By Emmanuel T. Erediano
emmanuel@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
GOVERNOR David M. Apatang and Lt. Gov. Dennis James Mendiola have launched Operation Governor’s Digital Connect, an initiative aimed at providing veterans with access to digital economic opportunities.
Joining them at the launch were CNMI Office of Veterans Affairs Executive Officer Jose Crisostomo, Special Assistant for CNMI Broadband Policy and Development Glen Hunter, and several CNMI veterans during a ceremony held in the governor’s conference room at 10 a.m. Tuesday.
The Broadband Policy and Development Office will distribute laptops at the Veterans Affairs Office, according to Defaustina Camacho, BPDO program coordinator.
Funded by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the device distribution for CNMI veterans is one of the first projects BPDO is launching, Camacho said. The goal is to provide veterans with access to the tools and resources they need to stay connected in today’s digital world.
Whether for telework opportunities, telehealth services, broadband adoption, or digital literacy development, the initiative aims to reduce digital barriers by providing laptops along with guidance and support so veterans can confidently use technology in their daily lives.
Voucher issuance will begin on Jan. 26, 2026, on a first-come, first-served basis, with device distribution expected to begin within the first quarter of calendar year 2026. In addition to device distribution, Camacho said a digital navigator will be available at the Veterans Affairs Office to provide digital literacy workshops, one-on-one assistance, and ongoing technical support to ensure veterans are not only receiving their devices but also using them confidently.
Closing the gap
The governor said that as veterans themselves, he and the lieutenant governor understand that their commitment to fellow service members does not end when the uniform comes off. He said they are proud to launch Operation Governor’s Digital Connect as a direct effort to bridge the digital divide within the CNMI’s veteran community.
“Access to technology is no longer a luxury — it is a necessity. For too long, too many of our veterans have been left on the wrong side of the digital divide, limiting their ability to access healthcare, benefits, education, and economic opportunities,” Apatang said.
The initiative, he added, is about closing the gap and ensuring that CNMI veterans are connected, supported, and empowered in an increasingly digital world.
“Our veterans answered the call to serve. Today, we are answering theirs by investing in access, dignity, and opportunity. We encourage all eligible veterans to register early and take advantage of this program. Thank you for your service, and thank you for being a vital part of our community. We are making sure that those who served our nation have the tools they need to succeed in the digital world,” the governor said.
Crisostomo expressed gratitude to the governor and lieutenant governor for launching the program in the CNMI for registered veterans. He said access to computers today is more than just a convenience — it is a vital way to connect, access essential services, and take advantage of opportunities, particularly through the Veterans Affairs website, which houses important veteran information.
“We want to make sure that every veteran has the support they need to get online and access resources that can improve their lives,” Crisostomo said.
Mendiola, for his part, highlighted the importance of closing the gap in the digital economy, noting that in the past, “we hear a lot about veterans not getting the support they need.” As veterans themselves, he said he and the governor have made veteran services a top priority.
He congratulated and thanked BPDO and the Veterans Affairs Office for their hard work, reiterating the significance of the program.
“This is something we can now look forward to. Closing that gap — this is the start,” Mendiola said.
Hunter also thanked BPDO staff for securing federal approval to launch the program, calling it an initiative that is close to the administration’s heart.
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
