THE Commonwealth Utilities Corporation held an awards ceremony to recognize its outstanding employees as part of Public Service Recognition Week in the CNMI.
Awards were given to select employees in each CUC division: customer service/billing, power generation, water, finance, administration, Rota power, power transmission and distribution, Tinian water, and wastewater.
The awardees in each of these divisions were Dispatch Operator Davina Magofna, Trades Technician Operator Ronald Meneses, Trades Assistant Kraven Lizama, Warehouse Technician Aldrin Oikang, Administrative Technician Senior Marcela Tenorio, Trades Assistant Lineperson Keilani Barcinas, Engineering Technician Jeffrey Lee Camacho, Trades Assistant Laurence Tumed, and Trades Assistant Joseph Taman.
Of these nine awardees, Davina Magofna was named the overall 2022 CUC Employee of the Year.
Attending the ceremony were Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, Office of Personnel Management Director Frances Salas, Civil Service Commission member Raymond Muna, CUC Executive Director Gary Camacho, CUC board members, and various key personnel and management officials.
In her remarks, CUC Chief of Administration Betty Terlaje, the mistress of ceremonies, said:
“The reason why we are public servants is because we serve and supply our community with a commodity, and that’s water, power, and wastewater services. We do this in the best interest of the public. We are all critical staff here. We’re all essential to the needs of the community because we provide essential services, critical services,” she said.
Terlaje also recognized the governor for his support.
“He’s been very supportive of CUC, and although we hardly see him walk our hallways…he has been very supportive. [CUC Executive Director Gary Camacho] reminds us of that all the time, that when we need something, when we have a critical situation, we just call the governor and we get that support,” she said.
Terlaje likewise thanked the CUC clients for their patronage.
“Without our customers, we wouldn’t exist either,” she added.
In his remarks, CUC Executive Director Camacho highlighted various employees, adding that the corporation’s longest serving employee has served for 38 years.
He also noted that the corporation now has two linewomen.
“It is a tough job, but we believe that everybody is capable of doing it with the proper training and safety rules and regulations. But again, it’s all of you. As I said earlier, I appreciate everything that you do. Nothing happens without you. I think we’ve got some wonderful things that we’ve been able to present over the last few years,” he told CUC employees.
Camacho also thanked the CUC board members for, among other things, approving a 5% increment per year to an employee’s pay based on performance evaluation.
“I think everybody got it, based on their performance. I understand that we’re current to the month of May, so as your anniversary comes, then we’re moving that much quicker forward. Again, that’s not something that we give you as a bonus; that is something that you deserve and you get…. It’s amazing what we do. I’ve seen so many people here evolve to become leaders,” Camacho said.
“We do understand and recognize that knowledge is valuable and we have a responsibility as a utility to provide that opportunity to learn and allow to gain greater value not only to yourself but for your family. So, CUC is here, CUC will always be here, and as long as you’re here, then we will always expect success…. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart, and all of the management team, I thank you for everything that you do every day in the past, today, and forward,” he said.
In her remarks, CUC Board Chair Miranda Manglona congratulated and thanked the entire CUC family for their efforts and sacrifices.
“As an employee of CUC, it may not be a popular profession, but it is one of the most important ones. You are the frontline of our corporation. You interact with our community. Together with the board of directors, we value and appreciate your hard work and dedication. You are one of the best public workforces…. Despite the challenges we’ve had and continue to face, you are there to improve the services we offer and continue to provide vital services to our CNMI. Congratulations to our outstanding employees of the year, and to our employees who have been with us for more than 10 years, and to all of you for being a part of our CUC family,” she said.
She likewise thanked the management team for their leadership and commitment in continuing to steer the corporation through rough waters.
“And let’s not forget our families. We extend our sincerest appreciation to them for their understanding and support for their spouse, partner, son, or daughter here at CUC… This is very nice to know that you have entrusted [them] to us. We will take care of them. You are our family… On behalf of the board of directors, we notice you, we recognize you, and we appreciate you. I hope that we continue to see smiling faces as you receive your five percent PBI. I know that some of you have received it this week, so please keep that smile on your face and it will last you through the whole month, and hopefully through the whole year,” she said.
“We have come a long way and I say that, again, working together as a team, we’ve accomplished a lot. But we will not end here. We will continue to accomplish more, and your continued support is greatly appreciated. By working hand in hand, together we will prosper. We always say that slogan. Why? Because we will never prosper in our CNMI, in our community, in our islands if we do not work together. Let’s continue to serve our community with pride.”
In his remarks, Governor Torres also thanked CUC officials and personnel for their service and sacrifice.
“The reality is, without power, nothing moves. Without sewer and water, nothing moves. So, at the end of the day, it’s you guys that give light. It’s you guys that give life. There are a lot of things that have happened over the last several years, whether it’s [Typhoons] Soudelor, Mangkhut, Yutu, and of course, the pandemic. I remember during [Typhoon] Mangkhut, I went to Rota, your line crew was there. Imagine leaving your family to go help somebody else, somebody you don’t even know. You don’t even know if they live in that residence or not, but those lights have to go on,” he said.
“You guys gave hope for the people of the CNMI, and despite what they say — trust me I know — regardless of the criticism that you guys get out there, you guys give comfort to [the public]. During typhoon, they close their windows and pray. You guys? Even your families pray for your safety, and you still go out there. There’s not enough ‘thank yous’ that I can give you, or my family, but I have to say, from the bottom of my heart, I truly appreciate each and every one of you and your families for the things that they have sacrificed in order for you to do the things you do.”
Torres also recognized CUC’s executive director for his leadership.
“I have seen how much your executive director has grown and how much compassion he has for the whole CUC. Those are the leaders you want that care for you guys. So, board, thank you as well, and to all of you, congratulations,” he said.
Awardees pose for a photo with Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, Commonwealth Utilities Corp. Executive Director Gary Camacho, and CUC board members.
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres
CUC Board Chair Miranda Manglona
CUC Executive Director Gary Camacho
