\u201cThis is a healthy thing that the people of the CNMI needs to hear [such as] what the progress of the CNMI is in the government. It was good. It outlined everything that was [achieved] throughout the term of Gov. Ralph DLG Torres\u2019 administration. Overall, I would continue to serve the people as I was vested to.\u201d
\n\u2014Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol Capt. Anthony I. Macaranas<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was beautiful. I am very happy with it\u2014very satisfied. It gives me more excitement. It is almost like a rally for all employees to continue to work hard and continue to make progress for our children, our future. It was a very good, beautiful, excellent speech and SOCA presentation on the governor\u2019s achievements. I am very satisfied.\u201d
\n\u2014Sen. Sixto Igisomar (R-Saipan)<\/p>\n
\u201cI felt more informed. It was informative and it was great. I hope that the off-island people that watch the SOCA are going to feel that there is something for them when they come back. I hope that they come back and contribute\u2026because we need the younger generation because they are our future. [We need them] now more than ever.\u201d
\n\u2014Bruce Camacho<\/p>\n
\u201cWith the SOCA, we know what was going on, what has changed, from the past to the present. Most of it was an improvement. No one expected Soudelor. I lost my house, had to rent houses. From there, we got help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Red Cross, etc. Other than that, part of my dream came true\u2014I became a police officer of two years. So many good improvements especially with drugs\u2014it is out of the street [more]. We see more uniformed officers out that prevents crime for happening, deterrence.\u201d
\n\u2014DPS officer Maridel Camacho<\/p>\n
\u201cThe clear message was progress. We are moving\u2014we are moving as one CNMI, we are collaborating with each other: the governor, the Legislature, all of the key players are continuing toward progress. The SOCA was a good wake-up call that sends the message that we are still working for the community. I am looking forward to some of the proposals to continue.\u201d
\n\u2014Legislative assistant Joel Camacho<\/p>\n
\u201cI had an opportunity to thank the governor for his remarks and thank him for his invitation today and acknowledging the CBP and our role in helping international travel and as members of the public in the community at large. The theme I took away is it [SOCA] was a story about people: a walk through life, a journey on us. Who we are together as a people moving forward and, to me, that was quite inspirational. Pointing out the young people, pointing out the progress, just the general theme of us\u2014us moving forward together as a community, as a people, and I really enjoyed that. That was quite refreshing.\u201d
\n\u2014U.S. Customs and Border Protection Director of Field Operations Brian Humphrey<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is my first time ever to attend the SOCA by Gov. Ralph DLG Torres. I found the address very informative. I am glad there were notable accomplishments in mind. I know that there is still room for improvement and I believe that we can get there if the governor is elected four more years. The accomplishments could not have been possible without our federal partners that provide us grants on an annual basis. It\u2019s a hand-in-hand relationship with the local and federal government, and I hope that relationship continues moving forward.\u201d
\n\u2014Commonwealth Office on Transit Authority marketing specialist John Demapan<\/p>\n