Rota to build new library

Rota will soon be home to a new public library as works are now underway for the construction of the educational facility on the island, according to Mayor Benjamin T. Manglona.

“We worked so hard to see that the Antonio C. Camacho Public Library does not remain a vision. At last, our efforts are rewarded and our children will have a means to satisfy their educational endeavor,” said Mr. Manglona.

The new Antonio C. Atalig Public Library will be constructed by DK Brothers Construction Company at a cost of $1.26 million dollars. Company president Pete Q. Dela Cruz assured the facility will be completed as scheduled in September 2001.

“Visitors everywhere in the world always look for the library because of the myriad of information available for reference and therefore the new library will be a popular destination point for our visitors,” said Mr. Dela Cruz.

At the same time, Mr. Manglona encouraged the family of the late Antonio C. Atalig to contribute books and make available a collection of historical accounting of their father for display at the library.

He urged the family to provide a statue of their father to be displayed in front of the library as a symbol and reminder of him as Rota’s great leader. “We want to enshrine and memorialize his good deeds to inspire our youth to pursue leadership roles in our community.”

“This is a proud moment in the history of our community. We are witnessing progress in motion as we prepare ourselves for the challenges of the millennium and beyond,” said 8th Rota Municipal Council Chair Abraham M. Ogo.

The construction of the library at the current site is ideal because of its strategic location between Songsong and Sinapalo Village. In the long run, it will be instrumental for both the Northern Marianas College and Rota High School, said Rota High School Principal Jess Songsong.

“Once the library is furnished with the required books and equipment, our students will have additional resources to enhance their educational needs,” Mr. Songsong added.

The proposed NMC campus was conceived by Mr. Manglona with input from former NMC president Agnes M. McPhetres; former Commissioner of Education, Rep. William S. Torres; Ceto Mundo, former NMC Administrator; Jovita M. Taimanao, former Rota Elementary School Principal; Jess Songsong, principal of Rota High School; and Pete Cruz, architect, and Vic David, manager from DEV and Associates.

A concept for a community style-college where high school and NMC share the campus was envisioned so the high school student could take advance courses and at the same time structure curriculum to include trade oriented courses.