Volunteers clean up and repaint the Mount Carmel church’s parking lot

The Governor’s Council of Economic Advisers announced yesterday the completion of another incredible community transformation done by volunteers from Saint Trading Co., the Saipan Magalahi Eagles Club, and the Saipan Maga Haga Lady Eagles under the Fraternal Eagles Club, Saipan Simbang Gabi Group, Tropex Company, and the Mount Carmel Choir. The groups joined together to adopt the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral parking lot through the GCEA Marianas Village Prid Campaign’s Adopt-A-Median project.

On Jan. 30, 2022, more than 25 volunteers painted the curbs, sidewalks, and parking dividers to transform the cathedral’s parking lots. Earlier in the week, employees from TanHoldings prepared the parking lot for painting by water blasting the lots and sidewalks, cutting back the overgrown landscaping, and removing debris from the sidewalks and drains to improve safety for pedestrians.

“GCEA thanks every volunteer who contributed to improving the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral’s parking lots and sidewalks. Volunteers were so motivated to do a great job for the parish that they expanded the initial scope of the project to include some landscaping maintenance and painting of the sidewalks along the street in front of the church,” said Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, co-chairman of GCEA.

Nenette Delos Santos, owner of Saint Trading Co. and one of the volunteers, said she was inspired by other Public Private Partnership projects around the island and decided to take part in the Adopt-A-Median project.

“We came out here today to volunteer and help our community. This is what God would like for us to do—to be humble, do what’s right, and help others when they’re in need. I believe in helping out and volunteerism, which has been the key to my business’ success. I encourage our parishioners to join.

We are so lucky to be on an island where people are good to us and are very humble. I have gained more friends who have turned into family, who have opened their doors for when I’m in need. This is why I fully support the MVP Campaign. Our people are always there when we need them,” said Delos Santos.

Marlon Regaton, the president-elect of the Saipan Magalahi Eagles Club, stated it was important for him and others from his group to volunteer to support the Fraternal Eagles Club’s mission.

“Many people will be happy to adopt a median to help beautify our islands. Whether you adopt a small or big section of medians or streets, at the end of the day, it contributes to the community effort to improve the Marianas,” Regaton said.

Torres added, “There are more sites throughout Rota, Tinian, and Saipan in need of transformations like this one. GCEA is so proud of this community-driven movement, and together we can make our villages better places to live.”

Before and after photos can be found on GCEA’s Facebook page (@cnmieconomy). All GCEA Public Private Partnership projects are made possible by the support of the Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan’s public benefit fund with the Department of Public Lands. (PR)