MANUEL AGULTO TENORIO

Personal Background
Born: December 23, 1944, Chalan Kanoa, Saipan
Spouse: +Tina Cooper Tenorio
Children: Cathy, Frances (Alfred), Anthony (Jennifer), Sofia (Jay), Michael (Maisie), Dianne (Reinhold) & Manuel Tenorio Jr.
Siblings: Jose A. Tenorio (Pinko), Rosalia T Sablan (Rudy), Joaquin A. Tenorio “Dr. Jack”(Margaret), Pedro A. Tenorio (Wash. Rep.), and Frank C. Agulto.
Parents: +Francisco Pangelinan Tenorio & Magdalena Concepcion Agulto

Educational Background
1963-1968, University of Hawaii, B.S. Agriculture
1963, College of Guam, Summer
1960-1963, Mt. Carmel High School, Diploma
1959-1960, Chalan Piao Intermediate School, Certificate
1952-1958, Chalan Kanoa Elementary School, Certificate
Special Training
1969, Alafua College, Western Samoa, Agriculture Seminar
1970, Ponape, ECI, South Pacific Commission, Agriculture Seminar
1971, East-West Center Technology & Management Development Institute (University of Hawaii)

Public Service

2002-2004, Member House of Representatives 13th CNMI Legislature, served as Vice Speaker.

Elected Vice President for the Association of Pacific Island Legislature (APIL) for 2002-2003 and elected APIL president for 2003-2004.

1993 – 1999, Served as a Member of the 9th, 10th, and 11th Legislature. Maintained chairmanship of the Committee on Natural Resources for three consecutive terms and served as member in various Standing Committees.

1993-1999, Served as a member of the board of directors for the Association of Pacific Island Legislatures for three consecutive terms representing the CNMI Legislature.

1986-1990, member, Board of Trustees, Ponape Agriculture & Trades School (PATS)

1987, member, Law Revision Commission (CNMI)

1983. president, Saipan Chamber of Commerce

1982, member, Maritime Industry Committee (CNMI)

1980, member, board of directors, Saipan Chamber of Commerce

1976, member 26th Saipan Municipal Council, Chairman, Resources & Development

1976, delegate to the 1st Constitutional Convention, Member Committee on Personal Rights and Natural Resources.

Professional Background

1994-2005, Self-Employed, president and owner of T&S Construction Co.

1990-1993, president, Trans Micronesia Motors, Inc.

1971-1990, United Micronesia Development Association, in the following capacities:

– president & CEO (UMDA), President, Air Micronesia Inc., General Manager (UMDA),

– Shipping manager (Tiger Line), UMDA Representative in Majuro Marshall Islands.

1968-19971, Agriculture Extension Supervisor (TTPI Government), Majuro

1967-1968, Animal Industry Officer (TTPI), Saipan

1965-1967, Summer Student Assistant, University of Hawaii

Government role should be the policy maker, implementer of sound policies and a facilitator for businesses. Government and businesses should work hand in hand to improve the economy and provide for a sustainable, reliable and sufficient tax base for the sound delivery and maintenance of critical public services.

Q. What would you consider the top three issues or concerns facing the CNMI that demand immediate action from our government leaders?

a. The economy as it relates to tourism, manufacturing and other revenue generating economic activities and the impact on job opportunities for the people.

b. Education in general as mandated by the Constitution and also as it relates to higher education, scholarships, postsecondary and adult vocational education.

c. Public health and services in the area of general prevention and control of diabetes, other prevalent deceases, public education and awareness and affordable medical insurance for the public.

Q. What ideas can you bring to the table to revive the NMI economy?

A. I believe that the leadership of both the Executive and Legislative branches and the business community should continue with the current economic task force to review existing legislation affecting businesses as well as potential legislation to assist current businesses improve their performances. Our two largest and most important revenue generating economic activity, tourism and the garment industries, need a shot in the arm. We’ve gone a long and arduous path to develop these industries. I believe that our government should focus on established economic activities and be a facilitator and promoter of businesses by providing reasonable and workable economic incentives. Continued cooperation with the business community in a partnership forum is a must in order for the Commonwealth to improve its economic posture. Continue review and privatization of non-essential government activities better accomplished by the private sector should be studied and implement where practical and best serve the interest of the community. We should also look at the Federal Government for federal economic assistance that we are entitled to under our Covenant.

Q. What is your vision for the Commonwealth? And what are the steps that must be taken to achieve that vision?

A. Given a healthy and meaningful working relationship and cooperation among the leadership in the CNMI and the private sector, I envision a potentially strong and sustainable economic growth for the Commonwealth. The people of the Commonwealth are strong and resilient and will adjust to the necessary changes affecting the economy. I also envision a lot of sacrifices that we will experience as we proceed through our economic endeavor and recovery.

Government must live within its means and that may necessitate some drastic and unpopular decisions by some quarters in the government. These unpopular decisions, however, are necessary to serve the best interest of the community. Government must reassess its activities and reduce unnecessary expenses on non-critical areas but at the same time not to jeopardize or reduce essential public services and the quality of service. I also envision a viable and strong private sector base given a healthy and cooperative working relationship with the government leadership.

Q. What needs to be changed in people’s ways of thinking and doing things as a means to achieve your vision?

A. I believe that our people on the average should not depend on government as a sole source of employment or a major employment agency. The government is limited by our Constitution to the number of departments and agencies to operate its essential public services. Number of employees is budgeted and limited by law and only the legislature can approve employee ceilings by statute. Our people should look into the private sector and develop the private sector as a major source of employment. A healthy private sector is a healthy government. The private sector should strive to develop a sound and sustainable tax base to operate the functions of government.