By Emmanuel T. Erediano
emmanuel@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
GOVERNOR Gov. David M. Apatang and Lt. Gov. Dennis James Mendiola on Tuesday presented a plaque of recognition to Citadel Pacific’s IT&E Executive Director Velma Palacios and Government Relations and Community and Customer Service Senior Manager Janice A. Tenorio, commending Citadel for its 20 years of excellence in the CNMI.
The plaque cited Citadel Pacific for being “guided by your mission to provide excellent service, cultivate a unique and empowering workplace, and deliver strong financial returns.”
Apatang and Mendiola jointly acknowledged that Citadel Pacific continues to exemplify visionary leadership and purposeful growth. For two decades, they said, the company’s commitment to becoming a premier investment management leader in the Philippines and the Pacific has fostered a culture of integrity and innovation that uplifts both the industry and the community.
In recognition of its milestone 20th anniversary, the governor and lieutenant governor extended their gratitude and appreciation for Citadel Pacific’s enduring investment in the islands.
“May the legacy established over the past two decades bring forth continued prosperity and inspire future generations and success throughout the Commonwealth,” Apatang and Mendiola said.
Mendiola also noted that through its contributions and donations to the community — particularly during natural disasters — Citadel Pacific has demonstrated its continued commitment to the CNMI.
“This is greatly appreciated, and the governor and I would like to extend our appreciation to private-sector partners who have remained in the CNMI for many years and have helped grow our business industry,” Mendiola said.
Speaking on behalf of Citadel Pacific, Palacios said she was honored to receive the recognition celebrating the company’s 20 years of business in the CNMI and the Marianas. She reflected on Citadel’s beginnings with Micronesian Telecommunication Corporation and brought with her company managers who have been part of the organization’s 20-year journey.
Palacios became emotional as she remembered Antonia M. Apatang, the late wife of Gov. Apatang. She shared that “Auntie Tony” worked for MTC and was instrumental in helping Citadel grow following its acquisition of the company.
“We worked alongside her. I remember her at the MTC Susupe office. For me personally, she was like my mom at MTC,” Palacios said. “She always checked on me, sometimes scolded me, and told me, ‘You need to do this, you need to do that.’”
“But many of us here were part of that journey,” she added. “We are very dedicated to the CNMI. Citadel is our home, and as part of Citadel, IT&E will continue to foster growth and collaboration with government and community members. Thank you for taking the time to present this recognition to us.”
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
