SENATE President Jude U. Hofschneider has introduced Senate Resolution 22-23 to recognize and honor former Sen. Jose Dela Cruz of Tinian for his contributions to agricultural practices in the CNMI.
Dela Cruz is a cattle rancher and fisherman who was taught by his father to utilize the land and sea that surround him to enhance the quality of life.
He previously worked as acting residing department head and residing department head of the Department of Commerce and Labor in 1986 and 1994 respectively.
He continued to serve the CNMI community as a liaison officer and legislative assistant for the Legislative Bureau from 1998 to 2000.
From 2000 to 2002, he was elected and served as a senator in the 12th Legislature.
He took on the role of community affairs advisor for the Office of the Mayor of Tinian in 2010 before advancing to senior advisor.
Dela Cruz presently works as a governor’s representative under the Office of the Governor.
Throughout his service to the Commonwealth, he was also a part-time fisherman “who always aspired to own and facilitate a cattle ranch of his own, which became a reality when he purchased his first five cows in 2009.”
He currently has over 120 cows, six paddocks, and a 2,000-gallon water reservoir on a ranch that spans around 73 acres.
He helps the local community through various efforts, especially as an advocate for food sustainability, security and overall safety.
Dela Cruz identified certain constraints other farmers have faced on Tinian, including infrastructure, clearing land, fencing, water-related issues, and dealing with noxious invasive species on farms.
He decided to seek assistance in resolving these issues from the Marianas Grazing Academy, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.
He is also participates in the Conservation Stewardship Program, which aims to assist producers expand existing conservation efforts while also providing attractions to their operations.
Dela Cruz was elected by his fellow ranchers to serve as president of the Tinian Cattlemen’s Association, and served as public information officer for the Tinian and Aguiguan Soil and Water Conservation District Board.
He was also an elected member of the USDA Farm Service Agency County committee on Tinian, where he served as the direct link between the island’s vast agricultural community and USDA, further assisting in delivering farm programs of the agency at the local level.
Jose Dela Cruz on his cattle ranch on Tinian.
