Manuel Sablan, 79

The CNMI mourns the death of one of its founding fathers, Manuel A. Sablan, who crusaded alongside 12 others over 50 years ago to establish the Commonwealth Covenant as we know it today.

Early yesterday morning, the CNMI was struck with saddening news after learning of the passing of Sablan, 79, a member of the Marianas Political Status Commission which negotiated the Covenant with the U.S. ultimately establishing the CNMI as we know it today.

Sablan has served the CNMI in more ways than one throughout his lifetime. He served as deputy chief of the Economic Development Division under the Department of Resources for the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Associate director of Economic Planning under the Office of Transition Studies and Planning for the U.S./CNMI Planning Commission, executive officer for the NMI Interim Government, special assistant for Planning Budget under the Office of the Governor, and executive director of the Commonwealth Economic Development Authority (a position he has held from 2010 up to his passing).

Aside from being an ever-loyal public servant to his beloved Commonwealth, Sablan was also a devoted husband, a loving father to six children, and a doting grandfather to 12 grandchildren.

Sablan was survived by wife Del Boyer Sablan, his children: Melvin, Manny Jr, Mark, Michelle, Meredith. and Monique, and his 12 grandchildren.

In honor of Sablan’s legacy, Gov. Arnold I. Palacios ordered all CNMI and United States flags displayed at all public buildings be flown half-staff until the day of Sablan’s internment.

“It is with profound sadness that we convey the passing of Mr. Manuel A. Sablan, a dedicated and distinguished leader who served our community with unwavering commitment and integrity. Mr. Sablan was not only a key figure in our economic development but also a pivotal contributor to the very foundation of our Commonwealth, serving as one of the CNMI Covenant negotiators. His work during this crucial period laid the groundwork for the political and economic relationship we share with the United States today,” said Palacios.

Palacios also recognized Sablan for his unwavering service to the CNMI.

“Throughout his career, Mr. Sablan held significant roles within the CNMI government, including his leadership as the executive director of Commonwealth Economic Development Authority, where he played a critical role in fostering economic growth and supporting the aspirations of the CNMI community. His service extended beyond the economic sphere, with a commitment to the public that saw him contribute to the development of our islands in multiple capacities. Mr. Sablan exemplified the values of service, leadership, and compassion. His work has touched countless lives, and his legacy will endure in the many initiatives he championed. His absence leaves a void that will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. On behalf of the people of the Commonwealth, we extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Sablan’s wife, Del, his children and grandchildren, family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. We stand with you in mourning the loss of a remarkable individual who devoted his life to the betterment of our islands. As we reflect on Mr. Sablan’s life and legacy, let us honor his memory by continuing to pursue the vision and values he upheld. May he rest in eternal peace,” he said.

Lawmakers also paid tribute to Sablan’s legacy in statements to Saipan Tribune.

“We are deeply saddened to hear the passing of CEDA’s executive director Manny Sablan. Mr. Sablan through his involvement with our Covenant negotiation was very instrumental in financially shaping our Commonwealth to be able to access the capital market in order to build our economy and infrastructure. The last I saw him was June 14, 2024 at the CEDA office and we were briefly discussing how we can address the CNMI’s financial dilemmas to include the mounting deficit. We are forever grateful for his service to our Commonwealth and our deepest condolences to his wife Del, children, and the entire family. We will miss him and may he forever Rest in Peace with our Heavenly Father,” said Senate President Edith DeLeon Guerrero (D-Saipan).

“On behalf of the House of Representatives, we would like to extend our condolences and prayers to Mrs. Sablan, their children, and families. The late Manuel A. Sablan was one of the founding fathers of our CNMI. He was a dedicated leader who exemplified service and leadership to the Commonwealth. He is a part of our history and definitely left a good legacy. He will be greatly missed,” said House Speaker Edmund Villagomez (Ind-Saipan).

Sablan’s daughter, Northern Marianas College Community Development Institute director Monique Boyer Sablan, shared that her father was proof that knowledge and education is wealth.

“Whenever I am met by someone who asks me who my father is, I respond with Manuel Sablan, Manny Kappon, Manet Kappon or Ne’ Kappon and that response is always met with a story to tell. I’ve heard stories of how he overcame growing up in poverty by focusing on his studies. How his parents were educators and had instilled in their children that constant learning was one of the few keys that opened the door to a better life. How my father took that advice and turned it into gold. How he had eventually became one of the first from our islands to receive full scholarships toward an education from a high school diploma all the way to his master’s degree. I listened to stories of how my father was one of the first from our islands to attend an Ivy League school and graduate with the highest honors. (I’ll share this exact story one day… it is one of my favorites. How he, who was only equipped with a bachelor’s degree at the time, was chosen to participate in think tanks throughout Asia and had represented our people in the United Nations forums. I would sit in awe of the stories of how he had attended Seattle University on another full-ride scholarship and managed to complete his master’s degree in less than a year because his professors believed he was too advanced for the program,” she said.

Monique Sablan said some of her favorite stories about her father were ones about how he used his knowledge of economics and financial management for the good of his people during the Trust Territory times, alongside his older brother Juan A. Sablan.

“The stories I have heard the most in regards to his professional career is shared with intense gratitude for how he was one of the founding fathers of the CNMI Covenant. They boasted of how he negotiated the plans and terms for economic startup, development and maintenance for what is now our Commonwealth. In true representation of our people, he has worked amongst leaders throughout our pacific and has leveled with leaders in the U.S. government—presidents and all. How he continues to lead to this day as the head of our Commonwealth’s economic development authority,” she said.

However, said Monique Boyer Sablan, no story would ever compare to the reality she lived as his daughter.

“I truly admire what people have to say about my father, but I have always truly loved him in what I describe as his most important title—being my dad. The man I would spend my childhood days playing with whether it was outside picking up lizards or splattering a whole bottle of hair gel on his head to create a new fancy look for him. The man I would spend my time with after school eating a cup of Winchell’s clam chowder with a single glazed donut. The man who had encouraged me with a few simple words to bring up my grades when I was a complete failure in middle school. That encouragement led to me becoming a graduate with honors in high school, then a graduate of one of the top public universities in California. The man, who in my college days, would spend time advising me of life’s great decisions over a couple of pancakes at iHop,” she said.

“The man I spend my time with after work talking about our day and figuring out solutions for today’s greatest issues. The man who has never commanded me to make a decision, but instead, helped me navigate the best possible outcomes and left me with the option to make those decisions on my own. The man who has quietly overcome intense hurdles, but has never allowed his family to see him falter. He picked himself up every time with the true grit of a gentleman. I always thought he was stubborn, but in reality, he was strong. The man who loves my mother so intensely with great respect and trust,” she added.