COMMUNITY BRIEFS

TO ALL THE CNMI CURSILLISTAS

The Maturana House of Prayer will be holding its Clausura today, May 31, as part of the 8th Cursillo Men’s Weekend. The event is scheduled at 5:30pm.

For more information, contact Stan Benavente 288-7826 or Pai Taitano 664-2244/234-1103.

CELEBRATION AT THE PARK TODAY

The CNMI will be paying tribute to fallen members of the U.S. Armed Forces today, Memorial Day remembering those who served the nation so that its citizens may enjoy the fruits of a democratic society.

“We would like to invite all veterans, their families, families of those departed veterans, the local Marine Scout, and the public to come and join us celebrate this memorable day at the Veterans Memorial Park in Susupe at 9am,” according to the Veterans Affairs Office.

DEQ SETS DEADLINE FOR WATER REPORT

The Division of Environmental Quality would like to announce to the owners and/or operators of all community public water systems that the due date for the annual Consumer Confidence Report for 2003 is on or before July 1, 2004.

All Community Public Water Systems are required to gather all 2003 analytical results and violations, if any, and produce a consumer confidence report, which will be disseminated to all consumers as well as provide a copy to DEQ.

DEQ also looks forward to reviewing and hopes to find all CCR’s in exceptional order.

For additional information on the 2003 CCR, contact Tripler Dela Cruz of the DEQ Safe Drinking Water Branch at 664-8500/01.

DEADLINE TODAY FOR PHOTO CONTEST

The Marianas Visitors Authority’s Tourism Month Photo Contest is now open to all CNMI residents.

In celebration of Tourism Month, the MVA encourages everyone to put their photography skills to the test for a chance to win cash prizes.

The categories for the contest are scenic, island events, and customs/culture. All photos must be of the CNMI. The entry fee is only $5 for each category and each participant is limited to two submissions per category. The prizes include $200 for first place, $150 for second place, and $125 for third place within each of the categories.

The deadline for submission is on May 31, 2004. Entries must be submitted as 8×10 prints only. Entry forms are available at the MVA office in San Jose and the Tinian and Rota offices.

PAG-IBIG REFUNDS AVAILABLE

Pag-IBIG overseas program members from 1996-to January 1998 can now apply for a refund of their total contributions plus the 3-percent dollar interest tax-free.

“Just fill out a refund application form and you will receive your refund in U.S. dollars. After getting your refund, you can be a member again by submitting a new pop membership form and contribute a minimum of $5.00 per month,” according to a Pag-IBIG statement.

For a minimum contribution of $5 a month, former members can also activate their Pag-IBIG membership also in the Philippines using the same Pag-IBIG ID number.

“Your contribution will be converted into Philippine pesos using the current conversion rate and it will earn a 7.5-percent peso interest. After 25 to 30 years from your initial contribution, you are entitled to a refund in Philippine peso of all your contribution including interest tax-free,” the agency said.

For more information, call the Pop Saipan Office at 235-4749 or visit the Pop Office at the ground floor of the Nauru Building in Susupe and look for information officer Lynell F. Fulgencio.

NMC ENGLISH PLACEMENT TESTS

Following is the schedule of our upcoming English Placement Tests:

Thursday July 29 Room D-1 1pm-4pm

Friday July 30 Room D-1 5:30pm-8:30pm

Thursday November 4 Room D-1 1pm-4pm

Friday November 5 Room D-1 5:30pm-8:30pm

There is a $25 fee for the English Placement Test that must be paid in advance at NMC’s Finance Office (M-F, 9am-4pm). Students will not be admitted to the testing room without proof of payment-a receipt for either the placement test fee or the NMC application fee.

All students seeking a degree and/or certificate are required to take the English placement test.