Apatang Highlights Efforts to Revive the CNMI’s Economy

Gov. David M. Apatang used his Labor Day message to highlight his administration’s efforts to revive the CNMI’s economy and uplift the lives of its people, saying he and Lt. Gov. Dennis C. Mendiola are committed to building a more resilient future.

“This Labor Day is your day,” Apatang told government workers and their families gathered for the CNMI Labor Day Celebration last Aug. 31 at the Garapan Fishing Base. “Lt. Gov. Mendiola and I want you to enjoy today and leave here with lots of good memories.”

The governor said he and Mendiola are focused on increasing visitor arrivals, diversifying industries through manufacturing, imports and exports, and real estate development, while also sustaining and expanding the CNMI’s retail sector.

“Lt. Gov. Mendiola and I know what we need to survive to keep the roof over our heads, to put food on the table, to buy necessities that our families need, to pay for a car loan, credit card, utility bills, school tuition, medical bills, health insurance, entertainment, and travel. We need good-paying jobs, lower and affordable prices, and a vibrant economy to enjoy all the things that we can afford. Lt. Gov. Mendiola and I need your support,” he said.

The governor also reminded workers of the importance of unity, urging them to avoid criticism and instead show kindness and respect toward one another.

“Let's love each other and work together. No criticism. Instead of criticism, smile and say ‘good morning, good afternoon.’ Let's all be friendly to each other,” he said.

He then ended his remarks by again thanking all workers in the Commonwealth—government and private—on the occasion of Labor Day this Sept. 1.

“On behalf of the people of the CNMI, Lt. Gov. Mendiola and I thank you. Thank you to all our hard-working employees in our CNMI, both in the public sector and the private sector. Thank you for your friendship, understanding, patience, and support. In always working together and always trying to make our Commonwealth a better place to live than at any other time in the past. Our Commonwealth is a better place because of your care and commitment,” he said.

At the start of his remarks, Apatang also asked the community to offer prayers for the late governor Arnold I. Palacios, who passed away last July 23, and the late senior policy adviser Oscar Babauta, who died last March 17.

“Let us continue to pray for them. Both of these men served honorably as public servants during their lengthy careers in our government,” said Apatang.

The highlight of the CNMI Labor Day Celebration was the naming of the Saipan Employee of the Year, which went to Christine Aldan of the Division of Youth Services.

Aldan joined the CNMI government in December 2016 as an emergency shelter caretaker with DYS under the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs. Since then, she has steadily risen through the ranks to become one of its most dedicated employees.

In August 2018, she transitioned into a new role as a Child Protective Services caseworker I with DYS, where she has been at the forefront of safeguarding the community’s most vulnerable—abused and neglected children.

Over the past eight years, Aldan has consistently demonstrated exemplary performance, unwavering commitment, and deep compassion in her work. Her contributions have been instrumental to the growth of DYS and its mission to serve the children, youth, and families of the CNMI.

In the ensuing games after the awards ceremony, the Department of Finance won the tug of war competition, and musical chairs went to Cecilia Blas of the Office on Aging.

Department of Labor was also adjudged the back-to-back tent competition winner.