‘An Evening with TTT’ a success

Tasi to Table Inc. held an event called “An Evening with TTT” to introduce its 2021 plans to its sponsors last Dec. 17 at the Aqua Resort Club in Achugao.

“The event had an impactful turnout, private businesses that support, or are thinking of supporting, the program was able to get their chance to understand what TTT does and how it is effectuating change in the youth of the CNMI through its clubs in all four public high schools,” said TTT vice president Wayne Pangelinan.

Jose “Joe” C. Ayuyu, president and owner/operator of McDonald’s of Guam and Saipan branch, surprised TTT with a check to show his support for the program. The amount of the check could not be disclosed, however, Pangelinan said it was a “good amount.”

Ayuyu stated that he was impressed and confident in the program, which is why he decided that the youth program is on their list of support from the company.

Next on TTT’s list for 2021 is the development of the family-oriented fishing activity. Their upcoming shoreline casting tournament in collaboration and full sponsorship from Fishing Tackle & Sporting Goods owners Pierre and Cathy Lam.

“It’s important for the kids to learn about fishing because of our environment, our natural resources here, we’re rich in that. We believe in education, we believe in the mission for TTT. They have displayed so much hard work, and we are here to give that lift to them. It benefits everybody,” said Cathy Lam. Lam added that the dedication and hard work is why her and her husband fully supports the program.

TTT has secured support from Micronesia Islands Nature Alliance, the Department of Public Safety’s Boating Safety, and the Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality water quality division. Another collaboration is with PSS mental health, Garrett Lee Smith Youth Suicide Prevention Program under the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp., and many more.

TTT’s major goal is to be one of the 30 recipients of the Saltonstall-Kennedy grant. The grant funds projects that address the needs of fishing communities, optimize economic benefits by building and maintaining sustainable fisheries, and increase other opportunities to keep working waterfronts viable. Successful applicants will be announced in May 2021.

TTT is an eight-month long program that kicked off last October 2020 with 50 students, 40 new students, and 10 returning students. Last year, the club only had 28 students, but this year the club now has 50 students.

Pangelinan stated that they intend to branch out to Tinian and Rota by next year in February or March, but that depends on the support from the Department of Lands & Natural Resources.

Due to TTT fully funding their program, they are calling for everyone’s assistance in supporting the program because they are not a two or three-week program, but an eight-month long program that provides learning opportunities on methods of fishing, environment protection, and preservation, as well as the mental state of all the participants in both the classroom and hands-on experience.