By Emmanuel T. Erediano
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
GOVERNOR David M. Apatang, in Executive Order 2026-3 on March 10, 2026, transferred the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation from the Office of the Governor to the Department of Labor to “better serve the interests of the Commonwealth and its people.”
In his order, the governor said he was transferring OVR to the department to achieve effective and efficient administration.
Created by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, OVR is a designated state entity tasked with providing vocational rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities. It was overseen by the State Rehabilitation Advisory Council, which was part of the then-Department of Public Health. In 2025, Public Law 14-81 moved OVR to the Office of the Governor.
The governor noted that the primary purpose of OVR is to assist eligible individuals with disabilities in preparing for, securing, retaining, and regaining employment and independence. This mission closely aligns with the core functions of the Department of Labor, and OVR will continue to serve as the designated state agency for administering the CNMI’s State Plan for vocational rehabilitation.
According to the EO, OVR will now be known as the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, headed by a director, a civil service employee reporting to and under the supervision of the Labor secretary.
The governor also ordered that during the transition, all OVR personnel will continue to exercise their functions without alteration, and the acting DVR director and the Labor secretary shall take all necessary and appropriate measures to facilitate an orderly transition upon the effective date of the EO.
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.
