By Emmanuel T. Erediano
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
THE Department of Commerce submitted to the Apatang administration a $3.7 million budget proposal for fiscal year 2027.
In the revised FY2026 appropriation measure, Commerce is budgeted at $1.78 million.
In her budget submission, Commerce Secretary Remedio C. Mafnas also provided a breakdown of the proposed budget for each division: $1.7 million for the Office of the Secretary; $1 million for the Alcoholic Beverage & Tobacco Control Division; $253,826 for the Business Support & Trade Office; $337,306 for the Central Statistics Division; $356,719 for Enforcement & Compliance; $315,436 for the Workers Compensation Commission; and $202,421 for the Foreign Liaison Corporation.
The secretary said the department’s FY2027 budget reflects the resources needed to carry out its duties and support a stable economic environment. She assured that the department remains committed to prudent fiscal management and the responsible stewardship of public funds.
Mafnas said the department carries out statutory and program responsibilities that support the CNMI’s financial system, business sector, workforce protections, and overall economic activity. Its functions, she said, include oversight of financial and insurance matters, administration of workers’ compensation, and the delivery of licensing, compliance, and economic support services.
In previous fiscal years, Mafnas said, these responsibilities have been maintained despite increasing workload demands and limited resources. Oversight, reporting, and administrative functions continue to be performed to ensure consumer protection, worker safeguards, business confidence, and financial stability.
Mafnas also said that in 2027, Commerce will continue to fulfill all statutory responsibilities, including economic reporting, regulatory reviews, licensing, inspections, and claims processing, while advancing key initiatives such as SOP implementation, the CNMI Product Seal, and continued development of the online business portal.
Despite ongoing resource constraints, the department will prioritize continuity of essential services and compliance with statutory mandates, she said.
The Workers Compensation Commission, the secretary added, will continue submitting funding requests to support its self-insurance program for government employees, pursue an actuarial review to assess benefit levels relative to the CNMI wage system, remain vigilant in reviewing and evaluating work injury claims to ensure timely and appropriate compensation, and expand public information and education efforts.
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.
