(Capitol Hill, Saipan, The Marianas – Feb. 25, 2022) - The Governor’s Council of Economic Advisers (GCEA) announced today the completion of another incredible community transformation project. Volunteers and staff of the Joeten Kiyu Public Library (JKPL) and Pacifica Insurance Underwriters. Through GCEA’s Marianas Village Pride (MVP) Adopt-A-Median project, volunteers from JKPL and Pacifica Insurance Underwriters joined together to adopt the Susupe medians along Route 30 in front of the library and the insurance building.
On Sunday, Feb. 06, staff and friends of the library and insurance company cleaned and repainted two medians. Erlinda Naputi, JKPL’s Director and the project’s leader, shared that the GCEA’s MVP Adopt-A-Median project was a great opportunity for JKPL to build teamwork amongst staff while participating in an outdoor activity.
“We feel proud that we helped our environment and beautified and maintained our infrastructure. This year, we celebrate our 30th anniversary with a year-long series of programs and events that highlighted our mission thanks to the continued support of our community, our patrons, and our dedicated team. Our participation in the GCEA’s Adopt-a-Median Program marks the first of many library-sponsored activities that celebrate our 30th Anniversary. These beautification efforts all lead into our National Library Week events which we are gearing up for in March and April,” said Naputi.
Naputi expressed that JKPL was not alone in this beautification effort. JKPL partnered with the Pacifica Insurance Underwriters, Inc. and the Friends of the JKPL. Naputi commends both partners for their hard work and volunteerism.
“We would like to send a special shoutout to the CNMI Department of Public Safety for assisting and protecting our teams while out in the field. We also thank Congressman Joe Flores for stopping by and donating some refreshments for our hardworking team. Our hard work continues as move on to phase two, which is the repair and painting of the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library’s parking lot,” said Naputi.
Shirley Sablan, Pacifica Insurance Underwriter’s President, admires JKPL’s partnership and the tremendous work in the community. Sablan was joined by her staff who helped enhance an important area on the island.
“Erlinda and her team’s presence were felt at every corner, it is always a pleasure partnering up with them and supporting their initiatives. We are extremely proud of our team who deserve all the credit for bringing to life the medians in front of JKPL and grateful to all other groups and organizations who have done the same. Adopted medians are not only beautiful but they also enhance safety,” said Sablan.
As JKPL celebrates its 30 years in the community, Naputi stated that joining the MVP Campaign’s effort in beautifying the island was one way to give back.
“The MVP Adopt-a-Median Campaign is one way to give back to our community. Beautifying our islands help us appreciate what we have. It is not just for visitors to enjoy the beauty of our Marianas but for us locals to appreciate the uniqueness and beauty that our island has to offer. The Adopt-a-Median Program is one way to get involved in improving public infrastructure and maintaining safe spaces for our community. Let’s work together to beautify our neighborhoods! We encourage all organizations – private and public – to help beautify our islands! Help clean our environment,” added Naputi.
As for Sablan, the Adopt-A-Median program was one of Pacifica Insurance Underwriters’ endeavors in lending a hand to beautify the Marianas.
“The Adopt-a-Median program is one of their many involvements, and it is admirable to witness big-hearted public servants take their passion beyond the four walls of our library. I’m sure everyone in our community has taken notice of the numerous beautification efforts around our islands. Like GCEA’s Adopt-A-Median program, similar programs are designed to create beautiful and long-lasting memories and pleasant experiences for both our taotao tano and guests. The CNMI is our home. Like every home, ours need just as much tender loving care. With a community of resilient people who are always ready and willing to lend a helping hand, we can move mountains. We just need to make time,” said Sablan.
GCEA extends its greatest appreciation to both partners who helped each other to revitalize an important median in a busy area. Congratulations, Un Dångkulu na si Yu'us ma'åse’ yan Ghilisow to JKPL on serving the CNMI for 30 years!
Before and after photos can be found on GCEA’s Facebook page (@cnmieconomy). For more information about the Adopt-A-Median program and the Marianas Village Pride Campaign, visit the GCEA website at cnmieconomy.com or contact the council at gceacnmi@gmail.com. All GCEA Public Private Partnership projects are made possible by the support of the Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan’s public benefit fund with the Department of Public Lands.
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About the Adopt-A-Median program
The Adopt-A-Median program is an integral part of the GCEA’s Marianas Village Pride campaign and the Public Private Partnership Program. GCEA is actively welcoming groups of volunteers to adopt sites in every village in Rota, Tinian, and Saipan. Schools, groups, families, and businesses can adopt, clean, and paint medians, sidewalks, lots, or crosswalks in their villages. GCEA will provide the supplies. For the safety of the students, GCEA recommends that school groups adopt sidewalks and crosswalks around their campuses.
Media Contact:
Edna Nisola
Governor’s Council of Economic Advisers