Governor Ralph DLG. Torres in a radio media briefing on Friday emphasized the irresponsible and negligent actions made by the House of Representatives’ Majority Leadership in their version of the FY 2023 Budget bill that was submitted to the Senate on Monday, August 29th, where they proposed to take away critical funding from healthcare, community and cultural programs, vocational rehabilitation services, and public safety departments and agencies.

WHEREAS, the events of September 11, 2001, profoundly affected us all, showing our nation’s resilience in the face of tragedy, unifying and strengthening our resolve against global terrorism; and,

WHEREAS, the National Recovery Month theme this September 2022 is “Recovery is For Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community,” reminding people in recovery and those who support them, that no one is alone in their journey through recovery. Everyone’s journey is different, but we are all in this together; and 

We, the Chamorro and Carolinian people of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, are very proud of our cultures and traditions. Our heritage represents an array of distinct cultures that enrich both our indigenous people in many ways. Our way of life is valued through language, culture, customs, and traditions that we continue to embrace. Therefore, we dedicate our uniqueness by celebrating the month of September as our Chamorro and Carolinian Cultural Heritage Month.

The Department of Public Works, Energy Division Office along with the Office of the Governor, Office of Grants Management (OGM), will be hosting its “2022 Saipan Energy Educational Awareness and Community Outreach Program Campaign Drive-Thru Distribution Event.” With the continuing rise in the utility rate, the Division of Energy and the Office of Grants Management will be promoting energy conservation to encourage implementation of energy measures by distributing Portable Gas Stoves and Butane Gas Canisters to residential households to help reduce energy use and save money.

On Saturday, August 20, 2022, twenty-six child care providers from six child care centers across Saipan participated in a training on Emergency Preparedness and Response Planning for Natural Disaster and Human-caused Emergencies, conducted by Maricar I. Pena, Evergreen Learning’s Quality Care Specialist, at the Kagman Community Center.

On August 6, 13, and 20, 2022, twenty-nine child care providers throughout Saipan and Tinian attended a training series on The Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scale, Third Edition (ECERS-3), conducted by Evergreen Learning Coach Erlaine DLG. Evangelista at Kagman Community Center, and remotely on August 20^th. Each training session lasted around three to four hours each. 

The Department of Public Lands (DPL) is holding its 3rd Annual Essay Contest for eligible students taking full-time college or trade school courses. Essays are due on September 15, 2022, by 4:00 p.m., CHST.