Gov’t recognizes OFWs contributions to CNMI’s growth

With Filipinos accounting for the biggest number of foreign workers in several business sectors in the Northern Marianas, Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio on Friday recognized the ethnic group’s significant contributions to the growth of the local economy.

Mr. Tenorio displayed the Commonwealth government’s high regard of the Filipinos’ assistance in fostering economic and social development on the island by declaring June 5-12, 2000 as the CNMI-Philippines Friendship Week.

The governor signed the proclamation Friday morning in light of the celebration of the Philippines’ 102nd independence from the tyrannical rule of the Spanish government since its discovery of the country in the year 1521.

The Philippines regained its independence from the Spanish rule on June 12, 1898 following strings of fierce battles against oppression and mistreatment of the Filipinos waged by the country’s brave and courageous heroes.

The proclamation signing was witnessed by officials of the Philippine Consulate and the Labor Overseas Office to the Northern Marianas led by Consul Julia C. Heidemann and Labor Attaché Atty. Araceli Maraya.

In his declaration of the CNMI-Philippines Friendship Week, Mr. Tenorio said Filipinos and the islands’ indigenous peoples share a history of common bonds of culture, religion and political development.

He noted the healthy exchange of travel between the CNMI and the Philippines in efforts to increase trade of goods and services, adding that the policies endorsed by both governments facilitate the promotion of economic development and better relations.

The CNMI chief executive added Filipinos on the island have continued to support for the community through the examples of generosity to private and public projects, as well as through their overall contribution to the development of the local economy.

“[The local people] understand the many contributions made by Filipinos in the CNMI and seek to advance a partnership in the development of our islands by improving relations between our peoples and our governments for the betterment of all who live and work here,” he stressed.

Mr. Tenorio also urged the islands’ indigenous peoples to join hands with Filipinos in the Northern Marianas to make the Friendship Week a time for fostering solidarity and promise for further improvement of the relations between the CNMI and the Philippines.