Governor Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Governor David M. Apatang alongside Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) Special Assistant Franklin R. Babauta and the CNMI Multi-Agency Coordination (MAC) Team, composed of government agencies and other organizations including the American Red Cross, met this morning for a heavy weather briefing provided by the National Weather Service (NWS) Guam. The discussion also focused on planning and coordination activities in anticipation of Mawar, which is currently categorized as a tropical storm but is intensifying.

The Office of the Governor and Lt. Governor welcomed a group of special guests this morning: the young bright students of William S. Reyes Elementary School’s 5th graders who were on a field trip to learn more about the CNMI Government and the executive branch.

Governor Arnold I. Palacios accompanied White House Intergovernmental Affairs Associate Director for Puerto Rico and Territories Gretchen Sierra-Zorita and newly appointed Director of Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) of the US Department of Interior John D. Brewer on a site visit to the Kalabera Cave, a project funded by the OIA as part of the CNMI’s capital improvement project for Economic Development.

Governor Arnold I. Palacios welcomed White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs (IGA) Associate Director for Puerto Rico and Territories Ms. Gretchen Sierra-Zorita to the CNMI and discussed a number of ways that her office can help advance some of the Commonwealth’s pressing needs through her and her newly established office’s advocacy at various federal agencies.

Governor Arnold I. Palacios alongside Department of Public Safety (DPS) Commissioner Clement R. Bermudes, Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services (DFEMS) Acting Commissioner Juan A. Pua, Department of Corrections (DOC) Commissioner Anthony C. Torres, CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) Special Assistant Franklin R. Babauta, Commonwealth Ports Authority (CPA) Ports Police Chief Juan T. Dela Cruz, gathered at the Department of Public Safety’s Peace Officers’ Memorial Monument in Susupe.