27 Volunteers of Fiesta Resort joined the BECQ International Coastal Clean-up Day on November 14, 2015. The team collected 13 trash bags containing all kinds of trash

David M. Sablan is a well-known and pioneering businessman in the Northern Mariana Islands who has been involved in some of the most important commercial undertakings over a sixty-year period. Mr. Sablan is being recognized for his recently published book “A Degree of Success through Curiosity.” The book documents Mr. Sablan’s life from his birth on Saipan in the 1930s during the Japanese administration until the present time. The book provides a wide range of information on the social, political and economic history of the NMI over an 80 year period, particularly with respect to the post-war economic development on Saipan. The book also includes revealing portraits of pre-war life, the trials and tribulations of the war years, and the challenges and opportunities that came with the American occupation of the islands in 1944. It is a history told from a local eye-witness perspective and undoubtedly will inspire others in the community to either share their own stories or to undertake research exploring a wide range of topics associated with the post-World War II history of the Northern Mariana Islands.

source: http://northernmarianashumanities.org/sec.asp?secID=14

By Daisy Demapan |Posted on November 03, 2015

Capping the 60-day fundraising effort called Project Ayudu, Tan Holdings president Jerry Tan presented a check for $150,000 to the Commonwealth Advocates in Recovery Efforts team yesterday at the Office of the Governor’s conference room.

The donation will be used in support of CARE’s efforts to rebuild homes destroyed by Typhoon Soudelor.

Project Ayudu (ayudu meaning “to help” in the Chamorro language) was spearheaded by Tan Holdings and its charitable arm, the Tan Siu Lin Foundation. The funds were raised through the sale of T-shirts with the “Project Ayudu Saipan” slogan. The T-shirts have become a regular sighting on Saipan since the storm.

Project Ayudu team leader Alex Sablan stated that the goal was to sell 10,000 T-shirts in the CNMI and Guam.
Tan stated, “This is a very important and special project for us. We actually launched the project about eight weeks ago. I told the team that Saipan victims need help now. Not next year and that’s why we wanted to get it done quickly. So we set an internal deadline of Oct. 31 and immediately went to work and I’m happy to share that we reached out to our friends in Guam and sold all our 3,000 shirts there.”

Tan shared that the efforts were split 70/30 and that Project Ayudu successfully sold their 7,000 share of shirts.

“I’m very proud of the people, the community and our business partners. I’m very glad that we are not alone during this time of disaster,” he said.

Tan expressed his gratitude to all those involved in recovery efforts. “I know there are people out there suffering and we want to recognize that and try to get the money out to CARE and see what they can do to help the victims.”

Jenny Hegland of CARE said the group is building capacity to begin work on the home repair and reconstruction element of its mission. The centralized Disaster Case Management program currently being run by the Red Cross will identify those individuals with the greatest unmet needs to be considered for rebuilding assistance through CARE.

“The case managers will help us identity individuals with unmet needs after the rest of the resources of the community have been exhausted. We will use our funds to assist with rebuilding based on needs. These are additional funds and an important first step in the rebuilding process is debris removal and so our immediate efforts are focused on the debris so that we can start rebuilding,” said Hegland.

The $150,000 donation will be spent through CARE’s Construction sub-committee on ancillary items such as nails, hammers, and other construction supplies and services that are needed in rebuilding the homes of typhoon victims.

Sablan extends his appreciation to those who made these recovery efforts possible including IT&E, Joeten Enterprises, Triple J Enterprises, Century Hotel, Shirley’s Coffee Shop, Sun Palace Hotel, I-Shop Stores, the Saipan and Guam community, and the many contributors who helped generate the funds.

This article was originally authored by Daisy Demapan of the Saipan Tribune and published on November 3rd, 2015. All rights, recognition and acknowledgment belong to the author and the Saipan Tribune.

Fiesta Resort & Spa cleaned Makaka Beach on October 24, 2015, from 7-8am.
26 volunteers collected 21 bags weighing approximately 210 lbs. We removed trash from the road and beach sides. The clean-up was followed by scrumptious breakfast.

By Press Release |Posted on September 11, 2015

Tan Holdings and Tan Siu Lin Foundation launched Project Ayudu yesterday with the hopes of raising $150,000 to assist in the recovery efforts on Saipan in the aftermath of Typhoon Soudelor.

Ayudu is a Chamorro word that means “to help” and under the project, which was initiated by Tan Holdings president Jerry Tan, the foundation will be selling shirts that commemorate the impact of the destructive typhoon that hit Saipan last Aug. 2, with all sales going to CNMI CARE (Commonwealth Advocates for Recovery Efforts) and the Housing Task Force.
Gov. Eloy S. Inos, seated third from right, attends the launching of Tan Holdings and TSL Foundation’s Project Ayudu yesterday at the Governor’s Office conference room on Capitol Hill. Representatives of CNMI CARE-member organizations were also present at the launching. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)
Gov. Eloy S. Inos, seated third from right, attends the launching of Tan Holdings and TSL Foundation’s Project Ayudu yesterday at the Governor’s Office conference room on Capitol Hill. Representatives of CNMI CARE-member organizations were also present at the launching. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

Tan led the launching of Project Ayudu at the Governor’s Office conference room with no less than Gov. Eloy S. Inos attending the event, along with leaders and representatives of United4Saipan, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Triple J Wholesale, IT&E, and Marianas Young Professionals.
“Thank you to Tan Holdings, TSL Foundation, and the various groups who continue to work together to help our island recover from Typhoon Soudelor,” Inos said.

Tan Holdings vice president and Project Ayudu manager Alex Sablan said the TSL Foundation will shoulder the $80,000 needed to purchase and print the 10,000 shirts that will be sold.

“TSL Foundation’s Project Ayudu was created to generate $150,000 from the sales of shirts at $15 each,” Sablan added.

“We thought of this project to get more people in our community involved. I know a lot of people were and are still affected by the typhoon, but if there’s a way to help, they will be willing to do so. Not everyone can donate $100 or more, but I am sure a lot can share $15 in exchange for a nice shirt. The TSL Foundation is taking the initiative, but in the end, everyone who purchase the shirts will help accomplish the mission of the project,” Tan said.

All the sales from the shirt will go into a special account that will be spent in conjunction with CNMI CARE and the Housing Task Force on ancillary items such as nails, hammers, and mortars to name a few construction supplies that are needed in rebuilding the homes of typhoon victims, according to Sablan.

CNMI CARE is composed of various non-government, non-profit, faith-based organizations and foundations, and private companies and was established early this month to focus on long-term recovery efforts on Saipan.

“We can’t thank enough the TSL Foundation for putting together this project in such a short time. The project will be very helpful as we begin assisting families in rebuilding their homes,” CNMI CARE interim facilitator Gerri Willis said.

Pre-selling of the commemorative shirts started last week and more than 3,000 have already been sold on Saipan alone. They are available in different colors and sizes and can be purchased at Shirley’s Coffee Shop (Susupe and Garapan branches), JP Center Building, I Shop at Fiesta Resort and Kanoa Resort, Triple J Wholesale/Truckload, Triple J Motors (Guam and Saipan), IT&E (Guam and Saipan), Joeten (Susupe and Garapan), and Century Hotel starting on Monday.

More than 800 shirts will be given away to first responders after the typhoon in recognition of their hard work and commitment to help people in need. These shirts are sponsored by Tan family members.

“The shirt will remind us not only about the super typhoon that rammed our island, but also Saipan’s resolve to rise from challenges through the collective effort of our community members,” Tan said. (PR)

This article was originally authored by Press Release of the Saipan Tribune and published on September 11th, 2015. All rights, recognition and acknowledgment belong to the author and the Saipan Tribune.

By Frauleine S. Villanueva |Posted on September 10, 2015

D&Q International delivered the rest of Hormel Food’s donation to the Salvation Army yesterday.

D&Q resident manager Max Kretzers was present as four pallets or 8,064 cans of Black Label Luncheon Loaf were handed over to the organization.

“We want to thank Dickerson & Quinn and Hormel for this,” Salvation Army pastor Wayne Gillespie said. “We’re thrilled to get this.”

Gillespie said the canned food will be used primarily for their regular soup kitchen and disaster relief.

He also thanked D&Q for their prior donations for Typhoon Soudelor relief as well as for helping them with their soup kitchen even during non-disaster times.

According to Gillespie, they are now focusing on their casework and are going out to the field to find people who are most in need.

“The field work is going really well,” Gillespie said.

He added that they are primarily concerned about the CW or guest workers and the residents who are bedridden and couldn’t get out of the house.

Gillespie said they are keenly interested in helping guest workers since they are not eligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency assistance.

He said CW status holders can contact the Salvation Army if they are in need of assistance.

This article was originally authored by Frauleine S. Villanueva of the Saipan Tribune and published on September 10th, 2015. All rights, recognition and acknowledgment belong to the author and the Saipan Tribune.

By Frauleine S. Villanueva |Posted on September 09, 2015

Ten pallets of Black Label Luncheon Loaf worth a total of $38,000 were turned over yesterday to various groups and organizations to support relief and recovery efforts on Saipan.

The food items, totaling 20,160 cans, was donated by Hormel Foods and coursed through its Saipan distributor, D&Q International.

“This was their initiative,” D&Q resident manager Max Kretzers said. “This took a little longer than we wanted because the shipping got kind of delayed. But even though it’s a little late, people still need help.”

D&Q itself paid for the shipment of the donated luncheon meat, estimated to cost an additional $3,000.

One pallet, containing 84 cases or 2,016 cans, were donated to the Chinese Association of Saipan at their office yesterday.

“Thank you for this donation from Hormel and D&Q and our president Jerry Tan,” association vice president Anna Chan said.

The association has about 50 members, who will handle the distribution of the goods.

“We’ll send it out to people as soon as possible,” association director Rose Chan said.

Another pallet was turned over to the United Filipino Organizations through Philippine honorary consul Glicerio “Eli” Arago.

“We are very thankful to D&Q and Hormel Foods. We’re very happy that we’re considered to be one of the associations that was given one pallet directly,” Arago said.

Arago said he delegated the task of distributing the relief items to the UFO as it has the manpower to do so.

UFO president Bong Malasarte said they are scheduled to distribute the luncheon loaf together with other goods this coming weekend.

“Thank you to D&Q, Mr. Max, and to our honorary consul,” Malasarte added.

The Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster received four pallets of luncheon loaf at their warehouse at the TSL Complex, which is being manned by members of the Seventh Day Adventist.

Various non-profits and non-government organizations will be distributing these items to those who need it most.

The rest of the four pallets will be delivered to the Salvation Army today to help with their soup kitchen.

This article was originally authored by Frauleine S. Villanueva of the Saipan Tribune and published on September 9th, 2015. All rights, recognition and acknowledgment belong to the author and the Saipan Tribune.

By Press Release | Posted on September 04, 2015

With anticipation and excitement, the University of Guam School of Nursing and Health Sciences recently accepted a check worth $100,000 from TakeCare Insurance Co.

“This is a great example and evidence of a close professional partnership with our degree programs,” said UOG president Dr. Robert Underwood. “TakeCare has been a strong partner, and we’re very grateful for their support.”

“Over the years, TakeCare’s donations to the University have been put to good use,” said dean Margaret Hattori-Uchima.

Last year, the funds were used to buy instructional materials for the 2015 nursing class to study for the NCLEX exam, a standardized test nursing majors must take to become registered nurses. The funds were also used to host a faculty conference where more than 60 participants gathered to discuss professional development and to restart the school’s mentorship program, which helped 24 students gain extra clinical practice. This year, the money will go toward similar efforts to provide more support to students, staff, and faculty.

“Without TakeCare, we couldn’t do it,” Hattori-Uchima said. “We’re so excited. We can really implement our plans to improve the NCLEX pass rate.”

Hattori-Uchima said so far, for the class of 2015, the NCLEX pass rate is 86 percent, surpassing last year’s national average of 81 percent.

TakeCare president Jeff Larsen said it’s a pleasure to not only give back to UOG but the community at large where students will be working and improving healthcare on island.

“It’s the right thing to do for the community,” he said. “We’ve had a great partnership with the UOG School of Nursing and Health Sciences, and we want to make sure we’re giving back where possible. It also benefits us because those students come back to us as employees or future staff.” (UOG)

This article was originally authored by Press Release of the Saipan Tribune and published on September 4th, 2015. All rights, recognition and acknowledgment belong to the author and the Saipan Tribune.

By Frauleine S. Villanueva |Posted on August 31, 2015

Linemen and crew from the Commonwealth and other islands were treated to lunch yesterday by Tan Holdings Corp., with the power restoration crew having their first day off in almost a month after Typhoon Soudelor.

To show appreciation for their hard work, the various teams who have been working straight for as long as 29 days gathered for barbecue lunch at the Fiesta Resort and Spa Saipan.

More than a hundred workers from Saipan, Tinian, Rota, Yap, Kosrae, Guam, and Palau as well as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer were there.

According to Tan Holdings vice president Ivan Quichocho, they immediately made arrangements to host the linemen after getting information that they will be resting on Sunday.

“I called Mr. Tan and he was just like, ‘Hey don’t even second guess it. Just do it,’” Quichocho said.

“Everybody needs a little more appreciation,” he added.

Tan Holdings president Jerry Tan, who was also there to welcome the hardworking staff, said the simple gathering was a chance to say “thank you” to everyone.

“I guess it’s nice to bring everybody together, share stories and have a nice cold beer,” Tan said. “I think most of them don’t even get to see each other. Every day they’re spread out all over the island.”

Tan said he is satisfied with the work that they have been doing.

“I think they are ahead of schedule. The difficulty will be the arrival of supplies,” Tan said.

Commonwealth Utilities Corp. board member Albert Taitano thanked Tan Holdings for the treat.

“On behalf of the board and CUC management, I would like to say a big appreciation to Tan Holdings and Jerry for hosting this,” Taitano said.

He also expressed his gratitude to the many that came from off island and are helping out.

“I extend our warm appreciation and Si Yu’us Ma’ase for all their help in the restoration,” Taitano said.

Guam Power Authority, which has about 29 men on island, said they are thankful for the gesture.

“We appreciate it. It’s very nice,” Guam Power Authority power system superintendent Enrique Quidachay said.

This article was originally authored by Frauleine S. Villanueva of the Saipan Tribune and published on August 31st, 2015. All rights, recognition and acknowledgment belong to the author and the Saipan Tribune.

Through their regional distributor, D&Q Saipan, Hormel Foods is generously donating 10 pallets of Black Label Luncheon Loaf to assist the people of Saipan recover from the effects of Typhoon Soudleor.

This donation has a retail value of $38,000 and consists of 20,160 cans. D&Q will meet the expenses for the shipment—shipping, taxes, port handling, trucking fees, etc., estimated at an additional $3,000.

The distribution was announced Wednesday to Gov. Eloy S. Inos by Tan Holdings president Jerry Tan and D&Q resident manager Max Kretzers.

Also present were members of the CNMI Legislature and several of the governor’s office team.

Kretzers said the shipment was slightly delayed due to shipping issues but should arrive this weekend. (D&Q)

This article was originally authored by Press Release of the Saipan Tribune and published on August 28th, 2015. All rights, recognition and acknowledgment are belong to the author and the Saipan Tribune.

In the aftermath of Typhoon Souledor, which devastated the island of Saipan, citizens from all walks of life have come out to help one another, and to slowly pick up the pieces and rebuild and repair what they can.

Jerry Tan, President of Tan Holdings, called upon his 700+ strong people base to volunteer for cleanup activities in different parts of the island as he also thanked them for their help in “putting our facilities back in order and resuming normalcy into our companies’ business operations.”

In a memo to all employees of Tan Holdings, Jerry Tan mentioned that, “Tan Holdings and all affiliates are undertaking measures to reach out and give aid to our employees who have been severely affected by the typhoon – those who were left without homes and basic necessities. At the same time, I believe we also have a responsibility to help the community and bring a semblance of normalcy around us.”

Tan Holdings and its strategic business units have taken a lead role in volunteer efforts to help clean up public areas after the storm. These cleanup activities are ongoing on a daily basis with the companies providing both manpower and available equipment or tools to help in the drive.

Tan said, “This is a hard, yet temporary setback for the people in Saipan.” We will recover and we will be better than before. What’s important at this point is that we are all helping one another,” he added.

The typhoon also downed over 800 power poles that totally cut power to the island. Estimates say it may take more than a month for full power to be restored.

Last July 2, 2015, 31 volunteers of Fiesta cleaned the Makaka Beach and removed some seaweeds from the enclosed swimming area. The collected seaweeds were placed on the shore away from Fiesta Resort area. They also collected 12 bags weighing approximately 120 lbs. of trash. The volunteers were treated with scrumptious breakfast. The next beach clean-up will be August 29.