Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, CNMI Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Special Assistant Franklin Babauta, FEMA Region 9 Team Lead Brian Beck and other FEMA and HSEM officials pose for a photo at the Emergency Operations Center on Capital Hill on Monday.
THE CNMI Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management issued Personal Identity Verification – Interoperable or PIV-I access cards to Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang at the Emergency Operations Center on Capital Hill, Monday morning.
According to HSEM, the access card “represents a significant advancement in the security infrastructure of the CNMI, enhancing the identification and authentication process for key officials within the CNMI government.”
The access card provides enhanced security features, including multi-factor authentication, identity verification, increased cybersecurity, and interoperability between local, state, and federal partner agencies.
“Today marks a significant milestone for the CNMI as we implement our first PIV-I program,” HSEM Special Assistant Franklin Babauta said. “This initiative enhances our security and ensures a higher standard of safety and efficiency for our operations. Our commitment to protecting our community remains unwavering, and this program is a testament to our dedication and commitment to participate with our federal partners,” Babauta added.
HSEM will be the first agency within the CNMI government to implement the program. As the program progresses, additional agencies will receive PIV-I access cards.
“Cyber security is an issue across the nation — even here it’s critical,” Palacios said. “With the access cards, you don’t need to be patted down. Things are evolving in enhancing security, particularly cyber security,” the governor added.
Palacios said his administration is also “trying our best to get the CNMI Real ID driver’s license.”
