By Emmanuel T. Erediano
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Variety News Staff
GOVERNOR David M. Apatang on Wednesday visited the Survivor Recovery Center in Susupe to see firsthand the conditions faced by CNMI residents lining up for assistance in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Sinlaku.
At the venue, located at the Governor Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center, representatives and officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency were assisting typhoon survivors with applications for individual assistance, while the U.S. Small Business Administration was helping process disaster loan applications.
“I am glad that our people are coming out for FEMA assistance and the SBA loan program,” the governor said in an interview as he observed queues at the center.
“So again, I would like to encourage our people to take the opportunity while these guys are here,” said the governor, who, along with officials from FEMA and other federal agencies, has been touring areas devastated by the super typhoon, including schools and villages.
“I have been going around. I was here since the opening of this center, and I come here once in a while,” he said, adding that he had just come from a meeting before visiting the recovery center.
“I want to visit this place because I want to see how many people are coming out to take the opportunity,” he said.
He said complaints posted by residents on social media, claiming they were not being helped, also prompted him to visit the center.
“So, I want to see it myself,” he said. “Now I can see that they are being helped.”
He turned to FEMA and SBA representatives and said, “I want to say thank you for all your help.” He also commended representatives from the CNMI Department of Commerce for “working hard.”
The deadline for typhoon survivors to apply for FEMA assistance is June 22, 2026. FEMA has reminded residents to apply for disaster assistance before the deadline. Survivors who experienced damage or losses were advised not to wait, as applying early helps determine eligibility for support, including temporary housing, home repairs, and other disaster-related needs, FEMA said.
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.
