(CUC) — The Commonwealth Utilities Corporation joins the nation in celebrating National Lineworkers Appreciation Day today, April 18, 2025, recognizing the dedication, resilience, and service of the men and women who keep power flowing across our islands.
These skilled professionals often brave harsh weather, challenging terrain, and demanding hours to ensure the safety and reliability of power services. Their work extends beyond the power lines—they are stewards of safety, infrastructure, and community well-being.
From Rota, Lineperson Technician Gerald Manglona recently represented CUC and the CNMI at the Public Power Lineworkers Rodeo in Roseville, California. “I prepared by working out daily and researching the events,” he shared. “Seeing lineworkers from other states and the industry expo was unforgettable. Being a lineworker isn’t just a job — it’s a calling. We’re the backbone of public safety and communication, especially during emergencies.”
From Tinian, veteran Foreperson Steve Cabrera reflected on his journey since 1992. “My mentor, the late Vicente Dela Cruz, taught me everything I know. We face challenges like limited resources and aging infrastructure today, but we stay committed through preventive maintenance and prioritizing reliability,” he said. “Restoring power after major disasters like Typhoon Keith in 1997 and Super Typhoon Yutu in 2018 was exhausting but meaningful — it reminded me of why we do this work. We’ve come a long way — from climbing poles daily to using bucket trucks. The reward is seeing the community come back to life after a devastation.”
From Saipan, Lineperson Specialist Jose Rabauliman described linework as a test of both strength and heart. “This job pushes you mentally and physically. But knowing that I’m giving back to the community keeps me grounded,” he said. “One of the biggest misconceptions is that we only respond when something breaks — people don’t always see the vegetation clearing and proactive work we do to prevent outages and protect the public.” He added, “National Lineworkers Appreciation Day reminds us that our service matters — and that means everything.”
As we honor National Lineworkers Appreciation Day, CUC extends its deepest thanks to every lineworker for their grit, resilience, and unwavering service. From clearing overgrown lines to restoring power after storms, your work lights the way for our communities every single day.
To all the lineworkers across the CNMI and the nation: Thank you.
