Giving her all for disaster relief

Never mind that it was family day—and her birthday to boot. Vicky Villagomez had a job to do and she was there to do it.

After all, no less than President George W. Bush granted her birthday wish this year by declaring the Northern Mariana Islands a major disaster area based on a request that Villagomez—as the governor’s authorized representative—and her team were instrumental in preparing.

Issued on the Friday following Supertyphoon Chaba’s onslaught, the presidential declaration rendered all typhoon victims eligible for almost all types of disaster assistance.

It was a relief not only for the victims, but also for Villagomez, who she has been held in suspense from the time the request was submitted. The day before Bush made the declaration, Villagomez was near tears out of compassion for the people that were affected.

“We were there sitting and waiting, knowing that so many people were impacted. We didn’t know if we were going to get the declaration or not. During [Supertyphoon] Pongsona, we got a reply within 48 hours. But this time, it took 96 hours,” she related.

“It’s a great birthday gift. I’m just glad that we’re getting help for all the typhoon victims,” said Villagomez, who spent her birthday working. “My family has made plans for my birthday, but they understand that I’ve got a job to do. They are all very supportive of work. They know how important my job is,” said the wife of Sen. Thomas “Kiyu” Villagomez.

A graduate of Mount Carmel High School, Villagomez went on to finish an associate degree in accounting at Lassen Community College in California. She also attended Golden Gate University for a year, before she started her family. She has five children and two grandchildren.

Prior to holding positions in the government in 1989, Villagomez worked in the private sector for eight years. She worked with Duty Free Shoppers Ltd. after retiring with Continental Air Micronesia.

Former Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio first appointed her as the governor’s authorized representative during Typhoons Keith and Paka, and since held the position with Gov. Juan N. Babauta for Typhoon Chata’an, Supertyphoon Pongsona, Tingting, and now Chaba.

According to Villagomez, the latest supertyphoon to hit the islands was by far the most challenging. Although Pongsona was the strongest in terms of intensity, its fury was concentrated on Rota alone. Chaba, however, caused destruction to all the main islands and impacted a large number of people everywhere.

Thanks to her patience and wit, among other qualities, Villagomez was able to cope with the demands of her job and the huge responsibility placed on her shoulder. “All you need is common sense, logic, and tact. You have to be quick to think outside the box, and make the decision that will benefit everyone involved,” she said.