Demapan follows brother’s footsteps

Members of the Pacific Century Fellows Marianas Chapter program’s graduating class of 2015 listen as House Speaker Rafael Demapan reads a House Resolution honoring their achievement. (Jon Perez)

John DLG Demapan and 11 of his classmates’ journey does not end in receiving their Pacific Century Fellows diploma. It is only the beginning.

Demapan was part of the 2015 graduating class of the PCF’s Marianas Chapter following the footsteps of his brother, Rep. Angel Demapan (R-Saipan), who is part of the PCF Class 2014.

He and 11 others received their diplomas in a simple graduation ceremony for the 2015 Class last night at the Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan’s Hibiscus Hall.

The Commonwealth Office of Transit Authority dispatcher said he did not let his disability stop him from finishing the program that has taught him how to further help the community.

“It has been a fulfilling journey to be part of the program and I thanked my family for being with me every step of the way and for their support in believing in me,” Demapan said. “I thank my boss, Alfreda Camacho, for being an inspiration. Now I want to become an inspiration for others.”

He now encourages other members of the community, especially the youth, to rise up to the challenge and be part of the program. “If they feel that they have what it takes to become a leader, I encourage them to join and make changes in the community. Especially those who have the potential to become leaders of our community.”

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, the guest speaker, said that he is inviting all members of past classes and the current graduates for a dialogue to discuss plans on how to help the community.

“Everyone of us come from different walks of life. The opportunity you have, I also wanted that. I would like to host an open discussion with everyone of you, a simple discussion and consultation on how to find answers and solutions that could help our community,” said Torres.

PCF Marianas Chapter chair Jerry Tan said the CNMI needs strong leaders who have vision. “We only take an average of 15 every year. The CNMI really needs a strong leader with vision and has been living long here. For the CNMI to have a bright future we need to groom new ones.”

PCF founder and former Honolulu mayor Mufi Hannemann said the program brings together a group of professionals who wanted to make a difference.

“There are a few times in my life that I do speeches. I hardly spoke and always humbled if people give me credit. But life is all about bringing people together, sharing your ideas and then sit back and relax to see the fruits of your labor.”

Rosalia M. Aldan, Amanda A. Dunn, Edward A. Arriola Jr., Natalie Mable Ayuyu, Alex A. Camacho, Luis John DLG Castro, Michael L. Ernest, Jonathan V. Liwag, Judy O. Mendieta, Jaclyn T. Mendiola and Mark O. Rabauliman are the other members of the PCF Marianas Chapter 2015 class.