The Northern Marianas Technical Institute graduates, instructors, administrators, and key officials pose for a photo at Garapan Central Park on Nov. 22, 2022.
SEVENTY-THREE students graduated from the Northern Marianas Technical Institute, marking the first commencement ceremony since NMTech became a government entity in 2019.
Students who completed their courses at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic were part of the graduation ceremony held at Garapan Central Park last week.
These are the 73 graduates:
• Automotive Technology – Franklin-Len Aldan, Joseph Gidilak, Joseph Magofna, Jonathan Santos, Ronnie Camacho, Perry Celis, and Jonathan Rangamar.
• Construction (Core) – Terry Cabrera, Christopher Chlarson Jr., Jeremiah Cruz, David Meyers, John Paul Nimer, Vincent Norita, Dannwell Rangamar, Jordan Ruiz, Jordan Ruwetathin, Naven Santos, Roland Tudela, and Kelly Acebo.
• Construction (Electrical) – Rolando Cruz, Melvin Manibusan, Noe Villanueva, Gorjonny Camacho, Anthony Dela Cruz II, Jireh Yobech, Dae Young Huh, Kristen Basa, Jesse Dometita, Stanford Abraham, and Noelito Ong.
• Construction (HVAC) – Juan Ada Jr., Benny Bagasala, Edmundo Garcia, and Krizel Mae Tuazon.
• Construction (Welding) – Hubert Agulto, Nicolas Pinaula, Kyle Weidner, and Kaito Yanai.
• Culinary Arts – Stephen Albright, Lebalyn Bautista, Keoni Castro, Marivin Castro, Cristan Hilario, Nikana Hofschneider, Stacy Kaipat, Aldrin Legaspi, Marilou Malasarte, Evais Meluat, Jemalleen Narciso, Jeany Peleno, Antonia Remarii, Ioalaina Reyes, Keolani Rios, Jason Simina, Kelvin Stephen, and Angelo Viernes.
• Hotel and Restaurant – Josemarie Anon, Diony Camacho, Maria Cruz, Diones Dimalanta, Jodide Gottwald, Sultana Hossain, Davin Kim, Francisca Maduqu, Cathreen Moses, Kiara Nekaifes, Stepheny Pangelinan, Missa Paul, Christina Peter, Kfalen Peter, Melanie Ramos, Nica Sablan, Rechina Tipingeni, and Jordan Towai.
Quoting the U.S. Department of Education in her keynote address, Rep. Leila Staffler said, “People holding career, technical, and skilled trade education are proven more likely to be employed than those with regular college degrees.”
Staffler said skilled workers are considerably more likely to work within their field of study, getting more “bang for their bucks” by pursuing trade education.
She said this pathway offers stable income and job security to support growing families, while contributing a critical role in sustaining the local infrastructure.
“Each of you have sacrificed time from your busy lives to better your future earning power. Each of you have invested in your own professional development. Each of you have committed to personal growth, which will only continue to increase your personal worth. Each of you have taken the chance to try something totally new,” she said to the graduates.
“Looking back over time, you will feel the pride and see the totality of your contributions, in that we have a functioning society that was built from the skilled labor born within the NMTech doors,” she added.
“Today marks the start of a changed life for 73 graduates. Seventy-three CNMI residents invested in themselves and are now qualified for high demand jobs. Seventy-three people here are on the path towards steady income and opportunities for growth,” she said.
Staffler noted that nearly half of the 73 graduates were women.
“That is a huge accomplishment for this entity. Representation is important. We need women in trades,” she said.
She noted that with the CNMI-Only Worker, or CW-1, program, set to expire in 2029, it is crucial that more locals acquire skills in various construction trades.
“This area of workforce development and growth is just the start for the CNMI. We have a lot of work to do by 2029,” she said.
“I hope that your family and friends who will celebrate your accomplishment after tonight will consider their own trades pathway and join you on this journey. It is never too late and [it is] always the right time to change your life by finding work in the trades. Congratulations to each of you and good luck as you move forward in your journey. For now, welcome to financial independence and opportunities for growth. Keep going,” Staffler said in closing.
NMTech board chair Catherine Attao-Toves gave the congratulatory remarks while NMTech chief executive officer Jodina Attao presented the certificates to the graduates and delivered the closing remarks.
During the ceremony, Rev. Fr. James Balajadia gave the opening invocation and closing benediction, Marianas High School’s Rhythm-N-Harmony led the singing of the national and Commonwealth anthems, and Saipan Southern High School’s Manta Ray Battalion Color Guard conducted the posting and the retiring of the colors.
NMTech is now accepting registration for Spring 2023. Individuals interested in automotive technology, culinary arts, hotel and restaurant, electrical welding, HVAC, and carpentry are encouraged to enroll by visiting the NMTech office in Lower Base campus. For more information, go to www.nmtechcnmi.org/.
