NORTHERN Marianas Technical Institute Marketing and Outreach Coordinator Ben Babauta Jr. and construction instructor Eugenio Vargas are the institute’s 2022 Employees of the Year.
NMTech Chief Executive Officer Jodina Attao made the announcement during their holiday appreciation party on Dec. 22, 2022.
Babauta has worked for NMTech for seven years, starting as a part-time culinary arts instructor. Along with Chef Inas Hocog and former instructor Tyrell Pauling, Babauta helped revamp the institute’s culinary program.
Attao said when NMTech transitioned into a government entity and reopened in June 2021, Benjamin became a full-time instructor for culinary arts, and became marketing and outreach coordinator in Dec. 2021.
Babauta “is a huge asset to the NMTech team — he is vibrant, full of energy and truly advocates for the school and its mission,” Attao said.
Babauta thanked NMTech for the recognition, saying 2022 has been a great year for the institute. “I was happy to use my skills and abilities in a new work setting to execute big projects for NMTech. I just try to do my best daily,” he added.
Vargas, for his part, has worked at the institute for 11 years now as construction instructor. Before joining NMTech, he ran his own construction business on Saipan.
Attao said he has the skills and talents that he passes on to his students on a daily basis. “He is always willing to serve NMTech and contribute to any and all projects — he is a great team player, advisor and educator We are blessed to work with such amazing people,” Attao added.
Vargas said his “efforts are noticed and I’m thankful for that. I will continue to work hard, and this award motivates me to do more in the coming year. I think we have a great team here at NMTech along with great captains.”
Attao said Babauta and Vargas “are phenomenal people and play critical roles at NMTech. We are grateful for their service and look forward to the many accomplishments to come.”
Northern Marianas Technical Institute Marketing and Outreach Coordinator Benjamin Babauta, left, and construction instructor Eugenio Vargas, center, pose for a photo with NMTech Chief Executive Officer Jodina Attao during the institute’s holiday appreciation party at the NMTech campus in Lower Base on Dec. 22, 2022.
