(GCEA) — The Governor’s Council of Economic Advisers unveiled the new Marianas Village Pride or MVP Marianas Village Flags at the opening of the Taste of the Marianas festival at the Garapan Fishing Base. The village flags are installed along the Beach Road side of the festival, and the community is invited to attend this free event.
The Marianas Village Flags are the products of a Marianas Village Pride art contest hosted by the Governor’s Council of Economic Advisers in partnership with the Public School System and the Saipan, Tinian, and Rota mayors’ offices.
The islands’ villages were identified by their respective mayors and middle and high school students throughout the Marianas were invited to submit artwork and a short essay describing the essence of their villages. More than 800 entries were received, and 35 student works of art were selected to inspire the final flag designs.
“The Marianas Village Flags are the embodiment of village and hometown pride,” said Jerry Tan, co-chairman of GCEA. “The council realized that there was a need for village flags to showcase what makes each village so special. Students of the Marianas accepted the challenge and thoughtfully designed flags that captured the best of home and what makes their villages unique. Join us in congratulating the 35 student artists, and let us all celebrate our village pride.”
Education Commissioner Dr. Alfred Ada said, “We, at the Public School System continue to explore and promote various opportunities for our students to grow and learn not only within the classroom but outside of it too. With the support from our Board of Education, student activities and engagement has taken the front seat in our goal to ensure that our PSS students are college and career ready.”
GCEA congratulates all MVP Village Flag Art Contest winners from Rota, Tinian, and Saipan:
Rota
1) I Chenchon – Princess C. Bato-On
2) Sinapalo – Sayema A. Sidur
3) Songsong – Mikayla P. Masga
Tinian
1) Carolina Heights – Pevika Dela Cruz
2) Marpo Valley – Miyako San Nicolas
3) San Jose – Lloyd Rivera
Saipan
1) As Lito – Taylor John Hally
2) As Matuis – Randy Rabago
3) As Perdido – Sarim Omar
4) As Teo – Arsynl Tagabuel
5) Capitol Hill – Da-Hee Clair Kim
6) Chalan Kanoa – Rev Doca
7) Chalan Kiya – Eric Mahinan
8) Chalan Laulau – Bwilitomwar Elias Rangamar
9) Chalan Piao – Julie Ann Capayas
10) Dandan – Ma. Isabelle Achas
11) Finasisu – Melina Mae Faimaw
12) Garapan – Charlie Wang
13) Gualo Rai – Isaac Y. Han
14) Kagman – Rosemarie Faisao
15) Kannat Tabla – Kristina Achas
16) Koblerville – Destiny Camacho
17) Marpi – Japhet J. Dino
18) Navy Hill – Jemima A. Corpuz
19) Oleai – Hope Odoshi
20) Papago – Justin Weaver
21) Puerto Rico – Marvin Cabrera
22) Sadog Tasi – Jozel Sanchez
23) San Antonio – Christanelle Mercado
24) San Roque – Andrei Arellano
25) San Vicente – Mikayela Arriola
26) Susupe – Sherry Zhu
27) Tanapag – Raiana Ferdous
28) Tapochau – Kalista Klaver
29) Wireless – Allen Tambiga
According to Education Commissioner Dr. Alfred Ada, “GCEA has become a perfect platform, among others, in the CNMI in supporting our initiatives in the school district. On behalf of the PSS family, I express our most profound appreciation to GCEA for promoting this lifelong opportunity with our students. It’s the partnership and collaboration with our community partners to ensure our success.”
GCEA thanks the leadership, administrators, and teachers of PSS for their support and the students of the Marianas who participated in the Marianas Village Flag contest. The Marianas Village Flags will be showcased during the Taste of the Marianas festival and will be displayed during the upcoming Liberation Day Parade. The designs can be viewed on the GCEA website (cnmieconomy.com) and Facebook and Instagram pages (@cnmigov.economy).
About GCEA
The Governor’s Council of Economic Advisers’ mission is to provide objective advice to CNMI Gov. Ralph DLG Torres and Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios to ensure that future economic decisions and programs are aligned to improve the quality of life throughout The Marianas. GCEA’s Public Private Partnership initiative has drawn widespread support throughout the community. Volunteers and partners are welcome.
For more information, visit cnmieconomy.com or engage with the GCEA on Facebook and Instagram (@cnmigov.economy) or by email at gceacnmi@gmail.com
