EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR Iglesias: cut out for public service
A 34-year-old laboratory specialist of the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation has been chosen the government employee of the year for 1999-2000 during the CNMI’s celebration of Labor Day over the weekend.
Mariano Iglecias, who has been working for the government-owned utility corporation for the last eight years, felt honored to be selected over 3,000 others employed in the public sector.
“I’m surprised and I feel lucky that I have been chosen,” he said after his name was announced during the Labor Day festivities last Sunday at the American Memorial Park.
A father of two kids, Mr. Iglecias’s job at CUC entails more than hardwork. He samples water on Saipan, Rota and Tinian to ensure that what comes out of the faucet is safe enough for people to use or even drink.
His work also involves monitoring treatment plant and assisting in the power distribution as the water is also being used in running power engines.
The job is sensitive in that he raises the red flag when the islands’ water supply is bad.
Mr. Iglecias said he is cut out for public service as it has always been his goal to serve people. “My ambition has been to help people in whatever capacity,” he said.
For other government employees, this CUC specialist is positive role model, according to his co-workers.
“Put personal gains aside,” Mr. Iglecias advised government workers. “You really have to look into the problems we have here on the islands. People need help.”
For the honor given to him, he is thankful to his co-employees at CUC for the assistance and guidance, particularly to the administration led by Executive Director Timothy P. Villagomez and information officer Pamela Mathis.
