GCEA, PPP mark 1st year with largest ‘Pledge’

The Governor’s Council of Economic Advisors and the council’s many Public Private Partnership participants come together for a group photo at the Susupe Civic Center last Saturday. (JOSHUA SANTOS)

The Governor’s Council of Economic Advisors celebrated its first anniversary last Saturday at the Susupe Civic Center, recognizing its many Public Private Partnership participants and altogether making the largest Hafa Adai & Tirow Pledge to date.

In total, about 50 various public and private organizations that have signed on to the GCEA’s Public Private Partnership were recognized at the event and representatives were given certificates of recognition, after which each organization took the Hafa Adai & Tirow Pledge.

The PPP participants have all pledged to beautify and maintain 60 various tourist and community sites in the CNMI. PPP is one of the GCEA’s top initiatives that seeks to foster meaningful partnerships between the public sector and the private sector through beautifying and maintaining various sites in the CNMI.

The Hafa Adai & Tirow Pledge— which was first proposed by Saipan Chamber of Commerce president Joe Guerrero and launched by the Marianas Visitors Authority—calls for companies, organizations, and individuals to pledge to commit to promoting and preserving the CNMI’s local culture, traditions, and values through their day-to-day operations.

In his remarks, Gov. Ralph DLG Torres recognized GCEA co-chair and TanHoldings Corp. chief executive officer Jerry Tan and the council for its effort and commitment to bettering the CNMI, and added that it takes a collective effort to turn the CNMI into a world-class travel destination. “Making the CNMI a world-class destination is not easy, it’s not an easy road. We need everyone’s participation. …Tourism is everyone’s business, it’s our livelihood, it’s our health, it’s what we bring in and leave for our next generation,” said Torres.

The organizations recognized on Saturday and taking the pledge were: The Tinian Mayor’s Office; the Japanese Society of the Northern Marianas; the Japan Saipan Travel Association; Tasi Tours & Transportation, Inc.; the Mariana Islands Nature Alliance; the Marianas Association of Filipino Engineers and Architects; the United Filipino Organization; Triple J Enterprises, Inc.; Lions Club International District 204, Region 2; Mount Carmel School; E-Land Group; Northern Mariana Islands Cycling Federation; Triathlon Association of the NMI; Lezon International Inc. (Loco & Taco); Saipan A-venture, LLC. (Saipan Adventure): Tasi & the Ali’is’ Divewish; Bibong Corp.; Palauan Community Association–CNMI; Socho Basketball Club; Northern Mariana Islands Football Association; Marianas Racing Association; POI Aviation Inc.; Airport Operators Committee; the Commonwealth Ports Authority— Saipan; CTSI Logistics; Kanoa Resort Saipan; Chinese Association of Saipan; Kanoa Football Club; Tan Holdings/ Tan Siu Lin Foundation; Hotel Valentino; Beach Road Tourism Development, Inc.’ Marianas High School Class of 1987; LJ’s Lawn Care, LLC.; Bridge Capital, LLC.; I Love Saipan; Office of Precinct 5; Office of Precinct 4; Office of Precinct 2; Office of Precinct 1; the Office of the House Minority; P&A Corp.; Rotary Club of Saipan; Emon Masonic Lodge 179; Korean Community of Saipan; Talaabwogh Stars; Korean Diving Association; Samoa- Marianas; Bank of Guam; and Pride Marianas Youth.