Island Snapshots – February 2018
- CREES WORKSHOP NMC’s Cooperative Research Extension & Educational Services recently hosted an agricultural pest workshop that taught farmers, gardeners, and other community members about common agricultural pests that affect vegetable and fruit crops grown in the CNMI. Participants of the workshop also discussed the types of damage these insect pests can do and how to control them. The workshop was facilitated by NMC CREES extension agent Arnold Route, third from far right. The next CREES workshop, which will focus on organic pesticides, will be held on Feb. 20, 2018. (NMC)
- CERTIFICATION TRAINING-Participants listen to David Maratita, director of the Alcohol Beverage/Tobacco Control Division of the Department of Commerce, who discussed updates on ABTC regulations and monthly sales report during a certification training held at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe last Wednesday. A total of 237 individuals from retail stores, hotels, casinos, bars, poker arcades, and restaurants on Saipan participated in the mandatory workshop. (Ferdie de la Torre)
- BOE MEETING The Board of Education, the governing and policymaking body of the Public School System and led by chair Maria Lourdes S. Ada, met on Tuesday with Education Commissioner Glen Muña and other PSS officials to tackle initiatives that promote quality classroom instruction and student learning. (Contributed Photos)
- Board of Education chair MaryLou S. Ada and board member Herman T. Guerrero listen as PSS associate commissioner for Student and Support Services Yvonne R. Pangelinan, foreground, explains a point during yesterday’s meeting.
- Board of Education chair MaryLou S. Ada, vice chair Janice Marie A. Tenorio, and board member Florine M. Hofschneider beam during the brief break of the meeting on Capital Hill.
- Board of Education vice chair Janice Marie A. Tenoro, BOE member Florine Hofschneider and Education Commissioner Glenn Muña.
- NEW WATERSLIDE-Pacific Islands Club Saipan finally opened to the public its six-story-high waterslide. The slide, which is composed of three parts, has been under construction for over a year and is intended to bring excitement to the guests who choose to stay at PIC. (Kimberly A. Bautista)
- SENATE SESSION-Sen. Sixto Igisomar (R-Saipan), center, is in discussion with Sen. Justo Quitugua (Ind-Saipan), left, and Sen. Teresita Santos (R-Rota) during a short recess in yesterday’s Senate session while Sen. Steve Mesngon (R-Rota) and Sen. Paul Manglona (Ind-Rota) converse in the background. (Erwin Encinares)
- HEALTH FAIR-Nursing students from the Northern Marianas College volunteer their services during the annual Lion’s Club district region annual health fair last Sunday at the Mount Carmel Diocese’s social hall. The students helped with of blood pressure and blood sugar screening. (Kimberly A. Bautista)
- FOR BEAUTY’S SAKE McDonald’s Saipan donates $1,500 to Stellar Marianas for the upcoming 2018 Miss Marianas beauty pageant. (Contributed Photo)
- ASH WEDNESDAY-Rev. Fr. Isaac Ayuyu, right, smears ash in the form of a cross on the forehead of a Catholic devotee in yesterday’s observance of Ash Wednesday at the Mt. Carmel Cathedral. Catholics worldwide observe Ash Wednesday as the start of the Lenten season. (Jon Perez)
- NEW ADVISORY COUNCIL Gov. Ralph DLG Torres delivers his opening remarks at the inaugural meeting of the new Commonwealth Planning and Development Advisory Council on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2018. The council will provide policy direction for the new Office of Planning and Development, which will create the CNMI’s first comprehensive sustainable development plan. (Contributed Photo)
- WEEKLY MEETING-Rotary Club of Saipan members convene for their weekly meeting every Tuesday at the Giovanni’s Restaurant of the Hyatt Regency Saipan. (Erwin Encinares)
- COMMITTED TO JAPAN- Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, Lt. Gov. Victor B. Hocog, and the Marianas Visitors Authority management and board of directors meet with about 20 stakeholders of the CNMI’s Japan market at the conference room of the Office of the Governor on Monday to assure them of the administration’s commitment to the Japan market. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
- STATE CHAMPS-The Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps of Kagman High School won the unarmed drill state championship on Saturday, Feb. 24. In that same competition, the Saipan Southern High School JROTC won the overall trophy for the drill state championship in the armed division. Both KHS and SSHS teams will be going to the national competition in Torrance, California. Photo shows Kagman High School JROTC drill teams posing with their Army instructors. (Contributed Photo)