Flashback June 8, 1999-2003

DOC begins probe of consumer prices[/B]

The Department of Commerce has begun probing into consumer prices in response to a request from a legislator, but has asked for sufficient time to complete its investigation in view of the scope of the undertaking, which will involve government agencies and several commercial establishments. “As requested, we will initiate an investigation into the matter and provide you with our conclusions,” said Commerce Sec. Frankie B. Villanueva in a letter to Rep. Melvin Faisao. The representative has prodded DOC as well as the Department of Finance and the Attorney General to investigate shipping companies, wholesalers and retailers who may have a hand in jacking up the cost of goods being sold on the island.

The Social Security System of the Philippine government is inviting overseas Filipino workers to continue their monthly contributions and avail of its medical, pension and loan benefits. According to the information sent to the Philippine Consulate here, OFWs can now apply for voluntary membership with SSS. Eligible for the voluntary SSS membership are those Filipino workers who are under 60 years old and whose monthly contributions were interrupted by separation from previous employment. They are asked to submit proof of their birth, baptismal certificate or passport, and marriage contract if applicable. For those who will be listing names of their children as beneficiaries, legal certifications are needed to support their relationship with the member.

NMIRF taps M&I for securities lending[/B]

The Northern Marianas Retirement Fund Board has chosen M&I (Marshall and Isley) Investment Management Company to do securities lending investment, according to its administrator, Juan S. Torres. He said M&I’s appointment was based on the recommendation of the Fund’s Investment Committee, which conducted a thorough analysis of the offers made by the firms that were short listed by Merril Lynch, the Fund’s consultant. “M&I offers a better package to fit our desire for portfolio diversification and at the same time realizing minimal risk,” Mr. Torres said. The Committee, composed of Board of Trustees Marian Tudela, Charles P. Reyes and Susana T. Mafnas, has determined that the Fund can generate between $50,000 to $75,000 a year and more as the Fund grows from investment in securities lending.

The Public School System is still seeking for seven more applicants for the Christa McAuliffe teacher’s scholarship to complete a total of 10 awards it is set to give away for qualified CNMI teachers. Federal Programs Coordinator Bill Matson said PSS is going for a third round in its information dissemination drive in light of the low application turn-ins in the past couple of months. PSS attributes to the lack of interest among teachers to apply for the scholarship to very busy schedules.
[B] June 8, 2003

Group revisits tree-planting site[/B]

Members and volunteers of Team Responsible for Environmental Enhancement of Saipan, or TREES, took on the overgrown weeds surrounding the trees and flowering shrubs that the group planted over a month ago along As Perdido and Texas roads in Chalan Kanoa. TREES vice president Ken Kramer previously explained to the students from Mt. Carmel School and William S. Reyes Elementary School during the planting event that the first three months of plant transplanting is the most crucial time to ensure proper and healthy growth. Along with Scott Crockett of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ken presented to WSR principal Alfred Ada a conservation plan for the school grounds that included the care of the newly transplanted trees and shrubs in one of the school’s more prominent corners.
[B] SNILD approves ID card program[/B]

The Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation adopted this week a local bill that seeks to establish an identification card program for residents in the Third Senatorial District. The ID program, proposed under House Local Bill 13-5, is seen to confirm the identities of Saipan residents who move about the community without a valid driver’s license or other forms of identification. Proponents of HLB 13-5 acknowledged that while local banks, stores and other business establishments require proper identification to cash checks, there are still many residents who do not possess a driver’s license or other ID cards.