DOCOMO Pacific on Friday unveiled its expanded call center operations in Gualo Rai, creating 29 additional jobs for local residents.
Since its opening in September last year with just 10 telemarketers, Docomo Pacific’s call center has grown to employ 39 U.S. workers.
Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, in his remarks prior to the ribbon cutting ceremony, thanked Docomo Pacific “for believing in your community, for believing in the CNMI.”
He thanked the company for its commitment to work with his administration and the Commonwealth. “So here it is, thank you so much,” he added.
He said it was his pleasure and honor to join Docomo Pacific in “celebrating a remarkable milestone.”
Docomo Pacific, he added, has “long been a trusted and valued partner in the region and the CNMI community” in providing “cutting-edge technology and exceptional services” to families, businesses and the government.
“Today’s expansion is not only a sign of business growth, it is a sign of commitment,” he said. “A commitment to our community, our people, our economy, and our collective future. This investment raised more than just the new infrastructure. It brings opportunity, it means more local jobs, more skill building and more chances for our people to thrive professionally right here at home.”
Palacios also thanked the members of the Legislature, Senate President Dennis James C. Mendiola and Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez, for continuing to work with the executive branch and the business community “to make things better.”
“And you know what? We need to just ignore the noise. Let’s get things done,” he added.
Docomo Pacific President and Chief Executive Officer Christine Baleto, in her remarks, said, “Just last September, I stood before you with a bold vision: One centered on expansion, globalization and creating new opportunities for the people of the Marianas. I made a promise to create more jobs, enhance customer service and invest in the local workforce. Today, I am honored to stand before you, not only to reaffirm this promise but to deliver on it. The buildup of our customer center operations makes more jobs filled by our own people. And our own people taking care of our customers.”
She said she decided to eliminate the outsourcing of their customer service operations and position the CNMI as the main call center hub for Docomo Pacific because “I believe in our islands. I believe in the caliber of our talents, the strength of our people, and our culture that helps us to help others.”
With its call center expansion, Baleto said Docomo Pacific aims to achieve faster, more responsive representatives who not only know the business, but also understand the people. “They bring an intrinsic understanding of our culture, of our values and our own way of life,” she said.
Baleto also acknowledged the “tremendous support” of their government partners, saying that “a successful business does not thrive in isolation, it thrives through partnership, collaboration and shared ambition.”
“Governor, government leaders, thank you all for your unwavering support,” she said.
She likewise recognized Workforce Investment Agency Director Frances Torres and the entire WIA team, saying that the “dedication” of its “empowered individuals [has] been instrumental” in making Friday’s expansion possible.
She also recognized Marianas Management Corp., the Joeten family, and the team at MJ Enterprises for the new space that will now become part of Docomo Pacific’s operations.
In photo, from left: Akira Fujibayashi, chief technology officer, Docomo Pacific; Jason Paredes, chief financial officer, Docomo Pacific; Christine Baleto, president and CEO, Docomo Pacific; Gov. Arnold Palacios; Pauline Johnson, CNMI general manager, Docomo Pacific; Frances Torres, director, Workforce Investment Agency; and Verna Sablan, call center assistant manager, Docomo Pacific.
Docomo Pacific photo
Docomo Pacific’s call center staff members pose for a group photo.
Gov. Arnold I. Palacios poses with Docomo Pacific President and Chief Executive Officer Christine Baleto following a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the telecommunications company’s expanded call center on Middle Road in Gualo Rai on Friday.
Photo by Emmanuel T. Erediano
