LOCAL BRIEFS DLNR releases hawksbill turtle

The Department of Lands and Natrural Resources has released a hawksbill turtle which was caught by a fisherman last week. According to Marian Concepcion, information officer, the turtle was brought to Niko Hotel’s aquarium first to allow it to recover because its right flipper and abdomen were wounded. Concepcion said it is illegal to catch or cook the hawksbill and green sea turtles which are considered endangered under federal law. Conservation officers are constantly watching the turtle’s nesting areas on the island.

No more early
morning hours

The Quarantine Office at the airport will no longer entertain customers during early morning hours to collect their plants or animals. Payments must be made from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

PMT head
says goodbye

After ending his four-year term at Pacific Micronesia Tours, Misao Taniguchi, general manager, was recently honored by the Marianas Visitors Authority by presenting a special certificate of appreciation. “I am very surprised to be honored in such a way. I have truly enjoyed my stay in Saipan and have made so many friends here,” said Taniguchi.

Funds transfer

The government has realigned funds amounting to $81,000 earmarked for the school lunch program of the Public School System to pay the construction of a bus shelter in San Vicente Elementary School. Acting Governor Jesus R. Sablan signed into law a proposal emanating from the House of Representatives that sought to appropriate money coming from the pachinko slot machine. Under Public Law 11-68, the amount to be reprogrammed will be turned over to the Department of Public Works for disposal of the secretary, who has the expenditure authority. “This bill is for a worthwhile cause, and I am more than happy to sign it into law. San Vicente Elementary School, which accommodates so many of our small children, has been in need for the completion of this project which serves as a bus shelter as well as for other activities,” Sablan said in his transmittal letter to the Legislature after approving the measure. Sablan commended the PSS for being able to release part of the money intended for the lunch program matching funds. (Cookie B. Micaller)

RP films in CNMI

A major Filipino film-production and distributor will tap the local video-rental market which patronizes Tagalog movies, according to the Philippine Consulate here. In a letter to Consul Julia Heidemann, the Viva Entertainment Group informed her office about the company’s intention to extend its distribution business with the local video rental shops. Vice-Consul Ronell Santos said the Consulate welcomes its proposal and will help facilitate its objectives with the local client market. “This is also a promotion of the Philippine culture and Viva has been known for distributing videos across the mainland,” he added. He believes that there’s a steady market of Tagalog movies in the CNMI and the company may also consider to bring Philippine movies in the local cinema. Movie theaters on Guam are showing Tagalog films, while Saipan’s lone cinema only shows English movies. “We could embark on the same market to start a regular showing of Filipino movies,” he said. A number of Filipinos are particularly interested to view Tagalog movies which garnered awards like “Rizal” and “Bata, bata paano ka ginawa?” Viva has produced over 100 Tagalog feature length films since it was founded 17 years ago. The megastar of the Philippine cinema Sharon Cuneta started her movie career with the company. However, its venture to distribute films brought the company to the international market, reaching the “kababayans” abroad and offering them the opportunity to view Filipino quality films. (Sheila D. Amor)