Rabauliman is appointed DCCA secretary
Gov. Arnold I. Palacios appointed Francisco M. Rabauliman on Friday as secretary of the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, elevating him from his interim appointment to become the department’s new chief.
Rabauliman has been serving as the DCCA secretary in a temporary capacity since August 2023 when then-DCCA chief Margaret Santos Sablan resigned.
Rabauliman’s appointment requires the Senate’s confirmation.
Palacios informed Senate President Edith E. DeLeon Guerrero (D-Saipan) that he and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang have complete confidence in Rabauliman’s qualifications and capabilities to fulfill the responsibilities of running DCCA efficiently and excellently.
The governor told Rabauliman that they are confident that he will be an asset to the CNMI.
When Rabauliman was appointed as acting DCCA secretary in August 2023, he immediately worked on getting the U.S. National Park Service to extend its deadline for the Historic Preservation Office to repair and renovate some old government buildings on Saipan. The deadline was part of a $6-million grant awarded to HPO three years ago.
Rabauliman is a member of the Commonwealth Economic Development Authority board of directors. He is a former administrator of the Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality, and former chairman of the Northern Marianas College board.
Francisco M. Rabauliman
