‘Let’s be ambassadors of our own trade institute’

Derol Tudela, 33, was unemployed for more than a year and used to be a recipient of the federally funded food stamp program. When he learned about the vocational course offerings at the Northern Marianas Trade Institute, he was hesitant to try it out.

“I knew it would be very difficult for me to try because I have no car and I just felt that I cannot make it. But with the support and motivation I received from my family, I made the decision to give it a shot, and I am happy that I did,” Tudela said.

He related that while taking classes at the institute, he was given the opportunity to be trained at Hyatt Regency Saipan, which eventually hired him as a regular employee.

Tudela was among the latest graduates of the trade institute who were presented certificates during an achievement ceremony on Friday. Tudela was conferred a certificate in hotel and restaurant program.

“I am proud of myself now. If I did it this far, I am sure everybody can do it as well! Let’s take advantage of this opportunity to grow and succeed and NMTI is here to help,” he told the crowd.

Sixty-two-year-old Singeru Sugiyama, who also received a certificate for the hotel and restaurant program, also spoke to the crowd about his experience with the institute. A former government employee, Sugiyama had nothing but praise for the institute and its mentors. He was among the recipients of special awards during Friday’s ceremony and had a perfect attendance in all his classes.

“What I had achieved and where I am today, I owe it all to this institution. So I urged you all: Let’s all be ambassador of our trade institute-the NMTI,” Sugiyama said.

Tudela and Sugiyama were among the 74 individuals who were conferred certificates during NMTI’s achievement rites: nine in core curriculum; 21 in hotel and restaurant level II program; 12 in engine performance laboratory; 17 in automotive brake-systems lab; 15 in culinary arts level III; and three in carpentry level II.

It was learned that through the internship and trainings provided by partner employers, 38 of the 74 graduates have already found jobs in either public or private sector.

Acting governor Eloy Inos, in his keynote speech, praised the institute for producing more than 400 graduates since its inception in 2008. He said that gracing NMTI’s achievement rites is always a pleasure as the Fitial administration joins in celebrating a great accomplishment.

NMTI founder and president Anthony Pellegrino urged the graduates to continue to move up the ladder of success. The institute, he assured, will continue to provide local citizens the logistics and direction they need to fulfill their dreams to join the workforce. “You are going to make this country great and prosperous again,” he said.

According to Department of Labor Employment Services director Alfred Pangelinan, the agency is working with the institute to ensure that its graduates are provided the needed support in finding jobs on island. “Our goal is to put all of you in a place where you can work and be successful,” he told graduates.

The institute recognized seven individuals for their exemplary class performance. They included Singeru Sugiyama, Alona Parrish, Derol Tudela, Merry Joy Zak, Chesman Fagoliige, Jason Sumed, and David Uchel.