(MVA) — Community members are turning out full force this month with beautification efforts in support of Marianas Tourism Month.
Island Keepers, Japanese Society of the Northern Mariana Islands, Japan Saipan Travel Association, Northern Marianas Dive Operators Association, and Petlas cultural dancers joined the Marianas Visitors Authority at Paseo de Marianas in the Garapan tourist district early Saturday, May 18, sweeping the entire area for trash. The cleanup ended with over 250 lbs. of trash, debris, bottles and other items collected.
At the same time, students of the MY WAVE Clubs of Dandan Middle School, Hopwood Middle School, Marianas High School, Saipan Southern High School, and Da’ok Academy volunteered alongside the Department of Public Works to paint curbs and medians in the tourist district.
“We volunteered to help out our community and fix up our islands…for us and our visitors, as well,” said Dandan Middle School MY WAVE Club Secretary Charmylle Reyes.
Fifty-two MY WAVE Club members donned bright yellow shirts from MVA and participated in the beautification project from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
“We hope the students will understand the benefits of community assistance and making sure the island looks good for both our tourists and ourselves,” said MY WAVE Club advisor Judith Castro.
“Participating in the painting initiative as part of Tourism Month was something different and was so worthwhile to give back to our community,” added MY WAVE Club advisor Monica Pangelinan.
On Rota, 20 students of Sinapalo Elementary School conducted a cleanup from Guata Beach to Teteto Beach. Participating students represented the school MY WAVE and YAP Clubs.
“As Gilita — people of Rota — we are proud of our beautiful island, and it’s great to partner with the students to show that pride and support tourism at the same time during Marianas Tourism Month,” said MVA’s Rota Field Operations Supervisor David Atalig.
Several hotels under the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands also conducted cleanups at Pakpak Beach and Micro Beach in Saipan Monday, May 20, along with schoolchildren.
“A big si Yu’us ma’ase, olomwaay, and thank you to the students, our industry partners, and other community volunteers for being a part of making the Marianas a premiere destination for our visitors and a more beautiful place to live,” said MVA Managing Director Christopher A. Concepcion.
Other ongoing activities for Marianas Tourism Month are the Taste of the Marianas International Food Festival, tourism trivia with prizes on participating radio stations, and the #CaptureTheBeautyofTheMarianas photo contest on Facebook and Instagram.
Twenty students of Sinapalo Elementary School in Rota participate in the Marianas Tourism Month cleanup on May 18, 2024. They covered the area from Guata Beach to Teteto Beach on “Nature’s Treasure Island.”
The roadside of “Nature’s Treasure Island” gets a touch-up by students of Sinapalo Elementary School in Rota as part of the Marianas Tourism Month cleanup on May 18, 2024.
Thirty-six industry workers and community volunteers participate in the Marianas Tourism Month cleanup at Paseo de Marianas on May 18, 2024, collecting about 250 lbs. of trash in downtown Garapan, Saipan.
From left, MY WAVE Club members Quiara Sanchez and Aldyann Igisaiar and club advisor Judith Castro of Dandan Middle School participate in the Marianas Tourism Month cleanup on May 18, 2024 by painting curbs in downtown Garapan, Saipan.
Hopwood Middle School’s MY WAVE Club members participate in the Marianas Tourism Month cleanup on May 18, 2024 by painting meridians and curbs in downtown Garapan, Saipan.
From left, MY WAVE Club member Hudson Igisomar and club secretary Charmylle Reyes of Dandan Middle School participate in the Marianas Tourism Month cleanup on May 18, 2024 by painting curbs in downtown Garapan, Saipan.
Sixty-two members of the Dandan Middle School, Hopwood Middle School, Da’ok Academy, Saipan Southern High School, and Marianas High School MY WAVE Club and the Department of Public Works participate in the Marianas Tourism Month painting initiative on May 18, 2024 in downtown Garapan, Saipan. The beautification project was organized by the Marianas Visitors Authority.
