Department of Community and Cultural Affairs Secretary Frank Rabauliman said the agency had already been coordinating with federal partners on food security concerns even before Super Typhoon Sinlaku struck the CNMI.
“Briefly, we began virtual meets regarding food security before the storm and obviously the frequency intensified after, seeking guidance from and providing necessary data sets to our grantor, Food and Nutrition Service, on any and all available assistance it can provide,” Rabauliman told Marianas Press.
The statement came as Sen. Corina Magofna called on DCCA to explore expanding emergency food assistance beyond current Nutrition Assistance Program beneficiaries to include all CNMI residents recovering from the typhoon.
In a May 6 letter to Rabauliman, Magofna thanked DCCA for securing federal waivers allowing the automatic mass replacement of NAP benefits and permitting the purchase of hot foods, saying the measures provided “much-needed support” to families affected by the storm.
However, the senator said many households that do not normally qualify for NAP are now facing severe hardship due to prolonged power outages, spoiled food, damaged homes, business closures, reduced work hours, and recovery-related expenses.
“Super Typhoon Sinlaku did not discriminate in its impact,” Magofna said.
She said the disaster has left families across all income levels struggling with food insecurity and financial strain, adding that the emotional and psychological toll of displacement, uncertainty, and loss must also be considered in recovery efforts.
“Ensuring access to food—one of the most basic human needs—is not only a matter of physical recovery, but also of restoring dignity, stability, and hope within our community,” Magofna said.
Magofna urged DCCA to examine all available options, including federal waivers, emergency declarations, and local policy mechanisms, to provide temporary food assistance for all CNMI residents during the recovery period.
“Such an approach would reflect the shared reality our islands are facing and reinforce the principle that in times of crisis, support should be as inclusive as the hardship itself,” she said.
The senator acknowledged the fiscal and administrative challenges involved in implementing broader assistance but said she stands ready to support efforts to seek additional federal flexibility and resources.
“I remain hopeful that, together, we can ensure that no family is left behind in our recovery,” Magofna said.
Share this article
