The first day of the CNMI’s Disaster Nutrition Assistance Program application period on Saipan drew the expected long lines last June 30, with CNMI Nutrition Assistance Program chief administrator Margarita T. Aldan urging residents to be patient while assuring the public that there is sufficient funding and benefit cards for all qualified applicants.
Speaking after the opening of the D-NAP application process at the NAP Office in As Lito, Aldan said her office anticipated the heavy turnout, but continues to face staffing constraints as personnel are still completing work on Tinian and Rota following recent operations there.
"We expected the long lines. We are doing our best with the limited number of staffing that we have."
Aldan said some staff remained assigned to Tinian and Rota because of delays caused by recent power outages on Tinian, but emphasized that every eligible applicant throughout the CNMI would be served.
"I have assured everybody to please be patient and understanding, let's all work together. There is enough for everybody, whether it's the funds or the cards, we will serve everybody in all Saipan, Tinian, and Rota."
Tuesday's applicants were limited to residents whose last names begin with the letters A through E, with succeeding alphabet groups scheduled over the coming days.
Aside from the heat and long queues, Aldan said another challenge has been the limited number of volunteers available to help manage crowds and ensure applicants complete paperwork correctly before entering the processing area. She nevertheless expressed appreciation to those who volunteered to assist.
To speed up processing, Aldan encouraged residents to arrive prepared with all required documentation, including a government-issued photo ID, proof of residency such as a Commonwealth Utilities Corp. bill or car insurance, and documentation supporting disaster-related expenses incurred during the benefit period of April 11 through May 10. Applicants should also bring receipts whenever possible and carefully estimate any losses before signing the required affidavit, she said.
Aldan also offered practical advice to those waiting outdoors.
"Bring water. Dress comfortably... Make sure, first of all, that you're hydrated too."
She discouraged applicants from bringing children or unnecessary companions because seating inside the air-conditioned processing area is limited. She also advised residents to avoid parking in areas marked "No Parking," consider carpooling or being dropped off, and even use the Commonwealth Office of Transit Authority as a mode of transportation, adding that there’s a COTA stop right across NAP.
Looking ahead, Aldan said she hopes a looming tropical disturbance being monitored in the region will not disrupt the remaining application schedule, although any necessary changes would be announced if weather conditions worsen.
She also reported that D-NAP operations on Tinian and Rota were largely successful despite temporary power outages on Tinian. Approved applicants from all three islands are expected to begin receiving their Electronic Benefit Transfer cards beginning July 1 after applications are processed through the off-island EBT processor.
Aldan closed with another appeal for patience as applications continue over the next two weeks.
"We are working very hard to get people in as fast as we can... We just ask for your patience and understanding. And like I said earlier, there is enough funds for everybody. So everybody who is approved... will get."
Meanwhile, two D-NAP applicants said they endured hours of waiting on the first day of applications, but remained hopeful they would receive assistance to help recover from losses caused by Super Typhoon Sinlaku.
Among them was a 64-year-old senior citizen from Koblerville who said she arrived early in the morning and was still waiting hours later.
"It's slow," she said when asked about the pace of processing.
The applicant, who said she has a disability, said the lengthy wait had taken a physical toll.
Despite her frustrations, she acknowledged that the first day of alphabetized processing could have contributed to the delays.
"I hope tomorrow is better."
She urged D-NAP administrators to improve the process.
The woman said floodwaters damaged her home during the super typhoon, forcing her and her husband to throw away food stored in their refrigerator and freezer.
"Everybody needs D-NAP," she said. "Our food was spoiled. I threw a lot from the freezer and from the fridge."
The applicant said her household consists of two senior citizens and expressed hope they would qualify for the maximum benefit.
"It's hard for us to get here."
Another applicant, a 49-year-old resident of Marpi, said he arrived around 6:30am and had only snacks and water while waiting in line.
He described the process as moving, albeit slowly.
The resident said his concrete home sustained only minor damage from the typhoon but that he still needed assistance.
Asked what message he had for NAP officials, he appealed for broad approval of applications.
"I hope all of them can approve because all the people here from Saipan are already affected... they all suffered [from] the typhoon."
Both applicants said they understood the large turnout on the opening day but hoped the application process would become faster as D-NAP continues over the coming days.
The federally funded D-NAP program provides temporary food assistance to households affected by Super Typhoon Sinlaku that are not already receiving regular Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. Applications for Saipan residents continue on designated alphabetized dates through July 11.
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