Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, third right, and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, second right, participate in a groundbreaking ceremony with House Floor Leader Edwin Propst, Rep. Joseph Flores, Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez, Department of Lands and Natural Resources Secretary Sylvan Igisomar, and Rep. Roman Benavente for the Pakpak Beach Park and Koblerville Children’s Park projects on Tuesday.
Rep. Vicente Camacho, Rep. Manny Castro, Department of Public Works Secretary Ray N. Yumul, Father Arman Hagos, Saipan and Northern Islands Municipal Council Vice Chairwoman Antonia Tudela, Rep. Diego Vincent F. Camacho, Rep. Vincent S. Aldan, Saipan and Northern Islands Municipal Council Chairwoman Marianne DLG Tudela, Saipan Mayor Ramon Blas “RB” Camacho and Office of Grants Management Administrator Epiphanio E. Cabrera Jr. participate in the groundbreaking ceremony for the Pakpak Beach Park and Koblerville Children’s Park projects on Tuesday.
GOVERNOR Arnold I. Palacios, Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, Office of Grants Management Administrator Ephiphanio E. Cabrera Jr. and other CNMI government officials gathered in San Antonio on Tuesday to break ground for the Pakpak Beach Park and Koblerville Children’s Park projects.
Funded by the National Park Service’s land and water conservation program and implemented by OGM, the $495,000 Beach Park project involves major improvements to the Pakpak Beach Park located south of the Pacific Islands Club in San Antonio. It is scheduled to be completed on Sept. 30, 2024.
The Koblerville Children’s Park project at the intersection of Koblerville Road and Beach Road costs $380,000 and is likewise funded by NPS. It is expected to be done also on Sept. 30, 2024.
The contractor for the two projects is MB Tech Micronesia and the architect is Herman B. Cabrera.
Also joining the groundbreaking ceremony were House Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez, House Floor Leader Edwin Propst, Rep. Manny Castro, Rep. Angelo Camacho, Rep. Roman C. Benavente, Rep. Vicente Camacho, Rep. Vincent Diego F. Camacho, Rep. Vincent S. Aldan, Rep. Joseph Flores, Department of Public Works Secretary Ray N. Yumul, Department of Lands and Natural Resources Secretary Sylvan Igisomar, CNMI Capital Improvement Project Administrator Elizabeth Balajadia, P.E., Saipan Mayor Ramon Blas “RB” Camacho, Saipan and Northern Islands Municipal Council Chairwoman Marianne DLG Tudela and Vice Chairwoman Antonia M. Tudela.
Rev. Fr. Arman Hagos of the San Antonio Parish led the benediction.
In his remarks, Apatang noted that since he and Gov. Palacios took office in January 2023, they had made it clear to OGM that they wanted to see projects break ground as soon as they were ready.
He said the park projects “are meeting our expectations and our commitment to our residents that we [will] do whatever it takes to improve their community by providing a clean and healthy environment.”
“The governor and I hope to see more projects,” Apatang said. “I am sure our OGM administrator and his staff are already looking at similar projects for the other villages on Saipan, Tinian and Rota.”
Apatang thanked the National Park Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior for funding the projects.
Propst, for his part, said parks are “for our children, for our people,” and are an investment in the CNMI’s future.
He said, “We continue see great things happen under the leadership of Governor Palacios and Lt. Governor Apatang. My colleagues, I want to thank you all for being here today. Let’s continue to work together and make great things happen. And let’s continue to maintain and help these hardworking guys keep our beaches clean, and our parks well-maintained.”
OGM Administrator Cabrera said at the heart of both projects “lies the vision to enhance our community’s access to stunning natural resources, increase recreational space while ensuring inclusiveness through the installation of Americans with Disability Act-compliant sidewalks, playground equipment and concrete pavilions equipped with a sustainable solar power system. Hardening these structures is paramount as we have witnessed what destruction Super Typhoons Soudelor and Yutu left behind,” he added.
He said the park projects not only symbolize progress “but are also a continuation of our cherished tradition of offering a safe haven for both locals and visitors to immerse themselves in the timeless pursuit of their favorite pastime, be it fishing, swimming, social gathering, or enjoying the view of the picturesque sunset.”
He likewise acknowledged the “hardworking and dedicated staff” of the Division of Parks and Recreation. “They are the backbone that keep our parks clean, safe and maintained for all to enjoy,” he said.
Office of Grants Management Administrator Epiphanio E. Cabrera Jr. delivers his remarks during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Pakpak Beach Park and Koblerville Children’s Park projects on Tuesday.
House Floor Leader Edwin Propst delivers his remarks during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Pakpak Beach Park and Koblerville Children’s Park projects on Tuesday.
