THE Senate on Friday unanimously confirmed the renomination of Warren F. Villagomez to represent the second senatorial district or Tinian on the Marianas Visitors Authority board of directors.
The Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Government Investigations, chaired by Sen. Francisco Q. Cruz, recommended Villagomez’s confirmation after conducting public hearings on his renomination.
Villagomez, who also chairs the Covid-19 Task Force, was renominated by Gov. Ralph DLG Torres on Aug. 12, 2022.
As authorized by 1 CMC §2901, Torres waived Public Law 11-15, which prohibits a government employee from serving as a board member of MVA.
The governor said this law places an undue burden, as it limits the pool of otherwise qualified potential appointees from Tinian.
In his letter to Senate President Jude U. Hofschneider, the governor said he respectfully requests the Senate’s favorable action on Villagomez’s reappointment, saying that MVA “plays a very important role in the development of the Commonwealth, and I have every confidence that Mr. Villagomez will continue to devote his time and efforts in the best interest of all our people.”
“I am confident that his membership on this important board is critical and his appointment will ensure consistency and continuity in fulfilling the goals and objectives of the Marianas Visitors Authority,” he added.
During the public comment portion of the Senate session on Tinian, Mayor Edwin P. Aldan expressed his support for Villagomez.
“Warren has been a very, very effective board member for Tinian…and yes, I am in full support of his confirmation,” the mayor said.
Sen. Edith Deleon Guerrero said Villagomez, the MVA board and management should work closely with the Department of Land and Natural Resources-Division of Parks and Recreation, the Department of Public Works, and the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation to better maintain public parks, not just for tourists, but for the people of the Commonwealth.
“I think it’s time we started…thinking outside the box, rather than just trying to look at bringing in more tourists. We definitely need that revenue generation, but we cannot neglect the responsibility to our community…. Our parks need maintenance and management in a proper fashion because our children and our citizens must also enjoy the environment,” she said.
Quoting MVA Vice Chair Gloria C. Cavanagh’s letter to Senate EAGI Committee Chair Cruz on Villagomez’ renomination, Sen. Teresita A. Santos said the nominee plays a critical role in the CNMI’s public health and tourism revival efforts.
Sen. Victor B. Hocog, for his part, thanked Villagomez for his willingness to serve another term on the MVA board.
“He’s been very active and a great promoter of our tourism industry, not only on Saipan, but the neighboring islands of Rota and Tinian as well,” Hocog said, adding that Villagomez is an asset because of his experience with MVA and the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation.
He said MVA is crucial to the economic growth of the CNMI, adding that the Senate should not cut MVA’s funds in the new fiscal year.
Prior to the roll call vote, Senate President Jude U. Hofschneider commended the nominee, MVA, and the Tinian mayor for continuing signature programs on the island.
He likewise congratulated the nominee, the MVA board, and the administration for the resumption of Japan-Saipan flights via United Airlines.
Hofschneider thanked Villagomez for his efforts “to ensure that despite the global concerns, we’re able to survive and able to come out of this very grave situation with very minimal consequences.”
“That’s pretty outstanding,” he added.
The Senate president encouraged MVA to continue its efforts to bring back “a more stabilized and sustainable economy here in the CNMI.”
“Let’s not forget that for 40-plus years, it’s always tourism that’s been our bread and butter,” Hofschneider said.
The other MVA board members are Chair Ellsbeth Viola Alepuyo, Treasurer Christopher J. Nelson, Secretary Agida T. Quitugua, Masaru Sunaga, Thomas T. H. Liu and Ivan Quichocho.
Warren Villagomez
