In Memoriam: Gov. Pedro Pangelinan Tenorio

As residents of the Commonwealth, we are all deeply saddened by the passing of a revered and illustrious leader and son of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, governor Pedro Pangelinan Tenorio. We are privileged to be present at this moment in our history to pay our respect and honor to the memories of governor Tenorio and to extend our appreciation and gratitude to Sophie, her children and their families for the services and sacrifices of governor Tenorio in bringing the many benefits to improve the general well being of the people of our islands.

During his lifetime, governor Tenorio served our people in various public service capacities, 1st as a member of the Congress of Micronesia House of Representatives during the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands administration in the early 1970s, later serving the first CNMI Legislature as a senator representing Saipan and as Senate vice president from 1978 to 1980, and as Senate president for the 2nd CNMI Legislature from 1980 to 1982. In 1982 governor Tenorio was sworn in as the second chief executive for the CNMI, and re-elected governor in 1985, and in 1997 was elected for a third term as governor of the Commonwealth. During his tenure as our governor, he brought in to the Commonwealth millions of dollars of financial assistance from the federal government for health care services, education, infrastructure funds for the development of our islands, welfare assistance for our underprivileged citizens, food stamps, and other meaningful assistance and services. Governor Tenorio spear-headed the efforts to develop private sector economy by promoting the tourism and garment manufacturing industries in the Commonwealth.

Socrates, the great Greek philosopher, advised us that the true measure of the greatness of a person lies in his character. I had been privileged for more than 60 years to bear witness to the character of governor Tenorio. He was a man of impeccable integrity, friendly, respectful, humble, witty, brilliant with a photographic memory, caring, and, above all, loyal to families, friends, and the people of the Commonwealth. He loved Sophie, his children and families, friends and our people. And, as our dedicated and devoted public servant, he served us well with the full measure of his life.

We will miss and lovingly remember you governor Tenorio in the hearts of your people of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Edward DLG. Pangelinan
Marianas Political Status Commission chairman and first CNMI Washington representative