By Emmanuel T. Erediano
emmanuel@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
GOVERNOR David M. Apatang, Education Commissioner Lawrence F. Camacho, Board of Education Chairman Kodep Ogumoro-Uludong, and other CNMI officials, along with students, celebrated the groundbreaking of Da’ok Academy on the Koblerville Elementary campus, Friday.
Established in 2017, Da’ok Academy provides an alternative learning environment for students who are not succeeding in the traditional high school setting. The academy supports at-risk students in Grades 9 through 12 by addressing their academic, behavioral, social, and emotional needs, with the goal of preparing them for college and careers.
For years, Da’ok Academy students and faculty have conducted classes in tents located in front of Koblerville Elementary School.
The CNMI government received $2.6 million in funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for the construction of the Da’ok Academy campus, located near an old da’ok tree.
According to Sonya Dancoe, PE, president of SP Dancoe & Associates LLC, the local firm contracted to provide architectural and engineering services, the project includes the construction of a one-story, reinforced concrete building that is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The approximately 8,000-square-foot facility will include five classrooms — each with dedicated storage — one science classroom, an assembly room, a data room, offices for the principal and counselors, ADA-compliant restrooms for students, separate male and female restrooms for staff, electrical and utility rooms, storage rooms, and a janitor’s room. The building will also be equipped with a fire alarm system and include ADA-accessible parking, drainage, and driveways.
Project completion is targeted for Oct. 4, 2026.
During the ceremony on Friday, Apatang said the groundbreaking was significant for several reasons.
“We are complying with the terms and conditions of the award funding this development project,” Apatang said. “It is also important because it generates business activity in our local economy, which is crucial to keeping our small economy afloat. Most importantly, students deserve a safe, functional, and healthy classroom where they can learn and grow.”
He thanked all those involved in reaching the milestone and said the project would not have been possible without the support and guidance of FEMA.
Camacho said Da’ok Academy is one of the high schools the Public School System continues to advance to ensure students have access to quality facilities.
“We are here today reflecting on where we have been and looking forward to what this facility can bring for our students at Da’ok Academy,” he said.
Camacho added that the long-term vision is to further transform the academy into a space where students can explore career and technical education pathways and potentially advance to college.
Ogumoro-Uludong said the groundbreaking marked a long-awaited milestone for Da’ok Academy after years of operating in temporary tents.
“This facility will provide a permanent space designed for growth, connection, and opportunity,” he said, adding that the academy represents a strategic alignment between education and workforce development.
“By aligning education, labor, and workforce systems, we are not just building classrooms — we are building a pipeline of opportunity that prepares our young people to contribute meaningfully to the CNMI economy and to their own long-term success,” Ogumoro-Uludong said.
Ruel Villacrusis, owner of RNV Construction, the contractor for the project, described the moment as more than the start of construction.
“We stand on sacred ground, ready to build not just a school, but a future,” Villacrusis said. “We are planting seeds of knowledge, resilience, and hope. This academy will rise as a beacon of learning here in Koblerville — a place where our children will dream boldly, achieve greatly, and carry forward the proud spirit of Saipan.”
“This groundbreaking is the beginning of a legacy,” he added.
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.
