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FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO POST-SOUDELOR RECOVERY
NMTI students presented with Congressional commendation
Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP), sixth from left, presents a certificate of commendation to the Northern Marianas Trades Institute for its contributions in the post-Soudelor recovery of Saipan. At Sablan’s left is NMTI CEO Agnes McPhetres. (Contributed Photo)
The Northern Marianas Trades Institute was paid a courtesy visit by Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) last Wednesday, June 1. The purpose of the visit was to formally hand NMTI students present with a certificate of commendation for the efforts NMTI put forth in the recovery work done due to the destruction caused by Super Typhoon Soudelour. The official commendation was recorded in the 114th U.S. Congressional record on Dec. 15, 2015, recognizing the various community organizations that pulled their resources to give assistance to those in need. NMTI students took part in the recovery efforts by taking an active part in the reconstruction efforts around Saipan.
Agnes M. McPhetres, NMTI’s chief executive officer, was present during Sablan’s visit. McPhetres said, “It is an honor to have the congressman come over to our campus and hand over the commendation himself. It was also an opportune time for us to showcase our program and discuss some of our ongoing efforts at improving educational services delivered to residents.” Sablan’s visit was a thrill for the students present for the certificate presentation. One such student was incoming NMTI student, Julian Manglona who said, “I came to register and found myself taking a picture with the congressman. It was my first time meeting him and was pleased to find out he supports NMTI. I’m an incoming high school senior and want to work for the summer. By gaining skills in the hospitality trade, I hope to entice hotel employers looking for skilled workers.”
Victorino Cepeda, director of External Relations, also commented, “the visit was like a breath of fresh air.”
Cepeda added, “by visiting us and presenting the certificate, it solidified our role as an educational entity in this community. It is a lot more expensive than conventional academics. With his support, we can achieve greater heights for island residents. We are truly delighted to be given such a gesture of recognition.”
