CPA deputy chief post kept vacant

The Commonwealth Ports Authority has decided to keep its deputy director position vacant following the resignation of previous director Edward Mendiola, keeping the position open but realigning the funds to other posts.

CPA, like many other government agencies, is facing budget constraints and has made necessary cuts and implement further measures in order to stay afloat. In line with this, CPA made the decision to leave its deputy director position open, but realign the funds used for the position to fund other critical positions within CPA.

According to CPA board chair Kimberlyn King-Hinds, the initial plan was to completely terminate the position after Mendiola resigned, but the board opted to make that decision at a later time.

Instead, the board came to the agreement that the position would remain on its organizational chart but it would be zeroed out and the funds that were initially allocated for that position would be redistributed to other positions.

Mendiola, who has been with CPA for 28 years, resigned last month. His resignation took effect on June 30, 2023, according to CPA executive director Christopher Tenorio.

Mendiola has served CPA for close to three decades. Prior to becoming deputy director, Medniola was the Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport manager.

In a statement from King-Hinds, she said Mendiola was instrumental in the undertakings that CPA has committed to in terms of improving its facilities, among other things.

“He will be missed, and I wish him very well. He always has a home in CPA. He feels like he needs to take a break at this point, but I hope that sometime in the future he would consider coming back and being part of the family. But he is always part of the family,” she said.

Saipan airport