Flashback — Jan. 1999-Jan. 2001

NMC students poised to protest[/B]

Students of the Northern Marianas College are set to hold a protest action infront of the Legislature on Thursday to pressure the CNMI government look for ways to fund the scholarship program. According to Shirley Santos, president of the Associated Students of Northern Marianas College, the failure of the administration to provide financial assistance to hundreds of students may force them to drop out of school. NMC President Agnes McPhetres was informed by Vicky Villagomez special assistant, Office of Management and Budget and Mike Sablan, special advisor on budget and finance that the government will not be able to give the financial assistance because of shortage of funds.

The Northern Marianas government’s implementation of numerous labor and immigration reforms since the new administration took over January 12, 1998 shows dramatic decrease in labor complaints as well as significant reduction in the overall number of alien workers, according to Labor and Immigration Secretary Mark D. Zachares. Zachares strongly disputes the Interior Department’s annual report which claimed that immigration, labor and trade problems remain as “troublesome as ever.” Many of the issues addressed in the latest federal report are rehash of reports issued during the past four years, according to Zachares.

CUC welcomes probe on 80-MW project[/B]

Unfazed by calls for investigation into the controversial Saipan power project, the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation yesterday allayed fears that a new round of bidding for a smaller scale plant will incur huge expenditures of public funds. Utility officials likewise fended off criticisms leveled by some lawmakers over its decision to scrap the initial 80-megawatt plant, saying the Legislature had been informed every phase of the project since the request for proposals was issued three years ago. “CUC welcomes any inquiries regarding the decision to cancel the RFP,” said Board Chair Rosario M. Elameto in a statement, the fourth released by the government-owned utility firm in five days regarding the power project.

The Philippines’ Social Security System has introduced a program aimed at providing overseas Filipino workers the opportunity to avoid interruption in their existing membership with the government-owned financial institution. At the same time, the new program allows Filipinos who wish to be part of the system and who are currently not holding Philippine SSS number to apply for voluntary membership. Filipinos here, CNMI being among OFW-host countries where there are no SSS representatives yet, are encouraged to apply by writing to the SSS main office in East Avenue, Diliman Quezon City.

CUC nears completion of CK power project[/B]

Influx of federal funds into the CNMI has allowed the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation to expedite the completion of the huge $2-million Chalan Kanoa electrical project, which rebuilds Saipan’s oldest power systems. The money originated from the US Congress and Department of Interior, flowing to the CNMI through Capitol Improvements Project funding. “It’s one of our strongest electrical systems now,” said CUC Executive Director Timothy P. Villagomez. The utility began ordering supplies in February 1999. Today, 264 power poles are installed, holding 117 new transformers powerful enough to energize modern appliances and big enough to handle extra customers.

The Office of Public Lands yesterday disclosed it is proceeding with its planned development projects for village and agricultural homestead on Saipan, Tinian and Rota. On Saipan, the Tanapag Heights Homestead project, located in As-Mahettok, is currently undergoing biological studies and subdivision design. It is expected to yield over 300 village homestead lots. Studies and subdivision design in Marpi Point (Suicide Cliff Area) and Koblerville will start as soon as the contracts for services are signed. Another proposed subdivision in I Maddok is being coordinated with the Army Corps of Engineers for development through the ACOE Planning Assistance to the States program.