Manglona eyes to move Rota projects

Manglona

Sen. Paul A. Manglona (Ind-Rota) is looking to keep all planned Capital Improvement Projects on Rota to move forward, in order to inject money into the economy of the CNMI’s southernmost island after being devastated by Typhoon Mangkhut in September last year.

Manglona, who was elected as the Rota Legislative Delegation chairman in Wendnesday’s organizational session, said this would be their main priority to help the people of Rota after the destruction it received from Mangkhut.

“We want to move our CIP projects. The Federal Highway funds and 702 CIP monies are at a standstill today. Construction project means employment opportunities for our people,” Manglona told Saipan Tribune.

“In addition, we will be working with Northern Marianas Trades Institute, Northern Marianas College, and others to advance trade education programs on Rota for our youth.”

Educating the youth of Rota in trades skills would help compensate the lack of skilled workers that the CNMI is currently experiencing after U.S. Citizenship Immigration and Services with U.S. State Department’s concurrence removed the Philippines from the H-2B visa program.

Manglona added that they would also seek the help of the Marianas Visitors Authority in promoting Rota as a tourist destination in the CNMI. “We need to engage [MVA], to work closely with our tourism partners on Rota, including airlines and hotel owners in promoting the beauty of our island.”

He said that agriculture and healthcare are also the other things that the delegation wanted to focus on. “We will also be working closely with our farmers and fishermen on industry incentives. Healthcare continues to be a major concern. We need to fund adequately the inter-island and off-island medical referral.”

Manglona then thanked the trust given to him by the four-member delegation. “I appreciate the members support for me to head the Rota Legislative Delegation. There is no question that Rota is really suffering economically. Our people are having a really tough time making ends meet with the high cost of food and other commodities. We have many challenges ahead of us.”

Rep. Donald M. Manglona (Ind-Rota), who is one of the seven new faces in the CNMI Legislature, was elected as the vice chairman, while Senate president Victor B. Hocog of the GOP is the floor leader.

Sen. Teresita A. Santos (Ind-Rota), a member of the Republican majority in the previous Legislature but decided to run as independent in the last elections, is the delegation’s legislative secretary.