Newly confirmed Board of Professional Licensing members Elizabeth Balajadia and Roy P. Reyes, and Northern Marianas College Regent Michelle Lin Sablan pose for a photo with families, friends and senators on Friday in the Senate chamber.
THE Senate on Friday unanimously confirmed the re-appointment of Northern Marianas College Regent Michelle Lin Sablan, and the nominations of local engineers Elizabeth S. Balajadia and Roy P. Reyes to the Board of Professional Licensing.
All the eight senators present voted to confirm the appointees. Sen. Karl King-Nabors was excused.
The chair of the Senate Committee on Executive Appointment and Governmental Investigations, Sen. Celina Babauta, said Sablan is a successful entrepreneur who has volunteered her time and talents to many organizations in the CNMI including the Girls Scouts of the NMI and Stellar Marianas.
Sablan gives so much of her time and talents to the community by mentoring female entrepreneurs and small business owners, and has served as a member of the NMC Board of Regents in the past, Babauta said.
She also expressed her “steadfast support” for the confirmation of Balajadia, who serves as the administrator of the CNMI Capital Improvement Project Office.
The senator said Balajadia is a qualified and respected engineer with an impeccable record. She is a licensed engineer in the CNMI for many years and in good standing throughout her career. She has “consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards in her profession, and her work has been characterized by her technical expertise and easy-going character to get the work done,” Babauta said.
As for Reyes, Babauta said he has a proven track record of contributing to significant infrastructure projects, mentoring other engineers and promoting professional development in the CNMI.
She said Reyes took it upon himself to obtain an additional license as a professional land surveyor. His expertise and experience make him an invaluable asset to the licensing board, Babauta added.
“I am confident that he will serve the board with distinction. His dedication to the engineering profession and his commitment to public safety will ensure that the board continues to effectively regulate and protect the interest of the CNMI, Babauta said.
