By Emmanuel T. Erediano
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
INDEPENDENT gubernatorial candidate Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho and his running mate, former Senate President Edith Deleon Guerrero, met with members of the Filipino community in the CNMI to express their gratitude for their contributions to the Commonwealth.
They also heard from attendees about the challenges many Filipinos in the CNMI face regarding employment and immigration status.
Most of the Filipinos who participated in the meet-and-greet session at Bravo Restaurant in Garapan on Saturday are U.S. citizens.
Preston Basa, campaign committee chairman of the Camacho-Deleon Guerrero gubernatorial tandem, personally thanked members of the CNMI’s Filipino community for their contributions that have helped shape the Commonwealth through their hard work, families, businesses, faith, and commitment.
“We are grateful for all the things that you do,” he said.
Camacho, a former education commissioner, expressed his appreciation for the invitation to sit down with community members and engage in dialogue on the challenges they face. He also thanked them for the opportunity to collaborate on addressing the many issues affecting residents across the CNMI.
He said he has seen firsthand the contributions of Filipinos to the Commonwealth and their determination to help make the CNMI what it is today.
“We are grateful for that. Thank you for all the Filipino community has done for the Commonwealth,” he said.
In infrastructure development, workforce participation, and entrepreneurship, members of the Filipino community, he said, have helped push the CNMI’s economy forward.
Camacho also stressed the need to continue engagement with the Filipino community, saying he and Deleon Guerrero believe that together “we can continue to work as a team, as a community.” He added that they treat every segment of the community with dignity and respect and remain grateful for their support and participation.
Deleon Guerrero, who has worked with many Filipinos during her time in the private sector and established long-term friendships, said she has always acknowledged their contributions to the Commonwealth and continues to maintain those relationships.
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.
