(MTEC) — In line with the theme “Green Spaces, Memorable Places/Kåmpun Betdi, Kåmpun Rikuetdu/Llingil Leyil Walúwal,” presenters at this year’s Marianas Tourism Education Council Tourism Summit on Friday, Jan. 19, will be taking their message outdoors.
The annual summit expects to gather 300 members and chaperones of school MY WAVE — Marianas Youth Welcome All Visitors Enthusiastically — Clubs to iconic nature spots in Saipan, where several guest speakers will share about various eco-tourism topics.
An avid Star Wars fan, Edward S. Dela Cruz Jr. is the founder and president of Run Saipan, a premier running club in the Marianas dedicated to improving cardiovascular health at all levels. Run Saipan offers a variety of programs and events to help runners of all levels achieve their goals. Under his leadership, as well as his example of a seven-year running streak, Dela Cruz has inspired hundreds of others in the Northern Marianas to run and live healthier lifestyles.
Sydney Takahashi (PADI MSDT), the owner and operator of FishGuyz, has been a certified diver since 1997 and a PADI instructor since 1999. Born in Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia, and raised in Saipan, Syd is an avid adventurer and athlete. He has worked as a dive instructor in Saipan and Hawaii, and has been diving in the CNMI, Palau, Yap, Chuuk, Japan, Hawaii, and the Philippines. Syd started Saipan Divers in 2009, then transitioned to Minimax Scuba in 2012, and opened FishGuyz Scuba & Charter after years of planning, saving, and acquiring experience. Syd also has his United States Coast Guard boat captain license, one of the few on Saipan to be both a USCG captain and a PADI instructor.
Dr. Willson Gaul has been teaching biology at Northern Marianas College since 2021, after completing a PhD in the School of Biology and Environmental Science at University College Dublin in Ireland. Before studying in Ireland, Dr. Gaul received a MS in Environmental Science and Policy from the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay. Dr. Gaul and his students at Northern Marianas College have an active research program studying the songs and behaviors of Mariana Fruit Doves and other birds in the CNMI. The summit aims to inspire students with information and activities focused on the Marianas’ primary economic driver, tourism. This year’s summit will focus on the importance of trees, forests, and other natural green spaces, particularly with the desire of today’s traveler for environmental conservation and physical, mental, and spiritual rejuvenation.
“As we help our students better understand and appreciate the natural beauty of our islands, it is great that we have a diverse set of speakers who will link that natural beauty to other aspects of our tourism industry that make our islands truly memorable,” said summit committee chair and MTEC Board Member Dr. Galvin Deleon Guerrero, president of Northern Marianas College.
The summit will also feature educational exhibits by American Memorial Park; Division of Fish & Wildlife-Aquatic Education Program, Sea Turtle Conservation Program, and Fisheries Conservation & Management; Department of Land & Natural Resources enforcement officers; Marianas Visitors Authority; Northern Marianas College; Micronesian Islands Nature Alliance; Northern Marianas Museum of History & Culture; Northern Marianas Technical Institute; National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration; and U.S. Fish & Wildlife.
The event will culminate with a tree-planting activity at Sugar King Park in cooperation with the Saipan Mayor’s Office and Garapan Central Park, where lunch will be served.
MTEC’s outreach activities this school year are supported by the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands and MVA.
For more information on MTEC or starting a school MY WAVE club, contact MVA Community Projects Specialist Jack Aranda at jaranda@mymarianas.com or tel. no (670) 664-3200/1.
Edward S. Dela Cruz, president of Run Saipan
Sidney Takahashi, owner and operator of FishGuyz
Dr. Willson Gaul, Northern Marianas College
