By Emmanuel T. Erediano
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
AFTER years of delay, reconstruction of a classroom building and the auditorium-cafeteria at the 80-year-old William S. Reyes Elementary School in Chalan Kanoa — destroyed by Super Typhoon Yutu in 2018 — officially broke ground Thursday.
As Gov. David M. Apatang, Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez, Education Commissioner Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho, Board of Education Chairwoman Maisie B. Tenorio, Vice Chairman Anthony DLC Barcinas, school officials, and project partners ceremonially turned shovels for the $3.8 million project, heavy equipment operators were already at work behind them, beginning site excavation.
The long-awaited project marks the start of rebuilding key campus facilities, even as another typhoon threatens the Marianas.
Long overdue
Calling the project “long overdue,” Apatang said the reconstruction of Building C and the auditorium-cafeteria has been years in the making.
“But here we are today,” he said.
The governor thanked those who helped move the project forward, including his special adviser for policy and programs, Kimo M. Rosario, for advancing stalled initiatives into construction. He said such efforts are critical in moving projects “from the backburner” into the local economy, where they generate activity and support the community.
Apatang also thanked the Federal Emergency Management Agency for working with the CNMI government to ensure disaster assistance funds are properly used, as well as Public School System officials, engineers, and contractors involved in the project.
He urged timely completion of the work.
“I expect no delay — no change orders, no excuses. Just progress,” he said.
‘We are grateful’
Student leaders expressed appreciation as construction finally begins.
On behalf of the student body, Student Council President Alyanah Prado thanked officials and guests for joining what she described as “a very special moment in our school’s history.”
“This groundbreaking is more than the start of construction,” she said. “It is the beginning of new memories, new opportunities, and a brighter future for King Fishers, our families, and the community.”
Student Council Vice President Andrew Jiang said students are grateful for leaders and partners who support their school.
“Because of you, future generations of King Fishers will have a better place to learn, perform, and celebrate together,” Jiang said.
Student Council Secretary Savanah Bauleong said the milestone reflects the school’s theme, “Many Stories, One Journey.”
“Today becomes another chapter in the story of our school,” she said. “Thank you all for being part of this journey.”
‘What a milestone’
Principal Lynette Villagomez highlighted the school’s long history, noting that the campus has served the Chalan Kanoa and Susupe communities — and the rest of Saipan — for 80 years.
Built in 1946, the school is marking its 80th anniversary this year as its historic auditorium is being rebuilt.
“What a milestone,” she said.
Villagomez said that long before many current residents were born, the campus served not only as a school but also as a key gathering place for the community. When Chalan Kanoa was once the capital of the island, the auditorium hosted government meetings, celebrations, cultural performances, and school programs.
“For generations of students, this campus has been a place where lifelong friendships began, talents were discovered, and dreams were nurtured,” she said.
She also acknowledged former principals Naomi Nishimura and Lyn Mendiola, who led the school during the impacts of Super Typhoon Soudelor in 2015 and Super Typhoon Yutu in 2018, respectively, and helped advance plans for rebuilding.
With construction now underway, Villagomez said the campus will once again serve as a place where students and families gather.
Continue to thrive
Camacho said the new facilities will help students continue to thrive.
“Like the kingfisher that flies across the Marianas, we want to make sure you are thriving,” he told students. “Even when disasters come and damage our schools, we continue to move forward and rebuild.”
He thanked federal partners for their support and said the new facilities will provide modern learning opportunities for students.
Meaningful milestone
Barcinas described the groundbreaking as a “meaningful milestone” that has been years in the making.
He said planning began after Super Typhoon Yutu in 2018, when the school was identified for FEMA-funded reconstruction due to extensive damage.
By 2020, previous Board of Education members had approved the project designs, including the facilities now under construction.
“That history matters because today is not just about construction,” Barcinas said. “It is about continuity, resilience, and follow-through.”
He noted that multiple agencies — including the Public School System, FEMA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Office of the Governor, Homeland Security, and the American Red Cross — played key roles in ensuring student learning continued after the storm.
“Today’s ceremony is a reminder that rebuilding our schools is a shared effort,” he said.
Aim high
Speaker Villagomez encouraged students to aim high as the new facilities take shape.
He shared memories of visiting the campus in his younger years and expressed excitement about the new auditorium.
“This is not just a renovation — you are getting a new facility,” he said.
He told students the new space will create opportunities for future performances and activities.
Investing in students
Hong Ye Construction President Michael Sheu said the project represents an investment in the community’s future.
“We are not just breaking ground on a building — we are investing in every student who will walk through these doors,” he said.
Sheu thanked government leaders, planners, and partners involved in the project and said the company is committed to delivering quality work.
“We take that responsibility seriously,” he said. “Today we break ground — tomorrow our children build the future.”
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.
