Nearly 270 Complete Governor’s Broadband Bootcamp, Boosting Local Workforce

A total of 269 participants from Saipan, Tinian, and Rota graduated from the Governor’s Broadband Bootcamp last week, with 229 completing the 19-week program on Saipan alone, marking a milestone in the CNMI’s push to build a local, skilled digital infrastructure workforce.

Held at World Resort Saipan, the graduation ceremony celebrated the third and fourth cohorts of an initiative designed to prepare residents for careers in the fiber optic and broadband deployment industry.

Funded by the CNMI Broadband Policy and Development Office through the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment grant program, the bootcamp provided intensive hands-on and classroom instruction. It was implemented by Northern Marianas College, Northern Marianas Technical Institute, Island Training Solutions, and the CNMI Department of Labor.

“This milestone represents more than just certification—it marks a significant step forward in building local expertise in fiber optic and broadband technologies,” read a statement from Glenn Hunter, special assistant for the CNMI Broadband Policy and Development Office. “Participants gained not only technical skills but also critical soft skills like time management, customer service, and professional readiness.”

Hunter added that the program supports Gov. Arnold Palacios’ vision to expand broadband access and fuel the growth of a robust digital economy across the Marianas.

Krissa Deleon Guerrero, lead outreach coordinator from the CNMI Office of Broadband Policy and Development, said in her welcome remarks that the Governor’s Broadband Bootcamp was the realization of that vision for a more connected and forward-looking Commonwealth.

“Gov. Palacios saw broadband as more than wires and signals. He saw it as a bridge to opportunity, a lifeline for education, and a foundation for growth. His foresight and belief in the power of broadband connectivity planted the seed that became our office. And it’s because of that vision that we now have the opportunity to shape a stronger, more resilient future for the CNMI,” she said.

Since securing funds from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, the Office of Broadband Policy and Development has aimed not just to build infrastructure, but to develop local capacity—ensuring residents are skilled in installing, maintaining, and innovating technology.

In his keynote remarks, Gov. Palacios challenged local residents to overcome self-doubt and embrace this transformative opportunity. He also revealed that Citadel Pacific, Ltd. is planning a data center on Tinian, and that several international companies are eyeing multiple fiber optic cable landings in the Commonwealth.

From January to May 2025, 301 students enrolled in six bootcamp cohorts across the islands. Tinian’s 17 graduates completed the program on June 10, and Rota’s cohort graduated 23 on June 12.

One graduate from Saipan, Jacob Deleon Guerrero Sablan, said the experience transformed his career outlook. “I’ve learned so much—not just about broadband networks and fiber optic deployment, but also emotional intelligence and customer service. I’m looking forward to using what I’ve learned to help our community grow.”

Adan Alfre Aquino Manlulu, a participant from Tinian, shared how the bootcamp empowered him: “The knowledge and skills I gained…have empowered me to contribute directly to improving connectivity in our community,” noting the importance of soft skills and professionalism.

Monique Boyer-Sablon, director of NMC’s Community Development Institute and the event emcee, praised the effort as a model of collaboration among government, academia, and industry—including IT&E and Docomo Pacific.

NMTI CEO Jodina Attao lauded broadband instructor Christian Camacho for his dedication and effectiveness in teaching nearly 300 students, calling him an inspiring example of local capacity building.

NMC President Dr. Galvin Deleon Guerrero reflected on how the program strengthened connections—between islands, institutions, families, and importantly, between participants and their future.

Graduates are now certified in fiber optics and broadband infrastructure, ready to support upcoming projects including fiber-optic landing stations and data centers planned for the CNMI.