(PSS) — On Friday, Oct. 4, at Kagman Elementary School, Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Education Commissioner Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho unveiled computerized a multi-million-dollar fire alarm, bell, and intercom system for the Public School System.
The Office of the Governor funded the project, which is estimated to cost over $4 million, with its portion of federal grants while PSS provided funds from its share of the American Rescue Plan Act grant.
Also on Friday, all 20 public elementary, middle, and high school campuses on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota inaugurated their upgraded alarm systems as well.
The partnership between the Office of the Governor and PSS began two years ago in putting together an effective and accessible school communications system.
G4S Security (Guam) Inc. was awarded the contract for the implementation of the computerized system.
Joining the governor and the education commissioner at the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday were Senate President Edith Deleon Guerrero, House Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez, the Governor’s Capital Improvement Projects Administrator Elizabeth S. Balajadia, GF4 Security (Guam) Inc. General Manager Teresa Sakasaki, Saipan Mayor RB Camacho, Acting Associate Commissioner for Administrative Service Yvonne R. Pangelinan, PSS Facilities Development and Management Director Edward Mendiola and Kagman Elementary School Principal Dr. Ignacia Demapan.
Witnessing the event were close to 500 public elementary students, their classroom teachers, staff and other public education stakeholders.
The investment was characterized by Governor Palacios as part of his administration’s “continuous support of our children’s learning, and…their protection and safety.”
“The launch of our PSS-wide digital system, which includes an intercom, fire alarm and protection, and alarm system, is being celebrated simultaneously by all of our schools across the Commonwealth,” Dr. Camacho said, “This is a celebration of the partnership between your Public School System and our CNMI government, through the Office of the Governor,” he added.
He said “all of our 20 schools have already been commissioned and our Department of Fire and Emergency Management Services said we are ‘good to go.’ ” He said the new system opens the door for “coordinated alarm communication with relevant government departments and agencies.”
Dr. Camacho added: “This is just one great example of our partnership with the central government and our federal partners. Now more than ever, we are meeting one of our strategic priorities, which is to ensure safe and caring schools.”
The new system involves fast, cutting-edge, and reliable alarm communication technologies that will help safeguard students, employees, and property/infrastructure in all public schools.
The upgraded system is also designed to enhance the monitoring of visitors and protect students from trespassers.
PSS Facilities Development and Management Director Edward Mendiola expressed his appreciation to the Office of the Governor, the PSS Federal Programs Office, the Capital Improvement Project Office, DFEMS, all 20 schools, and the contractor for the successful implementation of a fast, modern and reliable alarm communication technology.
The upgraded alarm system, which was made a reality with the support of the Office of the Governor, is part of PSS’ long-term infrastructure development and investment plan.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony at Kagman Elementary School on Friday was led by Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho, Senate President Edith Deleon Guerrero and Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez to officially launch a federally funded state-of-the-art alarm system for all 20 public schools on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.
At Kagman Elementary School on Friday, Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho and Gov. Arnold I. Palacios are briefed about the new computerized alarm, bell and security system implemented in all public schools.
Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho witnessed how the modern computerized alarm and security system works.
Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho pose for a photo with PSS-FDM Director Edward Mendiola, Kagman Elementary School Principal Ignacia Demapan and the G4S Security (Guam) Inc. team.
Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho, and Public School System Federal Programs Officer Jacqueline P. Che.
Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho congratulate each other as House Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez celebrates the unveiling of the new security and alarm infrastructure investment.
Kagman Elementary School students celebrate with Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho.
Gov Arnold I. Palacios and Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho converse with G4S Security (Guam) Inc. General Manager Teresa Sakasaki, right, after the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
