By Emmanuel T. Erediano
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Variety News Staff
GOVERNOR David M. Apatang on Friday issued Executive Order No. 2026-10, transferring the Department of Public Works’ Roads and Grounds Division to the Department of Lands and Natural Resources.
He cited the CNMI government’s “fragile fiscal situation,” which he said requires the consolidation of government agencies with duplicative functions.
The move comes after the governor implemented austerity measures reducing government work hours to 64 and 70 hours per pay period, due to a 10% decline — or $13.081 million reduction — in revenue projections for the current fiscal year.
The executive order also cites the need to rebuild essential infrastructure in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Sinlaku, requiring a clear chain of command among agencies responsible for roads and grounds maintenance.
EO 2026-10, which becomes effective 60 days after it is submitted to the Legislature, transfers all staff of the Roads and Grounds Division, except for its director, to DLNR’s Division of Parks and Recreation, along with the division’s duties and responsibilities.
The Division of Parks and Recreation is currently headed by Mike Cruz.
The governor said the order “is not intended to and does not create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the Commonwealth, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.”
The order further states, “If any provision of this executive order or the application of any such provision to any person or circumstance is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this executive order or its application to persons or circumstances other than those to which it is held invalid shall not be affected thereby.”
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.
