By Bryan Manabat
bryan@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
THE Marianas Visitors Authority and the Commonwealth Ports Authority on Friday unveiled new welcome signs at the airports in Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, calling them more than markers as they are symbols of the islands’ culture, warmth, and hospitality.
“These signs may seem like a small addition, but they carry a big message about who we are, how we care for our islands, and how we welcome people to our home,” said MVA Managing Director Jamika Taijeron. “The first impression travelers receive as they step out of the terminals will reflect pride, identity, and a true sense of arrival in the Marianas.”
Each island’s sign highlights its unique identity. Saipan’s bold red location pin symbolizes arrival in the heart of the Marianas. Tinian’s design features the iconic doni sali pepper, representing the island’s fiery spirit. Rota’s sign honors natural beauty with the plumeria, the Commonwealth’s official flower, capturing the island’s gentle and welcoming character.
“Together, these signs reflect who we are as a destination that is truly far from ordinary,” Taijeron said. “Placed just outside the arrival areas, they will become familiar landmarks and backdrops for visitors and residents alike, whether they say, ‘We’re home,’ or, ‘We made it to the islands.’”
The signs are constructed with reflective materials and solar lighting to greet passengers day or night and were designed to withstand the islands’ climate. Funding of $328,000 came from the Northern Marianas Housing Corporation through the Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Recovery program.
Commonwealth Ports Authority Director Esther Ada called the project “a wonderful collaboration” between MVA and CPA.
“With welcome signs now on our three islands, we are sending a unified message,” Ada said. “The Marianas is ready to greet every visitor with our far-from-ordinary warmth, pride, and our signature Hafa Adai and Tirowami spirit. Today, we celebrate our shared commitment to showcasing the beauty of our home and creating a memorable impression for all our visitors and returning residents.”
Gov. David Apatang said the signs reinforce the CNMI’s identity as a tourism destination.
“We cannot dismiss the fact that our bread and butter have been primarily tourism,” Apatang said. “Yes, we had the garment industry and then the casino, but those came and went. Tourism still remains, and we all hope it will pick up very soon. This sign identifies exactly who we are — peaceful, friendly, hospitable, and welcoming.”
Apatang added that the signs will appear in photographs taken by visitors and shared with family and friends, helping attract repeat and new travelers. He also urged CPA and MVA to continue beautification efforts.
“Please let us work together to remove the concrete barricades along the main road and open the grassroots field nearby,” Apatang said. “Replace them with ornamental plants, flame trees, maybe fruit trees. That will transform the scenery from an industrial appearance into a beautiful, pleasing landscape. I know we can do better.”
The unveiling ceremony on Saipan was held Friday afternoon, Dec. 12, 2025, at the Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport and was attended by Saipan Mayor Ramon “RB” Camacho, House Speaker Edmund Villagomez, MVA board members, and other officials.
Bryan Manabat was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College where he also studied criminal justice. He is the recipient of the NMI Humanities Award as an Outstanding Teacher (Non-Classroom) in 2013, and has worked for the CNMI Motheread/Fatheread Literacy Program as lead facilitator.
