The ceremony commended 11 private companies and government agencies for their outstanding partnership with the program.
Present in the meeting to distribute the certificates were the governor’s special assistant for disability policy and programs Thomas J. Camacho, OVR Director Margarita R. Olopai-Taitano, State Rehabilitation Council Chairman Jesus M. Elameto, OVR counselors Arlene Yamagata-Santos, Bernice Ravell, Mary Ann Arriola and Reverend Fr. Jesse Reyes.
The master of ceremony, OVR’s special projects officer Manny R. Ogarto, said: “These are our employers who have participated in OVR’s program for this year and we are recognizing them for their partnership with the program.”
OVR Director Olopai-Taitano opened the ceremony with her welcoming remarks: “I’d like to thank you for being here because your presence here is powerful for this highlighting of the employers so that we recognize them and give them the gratitude and the appreciation for their time, efforts and open-minded hearts. So, employers, please continue to open your doors and spread the message so our commonwealth can continue to be a better place.”
Camacho then read Gov. Benigno R. Fitial’s message: “I extend my sincere and heartfelt congratulations to the employers of 2010 for their support in enabling our people with disabilities to work and continue to maintain their employment at their work settings. In support of this year’s theme ‘Talent has no boundaries: Workforce diversity includes people with disabilities,’ I will continue to plead with our private and public sectors to appreciate the value and talents, skills, and dedication of our people with disabilities in the workforce.”
The awardees of 2010 were:
Commonwealth Health Center
Department of Public Safety
Division of Agriculture
G4S Security
Northern Marianas College
Office of Personnel Management
Saipan Laulau Development Inc.
Saipan Aquaculture Co., Inc.
Saipan Ice & Water Co.
Sports & Recreation Division-DCCA
The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation said it aims to extend rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities to prepare for, secure, retain, or regain employment.
