By Emmanuel T. Erediano
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
GOVERNOR David M. Apatang called for ethical leadership in decision-making following a two-day development training session at Aqua Resort Club on Thursday.
Department and agency heads, along with other key government staffers, attended the training conducted by the International Public Safety Leadership and Ethics Institute or IPSLEI, a nonprofit that supports excellence in public safety leadership.
The training was conducted IPSLEI Executive Director/President Kevin S. Bramer, M.A., EFO, a 45-year veteran of the fire service who teaches in a leadership studies program. He also served in the U.S. Army as a Military Police officer and received both the U.S. Army Commendation Medal and the U.S. Army Soldiers Medal for Valor.
The theme of the training was “Challenges to Ethical Leadership in a Dynamic World.” Governor Apatang participated in both days of the sessions.
Asked for comment, he said, “As we navigate complex challenges, ethical leadership must remain at the center of every decision we make.”
“When we commit to ethical excellence, it elevates the standard of service across government and strengthens confidence in our institutions,” he added.
A military veteran himself, Apatang also served as a House representative and Saipan mayor before he was elected lieutenant governor in 2022. Last year, he succeeded the late Gov. Arnold I. Palacios.
Special Assistant for Administration John Paul Reyes said the training builds confidence among government officials and improves their work ethic. “The training was made possible through strong collaboration between the Office of the Governor, departments, and other agencies, allowing them to share ideas and best practices,” he said.
Office of Personnel Management’s Joe Pangelinan described the training as “an eye-opener” that reminded officials of their responsibilities and the importance of making the right decisions for the CNMI government. “It also highlighted the many policies officials and employees must consider when making decisions,” he added.
Bramer said the participants represented “the fantastic people of the Commonwealth.”
“They want to do a good job. They are sometimes frustrated, but they are gaining new insights between yesterday and today,” he said.
The training, he noted, provided participants with a new perspective to ask themselves, “How do we get past where we are today? How do we take even the smallest step toward a brighter tomorrow?”
Bramer said participants were attentive and engaged throughout the sessions. “I’ve always been humbled by the respect and dedication of the island people. They want to learn and see improvements,” 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.
