$250K donation for relief efforts

From left to right: Jack Salas (IP&E), Jim Oehlerking (IT&E), Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, Minyong Ha (SK Telecom), and Sungwon Pyun (SK Telecom). (Contributed Photo)

Citadel Pacific Ltd., which operates IT&E and IP&E in the CNMI, plus its telecommunications partner, SK Telecom, have committed a total of $250,000 to support relief and recovery efforts in the CNMI in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yutu.

In a Citadel Pacific announcement yesterday, it said that SK Telecom has contributed $100,000 that will support disaster relief organizations. IT&E’s contribution of $100,000 is a combination of services and monetary support. Additionally, IP&E is committing a total value of $50,000 for these efforts.

The statement said that the Citadel family of companies and SK Telecom remain committed to helping rebuild the Marianas stronger than before. 

Jose Ricardo “Ricky” Delgado, president and CEO of Citadel Pacific Ltd., said the entire Citadel family witnessed “with great sadness…the devastation wrought by Super Typhoon Yutu.

“Having seen the destruction that it has left in its wake, IT&E, our partner, SK Telecom, and IP&E challenged ourselves to ensure that our company could play a major role in the recovery efforts so that people could get back on their feet.

“I am proud to say everyone in our group has risen to the challenge. As always, we are here for them in good, bad, and difficult times,” Delgado said.

Citadel Pacific Ltd. is a diversified private holdings company with operations in the CNMI, Guam, Palau, and the Philippines. Citadel’s holdings range from stakes in companies engaged in telecommunications to retail, petroleum, gas distribution, property development, and airport services.

Citadel’s entities in the CNMI and Guam include IT&E and IP&E.

For over 35 years and with almost 400 associates, IT&E serves more than 90,000 subscribers on the widest and strongest 4G LTE data network in Guam and the Marianas.

“As we move forward together, as one community, and focus our efforts on the full restoration of our islands, we ignite our own individual resilience and create an opportunity for a strong comeback,” said IT&E chief executive officer Jim Oehlerking. “It’s during times like these that we see real strength, dedication, and love for community come to the surface. I’m inspired by the efforts of our community partners to provide critical services during this period of immense need. I am also very proud to work alongside the best team, maintaining a robust network able to sustain service throughout Super Typhoon Yutu.”

IP&E Holdings, LLC is the retail and commercial supplier of petroleum products in Guam, Saipan, and Palau. It operates all of the islands’ Shell gas stations through a licensing agreement with Shell. 

Brian Bamba, managing director of IP&E Holdings, said, “There is a long road ahead to recovery for the islands, which is why IP&E is fully committed to working together with our Saipan community to rebuild after Super Typhoon Yutu.”

SK Telecom, the largest mobile operator in South Korea, with around 50 percent of the market announced a strategic partnership with IT&E in September to work hand in hand to strengthen IT&E’s wireless network and deliver leading edge technologies. 

“As a sincere partner of IT&E, our hearts go out to the residents of Saipan and Tinian whose lives have been greatly affected by Super Typhoon Yutu,” said Park Jung-ho, president and CEO of SK Telecom. “SK Telecom is more than pleased to contribute to the recovery efforts and will continue to stand by the community.”

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres assured that recovery in the Marianas has seen progress “but we still have a long way to go. We are thankful for the commitment from our friends at Citadel, SK Telecom, IT&E, and IP&E during this critical time. This partnership has remained strong over the years, and I’m confident that we will rebuild the Marianas to be stronger and more resilient for the future.” (Saipan Tribune/PR)