FOR his “remarkable efforts in furthering the collaboration and cooperation between Japan and the CNMI,” Pacific Development Inc. managing director Gordon Ichihara Marciano received the Japan Foreign Minister Commendation Award from Japan Consul Kazuhiko Ono on Wednesday at Aqua Resort Club.
Gordon Ichihara Marciano, 2nd right, received the Japan Foreign Minister Commendation Award from Japan Consul Kazuhiko Ono, 2nd left, on Sept. 29, 2021 at Aqua Resort Club. Also in the photo are Masako Ono, right, and Wilhelmina Skilang-Marciano, left.
“I am humbled to receive this award,” said Marciano who was with his wife, Wilhelmina Skilang-Marciano, siblings and other family members.
“I also believe such recognition should be shared. I would not have been able to achieve this honor if it weren’t for our community — the partnerships we have built, our government, our private sector, our people and the non-profit organizations with which we work together…. It is through everyone’s efforts that we are able to foster the goodwill and relationship we have with our Japanese guests,” Marciano added.
“Please join me as I dedicate this award to all those who were behind the scenes, including those who have passed on like our brother Joe Limes and many others. This is especially for our Marianas. Biba CNMI!”
Marciano likewise thanked PDI, the Marianas Visitors Authority, Chamorro-Carolinian Village Inc., KKMP radio station, the Carolinian Affairs Office, and the Indigenous Affairs Office.
Marciano is the second local resident and fourth recipient of the award in the CNMI. Former Marianas Visitors Authority Managing Director Perry J. Tenorio was the first local awardee. The other two awardees are Japanese nationals Misayo Kamata and Oshodi Himawari.
As for Marciano, Consul Ono said the Pacific Development Inc. managing director has put in a great effort to attract Japanese tourists, and has also helped in recovery efforts and repatriation of the Japanese war dead.
Moreover, Marciano has provided assistance to organizers of the many peace memorial services on island.
On top of this, Ono said through KKMP radio station, Marciano and station owner Gary Sword have promoted strong ties between Japan and the CNMI.
Ono said Marciano and Sword also provided vital information to the local community, including Japanese residents, during Super Typhoons Soudelor and Yutu.
“For such remarkable achievements, Mr. Marciano has been recognized and selected as a recipient of this honorable commendation,” Ono added.
“I sincerely hope that the Covid-19 outbreak would end as early as possible so that the tourism industry of the CNMI will be revitalized,” he said.
