By Emmanuel T. Erediano
emmanuel@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
PRECINCT 2 Reps. Danny Aquino and John Paul Sablan, Precinct 1 Rep. Roy Ada, and Division of Parks and Recreation Director Mike Cruz last week conducted cleanup and beautification activities along Airport Road.
In an interview, Aquino said the effort was a response to Gov. David M. Apatang, who expressed strong concern about the appearance of the island’s main gateway.
“The governor stressed that first impressions matter and that ‘the word of mouth travels far,’” Aquino said. “An island that is poorly maintained, especially its main gateway, Airport Road, sends the wrong message to visitors.”
Aquino added that overgrown vegetation and trash along the roadside “had become increasingly noticeable, so the governor called for immediate action to restore the area’s beauty and protect the island’s image.”
He said he, Sablan, and Cruz, along with their respective staff, joined forces with Rep. Ada to “turn the governor’s concern into action through hands-on collaboration.”
The cleanup included picking up trash, cutting overgrown bushes, and removing tall grass that had taken over large sections of Airport Road. Aquino said the roadway was transformed into a cleaner, safer, and more welcoming corridor for residents and tourists.
Sablan emphasized the importance of the effort, stating that “tourism is everyone’s business.” He said he was happy to collaborate with Aquino, Ada, Parks and Recreation, and the Office of the Governor to address issues affecting the island’s image.
Ada echoed Sablan’s sentiments, saying he admired the consistent work of Precinct 2 lawmakers and was glad to assist. “This highlights the importance of cooperation across precinct lines,” he said.
Aquino added that he and Sablan are always willing to assist the administration in collaborative efforts that benefit the CNMI, the tourism industry, and the environment.
Cruz expressed gratitude for the support and hands-on involvement of the lawmakers. “Their collaboration was invaluable, and we look forward to continued partnerships as other problematic areas around the island are identified,” he said.
All four officials also thanked their respective staff for their hard work and dedication. They acknowledged that the success of the cleanup was made possible by the commitment, teamwork, and tireless efforts of the employees who worked on the ground to make Airport Road cleaner and more beautiful.
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.
