Garapan Head Start Center is named after Tan Joaquina

The Head Start Center in Garapan/Chinatown was officially renamed the Joaquina M. Rabauliman Head Start Center yesterday to honor the valuable contributions of the program’s first director.

Government officials and community members joined the children and siblings of Rabauliman, fondly called “Kinai” by many, in celebrating the “very historic occasion” in the CNMI and the Carolinian community’s history.

Gov. Benigno R. Fitial led Rabauliman’s family and guests in the ribbon cutting ceremony, followed by the unveiling of the center’s new signage and a latte stone that signifies what the Head Start program does: building the foundation of a student’s life.

“Although I’m not part of the program, I am part of the family,” the governor remarked, drawing laughter from the audience.

Fitial said that Rabauliman, his sister-in-law, was “one of the top two that has contributed tremendously” to his successful career.

Head Start Program director Melissa DLR Palacios described Tan Joaquina as an educator who inspired and molded young minds with her commitment, dedication, and passion.

Palacios, herself a product of the program, showed off her 33-year-old diploma that was signed by Rabauliman.

“Let us continue to build foundations within our children and make a difference in the lives of our children one step at a time, one child at a time,” added Palacios as she congratulated Rabauliman’s family.

Board of Education chair MaryLou S. Ada led the reading and presentation of copies of the resolution to each of Rabauliman’s seven children: Manny, Cecilia, Frank, Henry, Andrew, Vincent, and Carmelita.

Rabauliman herself was not able to make it to the ceremony due to her frail health.

Education Commissioner Rita A. Sablan said that she never had the chance to meet Rabauliman but recounted how she and Manny, Tan Joaquina’s oldest child, got in trouble when the latter “stole” his dad’s car when they were still attending high school in Mount Carmel back in the ’70s.

Sablan described Tan Joaquina as “a living testimony of an accomplished woman.”

Grandson Felix Rabauliman said he is proud of his grandmother, “a strong and very hardworking woman” who spent over 30 years helping elementary and Head Start students back when it was still called the Mariana Islands Community Action Agency.

Felix, who teaches at Hopwood Junior High School, said his grandmother “epitomizes the traditional Carolinian woman: strong yet very humble.”

“This hardworking yet simple woman we’re honoring today is in fact very thankful for the renaming of this establishment,” said Felix. “Although she is unable to stand in front of you this morning, we, the family, would like to extend our humble and sincerest gratitude to all of you.”

Division of Environmental Quality director Frank Rabauliman, one of Tan Joaquina’s children, said the event was “very humbling” for their family.

“I’m out of words honestly that she will be one of the first Carolinian women that’s ever recognized for the work that she did and the services she performed for the community,” he told Saipan Tribune.

Manny Rabauliman, the eldest son, said that while it’s unfortunate that their mother was not able to join the event, he believes that Tan Joaquina is excited about being recognized.

“We’re very grateful to the Board of Education, the staff of PSS for renaming this building after our mom. We’re very glad and we really appreciate all their efforts in making this thing possible today,” he added.