Incoming United Filipino Organization-CNMI president Valentino R. Cruz supports extending the CNMI-Only Transitional Worker Program and wants the touchback requirement abolished, saying both issues affect Filipino workers who have built their lives in the Northern Marianas.
Cruz, who was elected UFO president for the 2027-2028 term last Oct. 4 at Kanto 10 Saipan Vegas, said he understands the challenges of the CW-1 program firsthand because he was once a CW-1 worker himself.
He said he supports extending the program because many Filipino workers want to remain in the CNMI, particularly those who have raised families and spent much of their working lives on the islands.
“I’m in favor of extending the CW-1 program since still a lot of Filipino workers want to work and stay in the CNMI,” Cruz said.
He also expressed hope that the federal government could eventually improve the program.
Cruz was more emphatic about the CW-1 touchback requirement.
“I’m totally against the touchback program, which is quite costly and hard for both employer and employee,” Cruz said.
The touchback requirement generally requires certain CW-1 workers, after three consecutive petition validity periods, to leave the United States, including the CNMI, and remain outside for at least 30 continuous days before another CW-1 petition can be filed. The requirement does not apply to workers classified as CW-1 long-term workers.
Cruz said the requirement can disrupt employees’ work and leave employers with temporary staffing shortages that affect business operations.
Cruz will succeed outgoing UFO president Carlito Marquez in January 2027.
Other officers elected for the 2027-2028 term were Edmin Elayda as vice president, Mildred Pabilando as secretary, Cely Monteclaro as treasurer, Marvin Buston as auditor, and Yolanda De Ramos as public relations officer.
Cruz said one of his priorities will be to continue the work of the outgoing administration while strengthening unity among the different organizations under the UFO umbrella and maintaining the group’s community service efforts despite the CNMI’s economic challenges.
He said leading UFO will be a team effort involving the organization’s newly elected officers and member groups.
Cruz joined UFO in 2024 when he was elected treasurer. He is also a former MIFICPA president and currently serves on its board of directors.
Originally from Manggahan, Pasig City, with roots in Cabiao, Nueva Ecija, Cruz graduated from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines’ main campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila, with a bachelor’s degree in accountancy.
He has lived and worked in the CNMI for more than 30 years. His first employer on Saipan was the former Sablan Construction, where he worked as general accountant after being referred by a former co-worker in Manila.
Cruz is now self-employed and owns and manages Macro NMI Accounting Services in San Jose, Saipan.
Meanwhile, Marquez thanked UFO officers, board members, the eight organizations under the group, businesses, and the wider Filipino community for supporting his administration.
He cited the revival of the UFO basketball league and the organization’s continuing assistance to Filipinos needing help with repatriation among the accomplishments he was most proud of during his term.
“Thank you and rest assured that I will continue to support my successor,” Marquez said.
UFO’s member organizations include the Bayani Association, MAFEA, Bicol Association, MIFICPA, NMBA, Sto. Niño Group, Tau Gamma Phi, and Samahang Ilokano.
Share this article:
