Flashback – June 14, 1999-2001

[B][U]June 14, 1999[/U][/B] [B]Filipinos in CNMI celebrates Philippine Independence Day[/B]

In commemoration of the 101st anniversary of Philippine independence, the country’s Foreign Affairs Secretary told Filipinos in the CNMI that they have more reasons to be proud of their heritage. “The Filipino migrant worker and the Filipino immigrant have more reasons to be proud of the Philippines. By building upon our strengths as a people, we have ensured that our achievements are not confined anymore within our country. We are increasingly being heard, and listened to, in the community of nations,” said Domingo L. Siazon in a message delivered by Vice-Consul Ronell Santos. Messages from Philippine officials were read during the flag raising ceremony at the Nauru building to commence the day’s celebration.

[B]DYS helps parenting makes sense[/B]

The Division of Youth Services last year gathered a total of 114 parents in their Common Sense Parenting workshop in the CNMI. From this group, a single father said he learned to communicate with his children, spending more time talking with them. According to a mother, she has applied the things she learned from the workshop to both her children and husband. DYS parenting instructor Connie Cabrera said while a number of parents were referred to the workshop by the agency, court and other government offices, over 50 came on their own, relying on the positive feedback they heard from friends and neighbors.

[B][U]June 14, 2000[/U][/B] [B]OPA cites NMC’s weakness in control over collections[/B]

There is a need for the Northern Marianas College Business Office to adopt and implement clear policies and administrative sanctions in order to ensure better control over cash collections, according to the Office of the Public Auditor. OPA’s recommendation came following the conclusion of its investigation on the alleged embezzlement of funds collected at the NMC-Business Office between Nov. 5 and 9, 1999, involving $10,500 in total collections. An audit report released yesterday disclosed the former NMC Business Office cashier failed to deposit the full amount of daily collections, and to account for cash funds in his custody.

[B]$30K available for professional development[/B]

The Public School System is set to award a federally-funded grant worth $30,000 to one qualified public school for school-based professional development targeted to increase student achievement and performance. Highly competitive, this federal assistance program must identify preservice or inservice training opportunities that would either improve teacher technology education programs or support activities for educators, school administrators or related services personnel. According to PSS Federal Programs Coordinator Bill Matson, training should focus on improving students’ knowledge on learning via technology, in preparation for the approval of the E-rate (education rate) in schools, a federal discount program for telecommunications services.

[B][U]June 14, 2001[/U][/B] [B]Phone etiquette program at NMC[/B]

Northern Marianas College’s Community Programs recently completed the transfer of a Meridian Phone System to be used for a Business Telephone Etiquette Training. The system was relocated from one of the College’s computer labs and installed with the help of staff from Verizon. NMC’s Community Programs has become more proactive and has taken steps to become a major partner and contributor in the promotion and improvement of customer service training in the community, both in the private and government sectors. The system originally donated and installed by MTC now Verizon is equipped with sixteen (16) stations.

[B]PIA’s plea for longer FAA deadline backed[/B]

The Saipan Chamber of Commerce yesterday backed calls by the Pacific Island Aviation to extend the inter-island carrier’s deadline to comply with recently mandated federal regulations. PIA officials earlier wrote United States Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta, requesting for a deadline extension. FAA regulations call for PIA to upgrade the baggage/cargo compartments of its three Shorts aircraft SD3-60 aircraft from “Class D” to “Class C” specifications before June 20 of this year. “Of course these regulations must be adhered to. We are doing what we can to assist PIA in obtaining an extension on the time they need to comply with these regulations,” Chamber President Richard A Pierce told Mineta in a letter.