GOVERNOR Arnold I. Palacios on Friday joined Rota Mayor Aubry M. Hocog, the members of the Rota Legislative Delegation, the 20th Rota Municipal Council, and Office of Grants Management and State Clearinghouse Administrator Epi Cabrera in the groundbreaking ceremony for the Pona Point Cliff Fishing and Railing Project.
Funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the $349,995 infrastructure project “will not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of Pona Point but also provide numerous benefits to our community,” the Rota mayor said.
The groundbreaking ceremony was “a significant step towards enhancing this cherished space — upgrading the site by constructing a pavilion, walkway and railings to best enjoy the area highlighting the safety of its patrons,” she added.
She said Pona Point is like a sanctuary where Rota people can fish and teach their children how to fish while sharing stories.
The pavilion that will be constructed in the area will provide much-needed shelter while the walkway and railings will provide space for visitors and a platform so they fully appreciate the natural wonders around, she added.
Hocog said the project would not have been possible without the dedication and support of Gov. Palacios, Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, Cabrera and his team at OGM-SC.
“We thank you for your commitment to helping augment the facilities of our island. We appreciate your partnership and your love for our island community,” Hocog said.
She also thanked Obsidian Construction Company and construction manager Herman Cabrera for overseeing and executing the project to ensure that it was in full compliance with all federal and local laws.
“My team will be on standby to provide any support needed,” the mayor added.
A very prominent location
In his remarks, the governor thanked Hocog, the other Rota leaders, and the OGM-SC for getting the project rolling.
Palacios highlighted the importance of the new pavilion to the island, saying that Pona Point “is a very prominent location for visitors and locals, especially during the annual cliffside fishing derby as the rails will help ensure the safety for all.”
For his part, Cabrera said the project represents the second significant step taken by the OGM-SC in the past year to enhance Rota’s natural beauty and expand recreational opportunities for everyone who calls Rota home and all who visit the beautiful island.
“It is more than just a project — it’s a commitment to fostering community, preserving our environment, and enriching the lives of all who experience this place,” he said.
He said the governor “has always been clear — he does not like groundbreaking ceremonies without real action. He believes that the true value of any project lies in its tangible results, not just in ceremonial moments.”
Cabrera said they started the project two weeks ago, “getting the wheels in motion before this groundbreaking ceremony. Thanks to the dedication of everyone involved, we are already seeing progress — visible action and meaningful results.”
“Governor Palacios has always been about getting things done, and this project is a shining example of his vision in motion,” he added.
Cabrera said they are also deeply grateful to U.S. Fish and Wildlife’s Land & Water Conservation Fund for the generous support that made the project possible. He likewise thanked program manager Jan Flippin of the National Park Service, “whose expertise and commitment to preserving our natural spaces have played a key role in guiding this project.”
In addition, Cabrera acknowledged “the hard work” of Rota OGM grants specialist Dwayne Maratita, and the entire OGM staff, “who have worked diligently to push this project forward and ensure its timely progress.”
“Under the leadership of the Palacios-Apatang administration, we remain committed to advancing outdoor recreational spaces and promoting sustainable initiatives. Our vision for Rota is one where natural beauty, environmental stewardship, and innovative practices coexist, ensuring a thriving and sustainable future for generations to come,” Cabrera said.
Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Rota Mayor Aubry Hocog, along with other CNMI and Rota officials, participate in the groundbreaking ceremony for the Pona Point Cliff Fishing and Railing Project on Friday.
Contributed photo
Gov. Arnold I. Palacios delivers his remarks, as Rota Mayor Aubry Hocog, right, Office of Grants Management & State Clearinghouse Administrator Epi Cabrera and other officials listen during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Pona Point Cliff Fishing and Railing Project on Friday.
