Students demonstrate on Isa Drive outside the Office of the Governor on Monday.
Photo by Emmanuel T. Erediano
HIGH school students on Monday gathered in front of the Office of the Governor on Capital Hill to protest the looming budget shortfall for the Public School System.
Holding placards that read “Students First,” the students assembled at the Capital Hill softball field around 1:30 p.m. before marching to Isa Drive outside the administration building for a roadside protest.
Edwin Sibucao Jr., a junior at Saipan Southern High School, said he learned at last week’s townhall meeting that PSS is “facing a severe financial crisis.” He said the students need to voice their concerns and tell the government that “students are always first.”
Marianas High School ninth grader Savanna Andrea Rithwong said she joined to support her fellow high school students, particularly juniors and seniors. “I think it’s unfair they’re going to cut some instructional days,” she said. “The reduction of instructional days will affect the required credits for students who plan to pursue higher education in the U.S.”
Community member Dorsha Moreno said she joined the protest because she believes the government should adequately fund education for the future of the CNMI. “I am very proud of these young future leaders here, exercising their freedom of speech,” she said.
About 50 students participated in the protest. They were among those who attended last week’s townhall meetings conducted by PSS officials to inform parents and teachers about the cost-cutting measures that, according to Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho, PSS will have to implement at the beginning of fiscal year 2026, on Oct. 1, 2025, if the central government allocates only $31.7 million.
PSS had submitted a $49.2 million budget request
The Senate Committee on Fiscal Affairs is scheduled to hold a budget hearing Tuesday to discuss the FY 2026 allocation of $31.7 million for PSS, pending the approval of a $29 million loan from the Marianas Public Land Trust.
According to the House Committee on Ways and Means, the MPLT loan will be used to pay retirees’ pensions and free up $29 million in projected general fund revenue, allowing the administration to propose a supplemental budget for government agencies, including PSS.
