, I offer my condolences and join his 
widow, Mrs. Carmen Camacho Duenas Perez, and their children and spouses 
namely: Mr. Frank and Mrs. Christina Perez, Mr. Joseph and Mrs. Donna 
Perez, Mr. Gregory and Mrs. Ernestina Perez, Mr. George and Mrs. 
Tressie Perez, Mr. Thomas Perez and Ms. Karen Kasperbauer, Mr. John and 
Mrs. Patricia Perez, Ms. Mary Perez, Dr. Sulpicio and Mrs. Carmen 
Soriano, and Ms. Margarita Perez, along with their 29 grandchildren and 
six great-grandchildren, in mourning the loss of a husband, a father, 
and an invaluable citizen who dedicated his life for the people of 
Guam. Si Yu'os Ma'ase, Tun Francisco.

                          ____________________