Gov. Arnold I. Palacios joins employees of the Department of Lands and Natural Resources during the CNMI government’s Labor Day celebration at the Garapan Fishing Base on Sunday.
GOVERNOR Arnold I. Palacios on Sunday expressed his appreciation to all government employees, thanking them “for making our government work as it should.”
The governor joined the officials and employees of departments and agencies for lunch in celebration of Labor Day at the Garapan Fishing Base. Each department, autonomous agency and office set up and decorated canopies and prepared food and drinks for everyone.
After delivering his remarks on the stage, the governor mingled with the government employees who posed for photos with him.
The governor told them that he and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang appreciate “all that you do and continue to do for our community.”
“Whether you’re a police officer, historic preservation officer, teacher, firefighter or office worker — thank you for all that you do, and that is why we are here today just to spend time, get together with our colleagues and meet some of those folks that make a difference in the community’s lives,” the governor said.
He reiterated that he and the lt. governor “extend our sincerest appreciation to each and every one of you…. Thank you and Happy Labor Day to everyone.”
On behalf of Lt. Gov. Apatang, his special assistant, Henry S. Hofschneider, said: “I hope that employees and their families enjoy this day and look forward to more better things. Happy Labor Day on behalf of the lt. governor!”
Variety learned that Apatang was headed to Portland, Oregon for the Labor Day celebration of the Marianas community there.
Labor Secretary Leila Staffler, in a statement, said, “It is my honor to extend my heartfelt greetings to all the hardworking individuals who form the backbone of our vibrant community. Labor Day serves as a moment of reflection, appreciation, and celebration of the dedication and contributions that each one of you brings to the prosperity of our beloved CNMI.”
Office of Aging Director Walter Manglona, for his part, thanked everybody, especially his staff, “for all the hard work and dedication they have given to the community.”
“I want to greet everybody a Happy Labor Day,” he said, adding that he is also grateful to the workers in the private sector, “and everyone who plays a role in making our islands prosperous and awesome.”
Northern Marianas College President Galvin S. Deleon Guerrero said he knows everyone was working hard, adding that the preparation for the Labor Day event on Sunday was a “laborious process” in itself.
But, he added, “I know everyone loves the CNMI, so it’s all a labor of love.”
