CREATED in May 2019 under the Saipan Fishermen’s Association Banner as a Community Outreach Program, Tasi To Table began its steps and has now held several events including a Shoreline Fishing and Wahoo Derby and seminars and beach clean ups. With its current success, last Thursday TTT presented its plans for 2021 to all their sponors and contributors to their cause.
Led by President Gene Weaver, Vice President Wayne Pangelinan, TTT started with a 6-week pilot program with Da’ok Academy in June through early July offering a diverse opportunity to learn about traditional fishing techniques as their main focus. However, the their true beginning started in October 2019 where they established an 8-month pilot program with four public high schools and was able to get the program to be an elective credit towards graduation with the Public School System. This was intended for building capacity for sustainable fishing practices, environmental protection and preservation including safe boating practices, safety precautions, reel maintainance and actual fishing expeditions. This program has also opened up other opportunities for self development such as self-imaging, mental health, suicide awareness, teen pregnancy as well as serve as mentors. “We opened up to highschools, we’ve worked with PSS in developing these. We created a new structure in our tier system which included advisors from every school which was our way of reaching our students in sharing information.” said Pangelinan.
Since then, TTT has grown and has now made plans for the upcoming year.
Pangelinan announced that they have formatted another 8-month program to include “phase 2”, letting students return for more action. They are also working on branding and further building recognition for TTT by gaining support from businesses and goverment. Two of the sponsors, Mobil Oil Marianas and IT&E, have already given TTT the go-ahead sponsoring the signature tournament, the 2nd Annual Wahoo in the Marianas slated for March 2021. They are also preparing a community event for families and not only for students. The start of these community events will be the second Shoreline casting tournament planned for April 2021 sponsored by Fishing Tackle & Sporting Goods. A new tournament is also in development with partners for August 2021 named the first Tuna Mix Classic which in sponsored by Bank of Saipan and Pacific Trading Company.
Pangelinan also emphasized that they are not just sitting around hoping help will come to them, but that they are look for any means of help including chasing a Stalinstall-Kennedy Grant-Scientific approach to Ciguatera Toxins (2-year program) supported by CNMI PSS.
In addition, TTT plans to open clubs on Tinian and Rota starting February 2021 with possible support from the CNMI Government.
Pangelinan stated, “Yes, we did create a reality. TTT is growing and we are very excited about that”
Marianas High School senior Derik Reyes Jr and Kagman High School senior Kaiannylupe Sablan shared their thoughts on what is was like to be a member of TTT. “When I first joined TTT, I had no experience whatsoever. But I’ve gain a lot of knowledge from guest speakers, TTT and SFA members themselves. I’ve learned a lot from boating safety like their emergency protocols and channels. TTT benefits me by getting a hands-on experience like coordinating events such as the first Wahoo in the Marianas Tournament.” said Sablan. Reyes, showed his powerpoint slide on his experience which emphasized on hands-on experiences, learning about fishing and the environmental role they play in the community. During the Wahoo tournament, MHS handled Logistics, KHS handled solicitation prize letters, Southern High School handled rules and regulations while Da’ok Academy handled Public Relations and advertising.
TTT President Gene weaver says a few words during last Thursday’s presentation at the Aqua Resort. James F. Sablan Jr.
TTT members Derik Reyes Jr. (MHS senior), left, and Kaiannylupe Sablan (KHS senior), share their experience with TTT during last Thursday’s presentation at the Aqua Resort. James F. Sablan Jr.
