The grant enabled her to receive an 18 cu. ft. refrigerator, two 6,000 BTU window type air conditioners, and have all of the incandescent light bulbs in her home replaced with compact fluorescent lamps. New smoke alarms were also installed along with the stripping of her door and window.
Rota Mayor Melchor Mendiola, who participated in the presentation of the appliances stated, “I want to congratulate Ms. Manglona for being the first recipient of the program and I also thank the CNMI Energy Division for including Rota in the Weatherization Assistance Program. I encourage all the people of Rota who have met the ‘low income’ criteria to avail of this important program, as the replacement of the new appliances will help reduce energy consumption within the households.”
Manglona is pleased and appreciative of all the assistance provided by this U.S. Department of Energy program.
She extended her thanks to the CNMI Energy Division staff for their assistance in making all this possible.
Manglona stated, “My previous air-con was not working efficiently and I had to use a fan to help cool the room but last night I slept so well since it was so cold that I didn’t want to get up.”
CNMI Energy Division Director Thelma Inos said: “I am pleased that our office is finally moving forward with Rota. I am grateful for the assistance of Rota Mayor Mendiola, Mr. Tom Glenn Quitugua, and Ms. Donna Barcinas of LIHEAP. I would also like to thank staff members Ms. Lorraine Seman, program manager, Eugene Borja, and James Reyes for their continued support and assistance in making this happen. Our staff will be in Rota this week to receive applications and to weatherize other dwellings. We look forward to weatherizing more homes here in Rota.”
The Weatherization Assistance Program is aimed at helping qualified residents reduce their energy consumption through the introduction of energy efficient appliances.
The program is income-based and is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. While the program received a significant infusion due to the ARRA, the program was already in existence prior to the introduction of the ARRA.
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial continues to push the timely implementation of programs available under the ARRA to ensure that residents throughout the CNMI can avail of the benefits and relief provided through the variety of programs.
“I am proud of the strides that the CNMI Division of Energy has made with bringing the variety of programs to our entire community. I continue to push those involved to be vigilant in ensuring that the residents of Tinian and Rota avail of these programs,” said Fitial.
Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos also noted the significance of the first weatherization project and thanked the tireless efforts of the CNMI Division of Energy.
