Froilan ‘Lang’ Tenorio, 80

Both the American flag and CNMI flag in front of the Guma Hustisia are flown at half-staff yesterday, same as with all flags across the Commonwealth, to honor former governor Froilan “Lang” Tenorio, who passed away on May 4, 2020, in Texas. Inset shows Tenorio’s photo on display at a wall in the CNMI House of Representatives, where Tenorio was a former speaker. (KRIZEL TUAZON/IVA MAURIN)

Former governor Froilan “Lang” Tenorio, who served from 1994 to 1998 as the fourth governor of the CNMI, passed away on May 4, 2020 in Fort Worth, Texas. He was 80 years old.

To honor him, all flags across the Commonwealth were all lowered yesterday to half-staff.

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, who announced Tenorio’s passing yesterday via a proclamation, said, “Lt. Gov. [Arnold I.] Palacios and I, along with our families, join the Commonwealth in mourning the passing of Governor Tenorio. Our prayers are with his wife Grace, their children, and grandchildren.”

Torres paid homage to Tenorio’s many roles in CNMI politics, first as a CNMI senator, then as the CNMI’s Washington representative, then as the CNMI’s fourth governor, and finally as a member of the CNMI House of Representatives.

“Governor Tenorio led a great life that was highlighted by his decades of public service. He was a true statesman in every sense of the word. He was deeply devoted to our islands and worked hard to protect them during his years,” Torres added.

Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang also extended his condolences to the former governor’s wife and children. “Never tiring to make our CNMI the best place to live, raise a family, do business, and relax, Mr. Tenorio dared to steer our path toward growth, prosperity, and constant expansion of economy,” Apatang said.

Like Apatang, Rep. Luis John Castro (R-Saipan) also paid tribute to Tenorio’s legacy by reminding the CNMI of the former governor’s role in improving the infrastructure of the islands, particularly its highways and telecommunication systems.

“One of his most recognized accomplishments while in office was the construction of the Saipan Beach Pathway in 1997, an iconic landmark still popular to this day for exercise and recreation which was renamed after him in 2016,” said Castro. “Always straightforward and at times controversial, Tenorio left an indelible mark on the history of our islands,” Castro added. “He leaves behind a legacy as someone who always tried to think ahead to move us as a territory and a people forward, because in his words he believed that, ‘Clearly the world is changing, and so must we.’”

All flags in the CNMI—both the CNMI and U.S. flags—shall remain at half-staff until the day of Tenorio’s interment.

Governor’s statement

According to Torres, Tenorio was praised for his commitment to growing the economy as a way of creating jobs for the people of the CNMI. “He believed in private sector success and fiscal conservatism and worked hard to advocate for the CNMI’s needs with the federal government.

“Beyond service to our Commonwealth, he had a deep love and passion for the Marianas. He believed in personal freedom for all residents who call the Marianas home, and his belief is represented every day when we walk along the Governor Froilan C. Tenorio Beach Road Pathway and enjoy the views of our beautiful Saipan lagoon,” Torres added. “The Commonwealth will forever remember one of its most devoted public servants as a man who helped pave the way for our islands’ progress.”

Remembering Tenorio’s life

Born on Sept. 9, 1939, to Albert Camacho Tenorio and Rita Dela Cruz Tenorio, the former governor grew up in Chalan Kanoa, completed his primary education at the Chalan Kanoa Elementary School in 1952, at the Saipan International School in 1954, and completed high school at the Duenas Memorial School of Tai in Guam in 1958.

Tenorio earned an associate degree from the College of Guam in 1962, and then his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Marquette University of Milwaukee, in Wisconsin in 1967.

For four years, he began his career and worked as an engineering assistant at the Department of Public Works in Los Angeles, California, before returning to Saipan, and then eventually founding the Tenorio Construction Company.

He started serving the people of the CNMI in 1980, as a senator; as Washington representative from 1984 to 1990; as governor from 1994 to 1998; and as House speaker from 2010 to 2013.