MVA’s Diaz, Duenas recognized for excellent public service

Staff and managers of Marianas Visitors Authority are congratulated by MVA board vice chair Gloria Cavanagh, in white, and MVA managing director Priscilla M. Iakopo, eighth from right, as they receive their service awards on May 5, 2022, at the MVA office in San Jose, Saipan, during Public Service Recognition Week. (MVA)

The Marianas Visitors Authority was joined by Gov. Ralph C. Torres and other dignitaries on May 5, 2022, in recognizing its top and longest-serving employees, including Employee of the Year Edward Diaz and Leadership Award recipient Martin Duenas.

Community Projects coordinator Diaz coordinates numerous projects and events under the MVA’s Community Projects Division, including the annual Saipan Marathon and the first ever Hafa Adai Tirow Summer Jam in 2021.

“Ed’s quality of work always delivers an impressively organized and functional event. Ed has a very disciplined organizational skill that ensures that the job gets done not only in a timely matter but also with little to no setbacks,” said Duenas, who is Diaz’s supervisor. “All of the events that Ed organized during the review period attracted a significant number of participants, and all safety measures were in place to ensure that all had a great and safe event. Ed continues to have a positive approach to working on projects, as well as when working with fellow staff, which is very important in these challenging times.”

Marianas Visitors Authority employees are recognized on May 5, 2022, at the MVA office in San Jose, Saipan, during Public Service Recognition Week. From left, MVA Community Projects coordinator Jack Aranda, Civil Service Commission chair Jake Maratita, Office of Personnel manager Frances Salas, MVA Leadership Award recipient Martin Duenas, MVA Employee of the Year Ed Diaz, Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, MVA managing director Priscilla M. Iakopo, MVA Community Projects coordinator Ray Villagomez, and MVA board vice chair Gloria Cavanagh. (CNMI Office of the Governor)

Duenas, who was also recognized as one of the longest-serving employee at the MVA with over 31 years of service, received the leadership award as manager of the Community Projects Division.

“I am deeply humbled to be selected amongst the other great leaders and managers here at the MVA. For me it’s all about my passion for the work I do here at the MVA; the reward or recognition is secondary and will follow if you work diligently to accomplish your goals and objectives,” said Duenas. “I really enjoy working with our community partners to regularly put out much anticipated events and projects for our public and, most importantly, for our tourists to enjoy. I would like to extend my utmost appreciation to my hardworking staff Ed, Ray, Jack and Valencia. I could not have accomplished all the many things that needed to be done without their full support.”

Trades Technician I Alfred Maratita of Marianas Visitors Authority, fourth left, is recognized on May 9, 2022, at the MVA office in San Jose, Tinian for over 31 years of service. From left, 18th Municipal Council of Rota secretary Jim Atalig, MVA board director Aqida Quitugua,18th Municipal Council of Rota chair Jonavan Lizama, Maratita, Rota Mayor Efraim Atalig, Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, and vice president of Public Service Recognition Committee Randall Pangelinan. (MVA)

Receiving length of service awards were Duenas and Alfred L. Maratita (31+ years), Judy C. Torres and Benedicta L. Borja (30+ years), Thelma F. Boyer (29+ years), Maria C. Muna and Brenda B. Repeki (21+ years), Valencia V. Tenorio (20+ years), Diaz (17+ years), Raymond A. Villagomez (7+ years), David A. Atalig (6+ years), and Janica Q. Lizama (5+ years).

“During the most difficult time, our managers and staff have been there, no questions asked,” said MVA managing director Priscilla M. Iakopo. “Through good times, they have been there. They truly deserve appreciation and recognition for the hard work they do, and I am privileged to manage an excellent team.”

Also in attendance were Civil Service Commission chair Jake Maratita, Office of Personnel manager Frances Salas, and members of the MVA board of directors. (MVA)