Saipan Mayor’s Office staff recognized

Two of the CNMI’s top government officials visited the Saipan Mayor’s Office last Wednesday to recognize its hardworking and loyal staff.

In celebration of Public Service Recognition Week, Gov. Ralph DLG Torres and Lt. Gov. Victor B. Hocog handed out awards to outstanding and long-serving staff of the mayor’s office.

According to mayor’s office grant writer Luise Villagomez, Public Service Recognition Week aims to show government workers that their hard work is recognized and greatly appreciated. According to Villagomez, without these employees, the community would cease to run effectively and smoothly.

Acting mayor L.J Castro thanked the many civil servants who make up the municipality like the beautification team, the marriage team, the staff, the field operators, the animal shelter, among others.

According to Castro, without each of the divisions and the hard work that they offer to the public, the mayor’s office’s projects would not be able to succeed as it has for the last few years.

“I know the work that you all do day in and day out isn’t easy, but there is a whole lot of things that the mayor’s office operates to keep the island going. For that, we thank you,” said Castro.

Torres and Castro both acknowledged the hard work of the mayor’s office field operators.

“You are the face of the mayor’s office and we need your help. …So far, so good and keep up the good work,” said Castro.

Torres also acknowledged the hard work of Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang because the employees under him are the reflection of how he is as a civil servant too.

Awards handed out

Plaques were given out in categories of service, leadership, division employee of the year, and employee of the year.

The service award was awarded to employees who dedicated countless years of service to the community. Awards were issued to Vicente Tenorio, Antonio Aguon, Wayne Sanchez, and Ramon Bermudes.

The leadership award went to Leo Babauta who worked diligently for the mayor’s office for numerous years as one the office’s field operators.

Employee of the year awards were given to Lorraine Pangelinan of the administrative department, Joaquin Deleon Guerrero of the fiscal and budget department, Antonieto Mateo of field operations, and Shuji Takanobu of the dog control program.

The overall employee of the year went to Antonieto Mateo of field operations.