By Emmanuel T. Erediano
Variety News Staff

THE Department of Community and Cultural Affair’s Historic Preservation Office will ask the U.S. National Register of Historical Places to include more historical sites in the CNMI.
Yesterday, May 21-27, was designated Historic Preservation Week by a proclamation signed by acting Gov. Timothy P. Villagomez.
This year’s theme is “Making preservation work.”
HPO, headed by Roy C. Sablan, said it will continue cleaning up historical sites that are already in the National Registry and those that have been recently identified.
HPO, according to staff archeologist Ronnie H. Rogers, will also participate today in the “Adopt a Beach” program by cleaning the latte quarry site at Agingan Beach.
He said, after cleaning historical sites, their offices on Saipan, Tinian and Rota will be giving students and visitors the chance to tour them.
According to Rogers, they are ready to make more presentations at schools , as they will be developing new exhibits based on feedback from students and their own staff members.
Rogers said they want to educate the young generation about the disciplines of archeological and historic preservation.
There is also an ongoing archeological survey near Coral Ocean Point in Koblerville and an enhancement of historical buildings in Chalan Kanoa, he said.
Roger said there is a new proposal for the Japanese-era lighthouse on Navy Hill.
According to Roy C. Sablan, there are critical issues surrounding the lighthouse, but he declined to discuss them yesterday.
HPO staff members will demonstrate traditional fishing methods, wood carving and other skills in an upcoming summer sports camp to be held by the Division of Youth Affairs, Rogers said.
And while carrying out their regular work schedule of conducting surveys and monitoring projects, some HPO staff members will receive training particularly on rappelling, so they will be better prepared to safely access and navigate caves and rock shelters as they try to locate historical sites.
Villagomez, in the proclamation, stated that “the preservation of the CNMI’s past for future generations is set on a foundation of public appreciation and understanding.”
The preservation of sites, buildings, artifacts and landscapes provide educational, scientific and economic benefits for CNMI citizens, he added.