By Emmanuel T. Erediano
emmanuel@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
GOVERNOR David M. Apatang, Lt. Gov. Dennis James Mendiola, and Department of Community and Cultural Affairs Secretary Frank Rabauliman on Monday announced that the Nutrition Assistance Program’s electronic benefit transfer or EBT system, in the form of a card, will officially go live on Nov. 1, 2025.
According to NAP Administrator Margaret Aldan, this means recipients will receive plastic cards instead of paper food stamp coupons, with benefits available beginning Nov. 1.
For recipients, the EBT card will be more convenient, as they will no longer need to queue at the NAP office in As Lito to collect paper coupons and write down their names and identification numbers each time they go to a store, Aldan said.
For the NAP office, the EBT system is more cost-effective because it eliminates overtime pay, printing expenses, and payments to redemption agents or banks. More importantly, the card promotes accountability: NAP will require each store to submit a daily settlement report for all EBT transactions. Through the EBT system, NAP can also provide the Finance Department’s Taxation and Revenue Division with information on each store’s sales from EBT cardholders.
Rabauliman added that the use of EBT cards will reduce the risk of fraud from counterfeit food stamps, many cases of which have been reported in the past.
Apatang said the launch of the EBT card marks a proud and historic moment for the Commonwealth. “This milestone signifies more than a technological upgrade. It symbolizes progress, accountability, and our ongoing commitment to better serve our people,” the governor said.
“The transition from paper coupons to the EBT card modernizes how food benefits are delivered, providing a system that is faster, safer, and more convenient for families, while also ensuring greater efficiency and security for our retailers,” he added. “It reflects the Commonwealth’s broader vision to modernize government services, promote transparency, and strengthen the way we support our community. Every step we take is guided by the purpose of improving the quality of life for the people of the Commonwealth.”
The governor commended the DCCA-NAP, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Services, and private contractors for their “hard work and collaboration in ensuring that this important initiative comes to fruition.” “Together, we are improving service delivery and strengthening our commitment to supporting our families here in the CNMI,” he said.
Rabauliman noted that the private-sector partners in the EBT program include Conduent, which manages the eligibility system; Fidelity Information Services, LLC, the major EBT processor; and Maximus, responsible for project management oversight.
Mendiola emphasized the importance of the EBT card, calling its launch “another win for the CNMI, as this program will benefit our people by providing a smoother and easier way to purchase commodities in stores.” He also congratulated the hardworking staff of the NAP Office for bringing the EBT program to life.
Rabauliman described the launch as a historic and momentous occasion for approximately 5,500 households — or 14,000 individuals — receiving nutrition assistance. “Transitioning from paper coupons to cards is certainly a huge step for the CNMI, as it will improve efficiency and accountability, and more importantly, strengthen how we deliver services to our community,” he said. He also recognized the efforts of DCCA staff responsible for the project, under the leadership of Aldan and administrative manager Annie Reyes.
Reyes announced that food stamp recipients on Tinian and Rota will receive their cards from Oct. 23–24, while those on Saipan can pick up their cards at the NAP office beginning Oct. 27. Benefits will be available starting Nov. 1, 2025, at 112 stores on Saipan, 12 stores on Rota, and eight stores on Tinian.
NAP distributes approximately $3.9 million in nutrition assistance every month to 5,560 households, comprising 14,000 individuals, Aldan said. She noted that the number of recipients in FY2025 is higher than in FY2024.
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.
