NMTI to expand hotel, resto infrastructure

Imperial Pacific International’s Corporate Social Responsibility division donates $2,000 to the Northern Marianas Trades Institute. (Contributed Photo)

The Northern Marianas Trades Institute recently received a corporate donation from Imperial Pacific International’s Corporate Social Responsibility division in the amount of $2,000.

The contribution by one of Saipan’s largest business enterprises is welcome news as the institute is currently expanding its infrastructure in Lower Base yet again due to the growing demand for individuals in the hospitality areas specific to hotel and restaurant operations.

The donation rose after a chance meeting between IPI CSR’s Geralyn Dela Cruz and Agnes McPhetres, NMTI CEO.

“This is IPI’s way of showing appreciation for what the school does for not only our business but for CNMI businesses as a whole. The cash donation is our commitment to assisting institutions that produce personnel for the CNMI workforce,” said Dela Cruz

NMTI is currently expanding its campus to include a mock hotel and restaurant space classroom to accommodate the growing interest in the community for such a trade. Currently, such hands-on learning are happening at the Hyatt Regency Saipan as they have been the program’s major catalyst since the beginning.

McPhetres said: “The construction of the new mock classroom is being designed by our stakeholders in the industry and for this we are truly grateful to them for guiding the growth of this program.”

According to Victorino Cepeda, NMTI director of External Relations, “the funding received from Imperial Pacific will be allocated solely for the expansion of the HR classroom. The funds donated get us one step closer toward getting our much needed floor space. We anticipate spending a bit over $40,000 on the renovation needs alone. Providing hands-on training is a bit trickier financially than a regular academic as we prepare students for real world settings.”

McPhetres reiterated the school’s gratefulness for the contribution: “As a CNMI stakeholder, IPI’s actions speaks volumes. They are committed to the wellbeing of our islands and the future that lies ahead. I cannot thank them enough as I know there are other worthy organizations out there vying for such financial support as well. On behalf of the students, faculty, administrators, and NMTI board of directors I extend an un dankulu na si yu’us ma’ase yan oloomway reemi.” (PR)