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.