American Sinopan donates computers to Tanapag

American Sinopan chief executive officer Ken Li, second left, joins students, officers, and members of the Tanapag Community Enhancement Association after donating computers to the Tanapag Middle School yesterday. (Jon Perez)

American Sinopan LLC donated more than 10 desktop computers to the Tanapag Middle School yesterday, highlighting the company’s hope for a sustainable partnership with the Tanapag community

Ken Lin, chief executive officer of American Sinopan, said they look forward to working with non-profit group Tanapag Community Enhancement Group, to benefit the Tanapag community.

Lin and company chief engineer James Bi turned over the equipment for a planned computer room that would help the students with their schoolwork and keep them updated with the technological world.

TMS students, along with Rep. Alice Igitol (R-Saipan), TCEA vice president Juan Tenorio, secretary Fabiana Pangelinan, and members Benigno Sablan, Ken Benjamin, and Danny Sablan were present to receive the new computers.

Lin said their company is very new to the island as they have only been here for two years. “We’re very happy that the [Tanapag] community has embraced us. They even let us experience a local barbecue. The people here are feisty but friendly.”

“We’re just happy to be part of the TCEA group. We wanted to keep ties. …We want to have a sustainable group. I’m proud to say that this is not a one-time thing but a long partnership.”

Pangelinan, who is also American Sinopan’s administrative assistant, added: [American Sinopan] hasn’t officially been up yet but they’ve been donating and assisting the Tanapag community since last year.”

Lin said they have other plans to help improve the surrounding environs of Tanapag. “This [computer donation] is for the kids to actually have a computer lab. But we also have other plans for the community like fixing schools, and improving the church and beaches through the help of TCEA. Through us, this is a very good way of seeing a sustainable process for the community. It is both ways, our partnership is a give and take situation,” added Lin.

Tenorio said TCEA was established as a community-enhancement group. “We’ve [TCEA] become fruitful because of the help of American Sinopan and their commitment to enhance the image of the community.”

Igitol, who is running for re-election with Senate senior legislative assistant Joel Camacho for the two Precinct 4 seats, said the Tanapag community is truly grateful for American Sinopan’s support.

“We’re blessed that they donated this to our children at [TMS]. We’re still working to do more for our community. They’re not only helping Tanapag but the CNMI as a whole. They’ve been a lot of help for us.”