BSI outreach team is recognized for contributions

Imperial Pacific International chief operating officer Yiu Ling Kwong, right, presents IPI employee Ralph Kervy Rana, left, the grand prize during their employee appreciation dinner on Oct. 29, 2016. (IPI STAFF)

‘The Legislature issued separate resolutions that recognized the work of Imperial Pacific International’s Corporate Social Responsibility since its inception a year ago. Lawmakers on Saturday evening presented the twin resolutions during the appreciation dinner Imperial Pacific hosted for its employees at the Kilili Pavilion.

IPI is the mother company of Best Sunshine International, Ltd., the exclusive Saipan casino licensee that operates Best Sunshine Live at the T Galleria and is building the Grand Mariana Resort and Hotel in downtown Garapan.

IPI chief operating officer Yiu Ling Kwong led company executives in receiving the recognition while Sen. Sixto Igisomar (R-Saipan) represented the upper chamber in presenting Senate Resolution 19-55 to IPI.

“The CSR team is admired for employing residents from the Commonwealth that call these islands home who take time in the work they do for all their hard work, dedication, and commitment as a member of the CSR team,” the Senate said.

Reps. Angel Demapan (R-Saipan), George Camacho (R-Saipan), and John Paul Sablan (R-Saipan) represented the lower chamber in presenting House Commemorative Resolution 19-28.

“[The House of Representatives] congratulates the Corporate Social Responsibility team of Imperial Pacific International, LLC on their first year anniversary in providing good-hearted services and to recognize their extraordinary contributions to the communities throughout the CNMI,” the House said.

It was in the immediate aftermath of Typhoon Soudelor in August 2015 when IPI’s CSR team was created. Last Saturday, close to 500 employees of Best Sunshine International gathered for its employee appreciation party.

Geri Dela Cruz, executive director for CSR, said, “The company wanted to do something special and appreciate the employees for all the hard work they’ve done. We’ve celebrated one year of operations and we wanted to do something that rewarded and showed our appreciation to our employees.”

Don Brown, senior vice president of operations, has been working with IPI for about two years. “It’s one way we can show appreciation to our employees. I mean every day at work, no matter how many times we pat them on the back and give them support, these are the things when people can actually feel connected outside of work.”

Also at the event, IPI employee Ralph Kervy Rana won the raffle grand prize of $500. Presenting the grand prize, as well as other raffle winnings, was Yiu Ling Kwong.