Villagomez-Bier to revisit DCCA’s mission

The Department of Community and Cultural Affairs plans to re-visit its mission and find out if the department is still on the right track and is aligned with the administration’s goals, according to acting Secretary Daisy Villagomez-Bier.

During her confirmation hearing at the Senate yesterday morning, she told the Executive Appointments and Government Investigations Committee that DCCA is currently reviewing its activities and programs and looking at its organizational structure.

“We are reassessing our programs and services to ensure efficiency, effectiveness and compliance with the local and federal government,” said Villagomez-Bier.

She said she has requested that a desk audit be conducted to find duplication in duties and responsibilities so that the department could conduct necessary adjustments to maximize its personnel in line with its limited resources.

Villagomez-Bier said that, due to the financial constraints the CNMI is faced with, the department would continue to work on its budget and make the necessary cuts and adjustments.

“At the same time, we are seeking new grant opportunities to bring in additional funding so that we would continue to provide the services needed within our community,” she added.

If confirmed, she promised to continue working closely with other officials of the DCCA and pool its resources to meet each division’s goals and objectives.

“[We are] looking at how DCCA could help its clients adjust through the difficult times,” said Villagomez-Bier, “not only through the actual services we provide but also by providing opportunities for clients and the community to become productive in helping the community. DCCA will continue to work collaboratively with other agencies, both public and private.”

TESTIMONIES OF SUPPORT

Members of the public were also given a chance to provide testimonies or comments about Villagomez-Bier. At least nine community leaders and members vouched for the incoming secretary.

Acting Department of Finance Secretary Eloy Inos said he met Villagomez-Bier through the Transition Committee and has found her to be professional and one who would perform her tasks very well.

Special Assistant for Administration Esther Fleming said in Chamorro that Villagomez-Bier is articulate in delivering her tasks, especially for the benefit of the youth in the CNMI.

Board of Education chair Roman C. Benavente also spoke in Chamorro, congratulating Villagomez-Bier.

Historic Preservation Office historian Genevieve Cabrera told the senators that, in her short time as acting secretary, Villagomez-Bier has shown a great level of responsibility and that she takes time to sit with her people and talk about their concerns. “Miss Bier has an arduous task ahead of her…she has a sense of fair play,” said Cabrera.

The CNMI historian expressed hope that with Villagomez-Bier onboard, HPO would be back on track in acquiring grants for the division, among many others.

PROUD MOTHER

Villagomez-Bier is a daughter of Manuel Tenorio Villagomez (deceased) and Marylou Castillo Villagomez. Her mother said she is very proud of her daughter during the confirmation hearing. She believes that a person like Villagomez-Bier is someone that the DCCA really needs right now.

Villagomez-Bier is married to Claus Bier. They have two children, Raquel and Karl. She finished college at the Western Oregon State College in Monmouth, Oregon with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 1989. She took her master’s in Education at the San Diego State University.

She worked at the Northern Marianas College for 16 years, starting as a counselor and student activities coordinator in 1989 and later becoming the director for Counseling Programs and Services.