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MPLA urged against more ad signs at Marpi
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Posted on Jul 13 2005
The Marianas Visitors Authority has urged the Marianas Public Lands Authority to disapprove future applications to post commercial signs around Marpi, as signs were bad for the ambiance of the area.
Currently, four billboard panels can be seen across the Last Command Post in Marpi. The advertisements promote the Japanese food supplement brand FMW, distributed in the CNMI by Life Spring Corp.
According to MVA managing director Vicky Benavente, the commercial signs go against the tourism agency’s marketing strategy, which is to promote the Marpi area “as a natural environment where people are able to go for relaxation and/or meditation.”
Benavente listed the various reasons for Marpi’s popularity—from the shrines and historical relics to the natural jungle trails to the world-famous dive spot, the Grotto.
“Because we feel that commercial signs change the ambience of the area, the MVA is against any posting of such signs. In this regard, we hope that you would take our request of disapproving of posting commercial signs into consideration should another application come forth,” Benavente asked MPLA commissioner Edward Deleon Guerrero in a letter.
For his part, Deleon Guerrero expressed interest in discussing the issue with MVA. “The [MPLA] recognizes your concern with respect to the subject matter,” he told Benavente.
MPLA public information officer Ed C. Arriola Jr. said both agencies would meet Friday morning to discuss the posting of commercial signs around Marpi.
According to Arriola, Life Spring Corp. paid a total of $500 to MPLA for a permit to post the four billboard panels across the Last Command Post.
He added that the MPLA Compliance Division recently inspected the signs and found the advertisements in compliance with all MPLA rules and regulations regarding the posting of signage at public lands.
Specifically, the signs were posted according to MPLA rules on size of signs, as well as distance from the road. “Of the more notable items during our inspection, MPLA did not find the signs to be erected within 10 feet of the roadway,” Arriola said.
