Friends of the Mariana Islands

2010 FMI Accomplishment Project funded by Mobil

2011-03-10T01:00:00.000-08:00

2010 FMI Accomplishment Project

2011-03-07T02:40:00.000-08:00

Thank you from the bottom of our heart

2010-10-28T15:54:00.001-07:00

We, the Friends of the Mariana Islands (FMI) family wish to express our deepest appreciation and heartfelt gratitude to all of Camilo D. Laoeng's friends who give their support and cared for him and the community of Saipan at the large who welcomed him into their group. Camilo was one of the most active member of Beautify CNMI! and he's the most active Board of Director member of our FMI group. Camilo loved and always been happy to serve the community. He loved Saipan and embraced the people he worked with as his family and we did the same as well. We are gratefull for his volunteer work and the care and interest he had shown to each one of us.

Your thoughtful prayers and words of consolation lessen our pain and sorrow for our loss.

Thank you so much and may god bless us all!

Sincerely,

Marites Aquino Castillo
FMI President

Friends of the Monument join call for Coral Reef Conservation

2010-09-03T10:40:00.000-07:00

The Friends of the Mariana Trench Monument are back in the news, this time calling for the US Senate to pass strong conservation-minded coral reef legislation:

September 3, 2010, Saipan, CNMI / Our coral reefs are in trouble. Almost 20% of the world’s coral reefs have been lost and an additional 35% are threatened according to the expert opinion of 372 coral reef scientists and managers from 96 countries who contributed to the latest Status of the Coral Reefs of the World, published in 2008.

In response, a coalition of non-governmental organizations and environmental stakeholders issued a letter today calling for the US Senate to pass strong conservation-minded coral reef legislation. The US House version of the reauthorization of the Coral Reef Conservation Act passed in September of last year. Further movement of the legislation now depends on the US Senate.

Thirty-five organizations signed the Senate corals letter. Groups represented include leading organizations such as the Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL), International Society for Reef Studies, Sierra Club, Natural Resources Defense Council, Surfrider Foundation, Greenpeace USA, Environmental Defense Fund, World Wildlife Fund, Coastal States Organization, and Friends of the Mariana Trench Monument.

The Coral Reef Conservation Act authorizes grants for coral reef conservation activities. Funds are awarded under six program categories: State and Territory Coral Reef Management; State and Territory Coral Reef Ecosystem Monitoring; Coral Reef Ecosystem Research; Projects to Improve or Amend Coral Reef Fishery Management Plans; General Coral Reef Conservation; and International Coral Reef Conservation.

The coalition expressed alarm about the declining health of coral reef ecosystems and the threats coral reefs face. Major threats noted include coastal runoff, overfishing and overharvesting, vessel impacts, invasive species, and coral bleaching, disease, and ocean acidification caused by unregulated greenhouse gas pollution.

Measures before Congress, supported by the coalition, include provisions to increase the status of protection for corals in all U.S. waters, increase funding for coral reef conservation efforts, provide support to better understand and manage the trade in coral reef wildlife, and support communitybased approaches to coral reef stewardship, among others.

“Coral reef ecosystems face growing threats from overfishing, habitat destruction, poor water quality and disease”, said Dr. Andrew Baker, a coral reef biologist at the University of Miami and a 2008 Pew Fellow in Marine Conservation. “When you add the devastating impacts of our carbon dioxide emissions, which lead to warmer and more acidic oceans, coral reefs worldwide are left reeling from the impacts. The decline of coral reef ecosystems worldwide underscores the need for Congress to pass coral reef legislation, while also renewing its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas pollution.”

“These valuable and fascinating ecosystems are disappearing within our lifetimes, and their loss will have significant economic, social, and environmental consequences in the United States and worldwide,” said Steven Lutz, Executive Director of Blue Climate Solutions, the group that organized the coalition effort. “The Senate has a fantastic opportunity to protect and conserve coral reefs by passing this important legislation.”

The text of the letter signed by Friends' Chairman Ike Cabrera is as follows:

CORAL REEF COALITION LETTER ON THE PENDING REAUTHORIZATION OF THE UNITED STATES’ CORAL REEF CONSERVATION ACT

The Honorable John D. Rockefeller IV
Chairman
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation

The Honorable Kay Bailey Hutchinson
Ranking Member
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation

The Honorable Maria Cantwell
Chairwoman
Senate Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard

The Honorable Olympia J. Snowe
Ranking Member
Senate Subcommittee on Oceans
Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard

September 3, 2010

Dear Chairpersons and Ranking Members:

As organizations and stakeholders involved with coral reef conservation, we are profoundly alarmed about the threats these unique and invaluable ecosystems face in the United States and around the world. We urge your support for a strong conservation-minded reauthorization of the United States Coral Reef Conservation Act.

Coral reefs provide many important services; they protect coastlines from the damaging effects of storms, and are vital to the economies of many coastal communities in the U.S. and around the world, through revenues generated in tourism and fisheries. The diversity of life they support establishes them as treasure troves of discovery for applications in medicine and industry.

However coral reefs are declining at an alarming rate. Almost 20% of the world’s coral reefs have been lost and an additional 35% are threatened according to the expert opinion of 372 coral reef scientists and managers from 96 countries who contributed to the Status of the Coral Reefs of the World: 2008 report. The major threats to coral reefs include coastal runoff, overfishing and overharvesting, vessel impacts, invasive species, and coral bleaching, disease, and ocean acidification caused by unregulated greenhouse gas pollution.

These valuable and fascinating ecosystems are disappearing within our lifetimes, and their loss will have significant social, economic, and environmental consequences in the United States and worldwide.

We commend the positive steps taken in the reauthorization of the Coral Reef Conservation Act by the Senate. We respectfully ask you to adopt the strongest possible language for the conservation and protection of coral reef ecosystems in the reauthorization of this important legislation. Measures we support include provisions to:

• Increase the status of protection for corals in all U.S. waters;
• Support community-based approaches to coral reef stewardship;
• Enable management to effectively address the threat of vessel groundings and seek appropriate liability for such
incidents (with narrowly defined exceptions);
• Support cooperative relationships with universities and other academic bodies, and non-governmental
organizations in promotion of coral reef conservation;
• Enable all relevant federal agencies to effectively participate in coral reef conservation;
• Provide additional accountability for federal funds used for coral reef conservation efforts;
• Provide support to better understand and manage the trade in coral reef wildlife;
• Strengthen U.S. international coral reef conservation efforts; and
• Authorize increased funding to protect these extraordinary habitats.

Please join the effort to conserve our coral reefs by supporting the reauthorization of the Coral Reef
Conservation Act.

Sincerely yours, (signed by the following thirty-five organizations and stakeholders)

Blue Climate Solutions - Steven J. Lutz, Executive Director, Miami, FL

Center for Biological Diversity - Andrea A. Treece, Senior Attorney, Oceans Program, San Francisco, CA

Coastal States Organization - Kristen Fletcher, Executive Director, Washington, DC

Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) - Rick MacPherson, Director, Conservation Programs, San Francisco, CA

EarthEcho International - Philippe Cousteau, CEO and co-founder, Washington, DC

Environmental Defense Fund - Cara Cooper, Coral Specialist, Saint Petersburg, FL

Fauna & Flora International - Katie Frohardt, Executive Director, Washington, DC

Friends of the Mariana Trench Monument - Ignacio V. Cabrera, Chairman, Saipan, CNMI

Greenpeace USA - Phil Kline, Senior Ocean Campaigner, Washington, DC

International Society for Reef Studies (ICRS) - Richard Aronson

Natural Resources Defense Council - Lisa Suatoni, Senior Scientist, Oceans Program, New York, NY

NAUI Worldwide - Jed Livingstone, Vice President, Riverview, FL

Nova Southeastern University National Coral Reef Institute (NCRI) - Richard E Dodge, Dean, Wendy Wood-Derrer, Assistant Director of Development, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Ocean Conservation Research - Michael Stocker, Director, Lagunitas

Ocean Defenders Alliance - Kurt Lieber, Founder and President, Scott Sheckman, Acting Executive Director, Huntington Beach, CA

Oceanic Defense - "Educate. Activate" - Samantha Whitcraft, Director, Conservation Biology, Miami, FL

Palm Beach County Reef Rescue - Ed Tichenor, Director, Boynton Beach, FL

Project AWARE Foundation - Jenny Miller Garmendia Director, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Reef Check Foundation - Gregor Hodgson, Ph.D., Executive Director, Reef Check Foundation, Pacific Palisades, CA

Sailors for the Sea - Dan Pingaro, CEO, Newport, RI

Save Our Seas - Capt. Paul Clark, President, Hanalei, HI

Sea Turtle Conservancy (formerly the Caribbean Conservation Corporation) - David Godfrey, Executive Director, Gainesville, FL

SeaWeb - Dawn M. Martin, President, Silver Spring, MD

Sierra Club - Bruce Hamilton, Conservation Director, San Francisco, CA

South Carolina Coastal Conservation League - Dana Beach, Charleston, SC

Surfrider Foundation - Chad Nelsen, Environmental Director, San Clemente, CA

The Humane Society of the United States / Humane Society International - Teresa M. Telecky, Ph.D., Director of Wildlife, Washington, DC

The Interfaith Council for the Protection of Animals and Nature - Lewis Regenstein, President, Atlanta, GA

The Ocean Foundation - Mark J. Spalding, Ph.D., President, Washington, DC

The Ocean Project - Bill Mott, Director, Providence, RI

The Snorkel Bob Foundation - Robert Wintner, Executive Director, Kihei, HI

Urban Environment League - Fran Bohnsack, President, Miami, FL

Urban Paradise Guild - Sam Van Leer, Executive Director & Founder, North Miami, FL

WIDECAST (Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Conservation Network) - Karen Eckert, Ph.D., Executive Director, Beaufort, NC

World Wildlife Fund - Roberta Elias, Senior Program Officer, Marine and Fisheries Policy, Washington, DC

FMI Adopted Beach Area

2010-09-02T03:46:00.000-07:00

Friends of the Mariana Islands had been doing the cleanup at South Laolao Beach since 2006 and it's really been 4 years now! We had just signed up for the Coastal Cleanup on September 25, 2010 and we are so proud to say that we are again adopting South Laolao Beach.

Time to start: 8:00am and it will end at 10:00am

We are inviting everyone who's interested to join us on the up coming event please call Marites-FMI President at 285-8980.

Friends of the Mariana Islands will be providing trash bag, gloves, Snacks, and Water, only for the South Laolao Beach volunteers.

Thank you very much and hope to see you all on the 25th of Septemeber 2010.

Contribute to Carnival of the Blue XL: Top of the Food Chain

2010-08-10T07:52:00.000-07:00

Next month the Saipan Blog will be the host of Carnival of the Blue 40, or as I prefer to call it, Carnival of the Blue XL. COTB XL promises to be the biggest, baddest COTB EVER. Why? Well, not only is COTB turning 40, but the theme of next month's carnival is going to be Top of the Food Chain.

COTB XL is going to be all about predators, baby.

Please use this online article submission form to submit your contribution to COTB XL. Please try to make your post about predation (¿cómo se dice de tiburón en Inglés?), but if the predation bug doesn't hit you this month, COTB XL will still publish your ocean blog. If you have any questions you can email me at angelovillagomez at gmail dot com.

By the way, this will be the fourth consecutive September the Saipan Blog has hosted Carnival of the Blue. The Saipan Blog has previously hosted Carnival of the Blue IV, Carnival of the Blue XVI and Carnival of the Blue XXVIII.

*A big thanks to underwater photographer and dive instructor Harry Blalock for letting me use his photo. If you ever find yourself on Saipan in need of a dive guide: http://www.axemurderertours.com/

FMI 9th Sunday cleanup for the Mobil project

2010-07-16T12:39:00.000-07:00

Friends of the Mariana Islands will be at the Lau-Lau Road to do the cleanup for the Mobil project tomorrow morning,dated July 18, 2010. start at 8:00AM up to 12:PM. Anyone that interested to give their support for this environmental project are always welcome to our group.

Contact person: Ms. Marites A. Castillo/FMI President
Contact Number: 234-9769 or 285-8980

facebook.com/beautifycnmi

2010-05-22T13:30:00.001-07:00

Follow Beautify CNMI on Facebook

Our young volunteers

2010-05-22T04:47:00.000-07:00

Betty Matson looks really tired picking up trash. Annika and Carlyn are just having fun picking up trash! thanks girls for your effort and hope to see you again for the next cleanup.

FMI-MOBIL 2010 Environmental Project

2010-05-22T03:30:00.000-07:00

Ang unang araw nang aming environmental project funded by Mobil Oil Mariana Islands, Inc. Muli na naman po kaming nagpapasalamat sa walang sawang suporta nang MOBIL sa aming grupo.

Our FMI member

2010-05-22T03:09:00.000-07:00

Ang aming volunteer Precy Ramboanga ay walang sawang nagbibigay nang kanyang dalawang oras every weekends para sa paglilinis at patuloy na pag aalaga sa ating inang kalikasan. Umula at umaraw ang FMI Group Volunteers makikita sa lansangan para mamulot nang basura sa mga tabi nang daan.

FMI will start the MOBIL Project

2010-05-12T20:13:00.000-07:00

This coming Sunday Friends of the Mariana Islands will start the 2010 Mobil Environmental project at Lau-Lau Road down to the beach. All members and volunteers are welcome to arrive and joint at the bus stop (the one at the top of Lau Lua drive) at 8:00 AM (May 16th). We will be needed until about 11:00 AM. The type of volunteer work will be bush cutting (equipment provided) and general clearing/cleaning of the Lua Lua road itself. This cleanup effort is funded by Mobil who we thank for providing equipment, supplies and fuel for the effort. Thank you in advance for your help in the project.

Marites Aquino Castillo
2010-2012 FMI President/Chairwomen
Contact #: 234-9769 or 285-8980
Email Add: castillofmi@gmail.com

2010 NATIONAL PARENT LEADERSHIP MONTH AWARDEES

2010-03-26T16:49:00.000-07:00

Ms. Marites Aquino Castillo, 2nd from the right, sharing the Plaque of Recognation 2010 NATIONAL PARENT LEADERSHIP with teacher BEA of Joshua Generation International Academy.
Ms. Marites Aquino Castillo, 2nd from the right, and Mr. Bernadine Marcelo, 3rd from the right, sharing their Plaque's of Recognation with the Teachers and Principal of the Joshua Generation International Academy.

2010 MOBIL Donation to FMI Environmental Project

2010-03-26T16:24:00.001-07:00

Friends of the Mariana Islands (FMI) President/Chairwomen Ms. Marites Aquino Castillo, 3rd from the left, accept $2,000 check from Mobil Oil Mariana Islands, Inc. President and Country Manager, Mr. Gennaro Cioffi, 1st from the right, and Field Operations Manager (CNMI) Mr. Anthony Wenceslao, 1st from the left. Also present was the FMI youngest Environmental Volunteer, Betty Castillo Matson, 2nd from the right, and FMI Treasurer Mrs. Myrna Manzano, The Donation will be use to continue the Environmental Cleanup Project at Lau-Lau Beach and Road.

FMI Schedule for the monthly Cleanup

2010-02-27T17:11:00.000-08:00

The Friends of the Mariana Islands (FMI) will be conducting Beach monthly cleanup on March 14, 2010 at Lau-Lau Beach South. Start at 8:00 AM till 10:00 AM. We are calling for everyone who's interested to give his/her two hours volunteer time for community services. FMI President will provide Water to drink and Snack for the volunteers.

Thank you and hope to see you all on the 14th of March, 2010 at 8:00 AM.

A VERY PROUD PARTNER OF BEAUTIFY CNMI!
Friends of the Mariana Islands (FMI)

Contact Person: Ms. Marites A. Castillo - FMI President/Chairwomen
Contact #: (670) 285-8980

FMI PRESIDENT 40TH BIRTHDAY

2010-02-20T22:55:00.000-08:00

Congratulations madam!

Happy 40th Birthday and may you have many more birthdays to come. May the LORD GOD BLESS YOU always and may you stay sweet as you are! Stay young and happy as always. We love you very much madam.

It's a very simple birthday celebration together with her husband BILL and close friends MR. GUS and MS. CINTA KAIPAT.

Congratulations to the FMI newly elected officers and BOD

2010-02-20T22:20:00.000-08:00

A Group Pictures of the FMI for the 1st time in 2010 get together

2010-2012 Friends of the Mariana Islands (FMI) Officers and Board of Directors:

Marites Aquino Castillo ------------------ President/Chairwomen
Francisco Flores Jr. ------------------ V-President/V-Chairman
Lynda Perez ------------------ Secretary
Myrna Manzano ------------------ Treasurer
Melecia Marquez ------------------ Bus. Manager
Perlita L. Castillo ------------------ Asst. Bus. Manager
Malou S. Bansil ------------------ Auditor
Roben Bachicha ------------------ Marshall - I
Presila Ramboanga ------------------ Marshall - II

Board of Director Members

Mike Valencia ------------------ BOD Secretary
Roben Bachicha ------------------ BOD Member
Camilo D. Laoeng ------------------ BOD Member

On behalf of my fellow Officers and Directors, from the bottom of my heart, we would like to thank all the members who voted for us! It's always a pleasure to serve each and everyone in our group but most specially to the community of Saipan.

Again, Thank you! (maraming-maraming salamat po).

FMI Election

2010-01-31T22:31:00.000-08:00

Ang Friends of the Mariana Islands (FMI) ay magkakaruon nang election para sa mga bagong Officers at board of directors ngayong February 14, 2010 at San Vicente Village, 2:00pm. We also would like to invite everyone to please come and join our dynamic group. any nationality, as long as you love to give times for the community services, like beach & road cleanup.

Hope to see you all!

2010 FMI schedules for the monthly cleanup

2010-01-17T00:30:00.000-08:00

Friends of the Mariana Islands schedules for the 2010 Lau-Lau beach cleanup!

1st Sunday of the month:
February 7, 2010
Time: 8:00am to 10:00am

2nd Sunday of the month:
March 14, 2010
Time: 8:00am to 10:00am

2nd Sunday of the month
April 11,2010
Time: 8:00am to 10:00am

2nd Sunday of the month
May 9, 2010
Time: 8:00am to 10:00am

2nd Sunday of the month:
June 13,2010
Time: 8:00am to 10:00am

2nd Sunday of the month:
July 11, 2010
Time: 8:00am to 10:00am

2nd Sunday of the month:
August 8, 2010
Time: 8:00am to 10:00am

2nd Sunday of the month
September 12, 2010
Time: 8:00am to 10:00am

2nd Sunday of the month:
October 10, 2010
Time: 8:00am to 10:00am

2nd Sunday of the month:
November 14, 2010
Time: 8:00am to 10:00am

2nd Sunday of the month:
December 12, 2010
Time: 8;00am to 10:00am

FMI Schedule for November 2009

2009-10-28T17:49:00.000-07:00

We would like to inform the public that our group Friends of the Mariana Islands (FMI) will be at the Lao-Lao Beach (South) to do the monthly beach cleanup.

Date: November 8, 2009
Time: 8:00am to 10:00am

Our group would like to invite everyone who are willing to give there time for the community services. Please come, joint us and give your heart for the ENVIRONMENT! Our contact Person no other than Ms. Marites Castillo FMI President/Chairwomen; Contact #: 285-8980.

We would like to thanks MOBIL Oil Mariana, Islands Inc., DEQ and Beautify CNMI! for there untiring support.

Beautify CNMI announces slogan and bumper sticker contest

2009-09-20T23:54:00.000-07:00

Beautify CNMI is looking for a new slogan following the successful “What we do on the land can affect our marine environment” campaign started in 2006.

In order to find a new slogan, Beautify CNMI is looking to the community for help.

Artists are being asked to come up with a slogan and to design a bumper sticker that goes along with their slogan. The winner will receive $150 cash and fifty of their winning bumper stickers to give out to friends and family.

The contest is open to all residents of all ages of the Commonwealth. Guidelines for the slogan contest are:

• must be original
• must be relevant to the actions and mission of Beautify CNMI.
• The bumper sticker can be square or horizontally rectangular.
• Artists and participants can submit more than one design and more than one artist can work together on a single submission.
• Designs may be by free-hand sketch, drawing or computer generated, but must be in electronic format to be considered.
• Entries must be submitted by noon on October 24, 2009 and must include the artist's full name, mailing address, telephone number and email address if available.

A brief statement explaining the design and slogan may accompany entries.

All entries will become the property of Beautify CNMI and can be used freely by Beautify CNMI and must be received on or before Thursday, October 24, 2009 at noon. Entries are to be submitted via email to angelovillagomez@gmail.com.

Beautify CNMI reserves the right to modify the winning logo at any time but when possible, Beautify CNMI will work with the original artists to make these changes.

Beautify CNMI reserves the right to correct any information that appears in this contest in error and is not responsible for omissions.

For inquiries contact Angelo Villagomez at 670 285 6462

FMI Members South Lao-Lao Beach Cleanup

2009-08-24T16:26:00.000-07:00

Our group picture

FMI new members, Earth Team Volunteer and Beautify CNMI!

Lau-Lau Beach Cleanup

2009-08-18T04:44:00.000-07:00

Friends of the Mariana Islands will be doing a Lau-Lau Beach Cleanup at "August 19, 2009" starting from "8:00-10:00 a.m." Anybody interested will have to show up in the "Lau-Lau beach Pavilion." Water ( is provided by the FMI group), Gloves, and Trash bags have been provided from Beautify CNMI & DEQ, (Snacks are not provided.)

Thank You

NOTE TO HACKER

2009-08-18T04:38:00.000-07:00

WHo ever you are stop doing this to our blog!

Lao-Lao Bay Tree Planting

2009-08-17T14:50:00.000-07:00

FMI July Cleanup Schedules

2009-07-09T05:18:00.000-07:00

The last week in July will have final cleanup activities on July25-26. On the 25th we once again will be cleaning up at Lau Lau Beach starting at 8:00. For the 26th we will be cleaning up Isa Drive from the Mobil Station at San Vicente to Airport Road once again at 8:00. We thank Beautify CNMI for the provision of trash bags and T shirts as well as Mr. Joe Kaipat of DEQ for the disposal of the trash we collect.

FMI are conducting their Lau-Lau Beach and ISA Drive Cleanups

2009-06-26T15:13:00.000-07:00

Friends of the Mariana Islands are conducting their monthly Lau-Lau Beach Cleanup today, Saturday the 27th. Tomorrow the FMI will cleanup along ISA Drive Road in the San Vicente area from the Mobil Station by SVE up to the Botanical Garden.

Happy Fathers Day

2009-06-21T23:13:00.000-07:00

It was a surprise Father's Day clebration to all the FMI members. We really thank Our spiritual advisor, Mrs. Rose Adams, for making us all feel loved on this special day for the fathers in our environmental volunteer group. It was an unusual Sunday for the FMI as normally the group can be found on Sundays cleaning up roadsides, drainage areas or beaches rather than cleaning their plates. With all the time and effort Mrs. Adams put into this event it was a day that will be remembered by the FMI fathers and all those who love them. Thank you Mrs. Adams!

Weekend Cleanups Canceled

2009-06-14T17:01:00.000-07:00

Friends of the Mariana Islands had canceled the two event of cleanup on the weekend due to the weather (it was heavy rain).

Tan Holdings, Friends of the Monument recognized with Beautify CNMI awards

2009-06-12T20:14:00.001-07:00

Beautify CNMI announced today the winners of their annual Environmental Champion and Environmental Steward Awards. The awards are given out to recognize individuals, organizations, and businesses that have proven to be environmental leaders in the Commonwealth.

The Environmental Champion award recognizes a person or group that exemplifies the Beautify CNMI spirit. Those qualities include volunteerism, cooperation, innovation, creativity and the ability to infect others with the Beauty Virus. The Environmental Champion is a role model for others to follow. They bring environmental issues to the forefront of public consciousness. They make things happen and effect change.

This year Beautify CNMI will recognize Tan Holdings, Laurie Peterka, and Ken Kramer as the 2009 Environmental Champions.

Tan Holdings is being recognized as a model of corporate environmental responsibility. Under the leadership of President Jerry Tan, Tan Holdings employees and friends have been part of several environmental projects over the past year. All Tan Holdings offices on Saipan participate in a Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle program and the company participates in a reusable shopping bag campaign with Joeten. Employees, often with the participation of management, regularly participate in cleanups, including the recent island wide cleanup.

Laurie Peterka and Ken Kramer are being recognized for their roles in the creation of the Marianas Trench Marine National Monument.

Kramer was so inspired by the concept of the monument that he quit his job so that he would have more time to collect signatures. Kramer was the largest signature collector for a petition being circulated in support of the monument, collecting over 1000 signatures at the street market, in front of stores, at the Sabalu market, and door to door. Kramer also penned nearly two-dozen letters to the editor educating newspaper readers about the benefits of a monument.

Peterka is being recognized for the role she played as staff with the Pew Environment Group. According to one of her nominations for the award, “Laurie has been the backbone of the Friends of the Monument’'s efforts: always there, always supportive, keeping things moving, doing much of the organizing, writing, scheduling, as well as a lot of the scut work.”

The Environmental Steward award recognizes a person or group that leads the community in activities that help protect our environment in a variety of ways. This individual or group has demonstrated the need to take pride in our islands and to take care of the place we all call home. They serve as an example for others, especially the next generation, to follow.

This year Beautify CNMI will recognize Friends of the Monument as the 2009 Environmental Stewards.

Friends of the Monument was formed to help promote the idea of creating a national marine monument in the waters around the three northernmost islands of the Northern Mariana Islands. The Friends of the Monument engaged in activities to help educate the community --distributing leaflets, conducting meetings, and coordinating with teachers for classroom presentations. The organization gathered more than 6,000 signatures on petitions in support of the designation of a Monument. The Friends sent representatives to Washington, D.C. to meet with White House officials, and participated in television and radio public service announcements and advertising. Ultimately, they were instrumental in the process that resulted in former President George W. Bush designating the Marianas Trench Marine Monument, along with three larger national marine monuments.

The awards were handed out at the Beautify CNMI/PAWS Boonie Dog Show on Saturday, June 13 at the CPA Airport Field.

Beautify CNMI recognizes Steward and Champion Awards winner each year in Spring. Nominations are taken from the community at-large and the Beautify CNMI Committee Chairs select winners. Past winners include Aqua Resort Club, Friends of the Mariana Islands, Marites Castillo, Kathy Yuknavage, Captain Carl Brachear, Adam Sablan, Katie Busenkell, Rose Callier, Mike Tripp, Marianas Dive, Nava Khorram, Max Aguon, Paseo de Marianas Promoters, and Bree Reynolds.

Beautify CNMI! is a coalition of concerned citizens, private groups, and government entities united to enhance the CNMI's natural beauty and foster community pride in its residents and visitors. The coalition was a recipient of a 2007 EPA Environmental Award and received a Certificate of Commendation from the United States Congress in 2009. For more information visit them online at http://www.beautifycnmi.org.

FMI members

2009-06-07T16:20:00.000-07:00

Rena and Teddy is back to FMI and Beautify CNMI!

Shocking! During the cleanup the RAV4 got a lot of scratch from the cleanup yesterday morning. I can't really imagine how did this happen? but I think who ever did it, this person really out of his or her brain! We are there to help and clean other people trash but this is what i got? It's not fair for me. I'll be very watchful next time.

Dandan/Airport

2009-06-06T20:11:00.000-07:00

The FMI, lead by thier President Marites Castillo, assisted DEQ with a cleanup on Sunday in DanDan along the Airport fence. In just three hours the volunteers collected an entire trailer full of trash. Unfortunately some people on Saipan had been using DanDan and the Airport as an area to dispose of their personal trash. The FMI and DEQ turned this trash dump back into an area that the DanDan villagers and CPA can be proud to call their own (and that CPA and MVA don't have to be concerned that our arriving tourist might see).

Beautify CNMI Meeting Next Week

2009-05-28T16:32:00.001-07:00

The first Beautify CNMI monthly meeting in about a year is scheduled for next Thursday, June 4, 2009 at 3:30 PM. This will be a reorganization meeting. We're not going to change too much, just bring everyone back to the table to see how we can continue to work together.

I will start the meeting off with a short synopsis of our different programs over the last 3 years.

The Boonie Strikes Back

2009-05-22T22:09:00.000-07:00

It is that time of year again – when Beautify CNMI! and PAWS team up to celebrate Saipan’s boonie dogs. This year, the dog show, PAWS WARS, Episode III, Revenge of the Boonie, will be held on June 13, 2009 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at CPA Airport Field. Categories include:

Star Wars Character
Booniest
Fattest
Most Disobedient
Most Talented; and
Best in Show.

Come down and bring your dog in their best storm trooper or Darth Vader mask. There will be great prizes and loads of fun for the entire family. Registration forms are available here. As we have done in the past, we hope to use the dog show as a method of educating people about the benefits of responsible pet ownership and promote the human-animal bond.

Mga larawan ng mga basura na aming pinulot kahapon

2009-05-17T15:51:00.000-07:00

Mahirap man paniwalaan na may mga taong nananadya para magtapon nang kanilang basura sa ganitong lugar malapit mismo sa dagat. Sana matutu na ang mga tao na pangalagahan ang inang kalikasan. Kami po sa Friends of the Mariana Islands (FMI) nanawagan sa publico na tulungan po ninyo kaming bantayan at pangalagaan ang Inang kalikasan, sapagkat tayo rin pong lahat ang siyang makikinabang sa kalinisan at kagandahang lugar kung saan tayo ngayon nakatira pansamantala.

Minsahe po namin sa mga taong mahilig gumamit sa gawaing maganda nang Iba.

Matutu po sana tayong rumispito sa iba at huwag gamitin ang gawaing magaganda nang kapwa para po hinde mapulaan nang mga taong nakakakita sa kung sino ang mga taong tunay na gumagawa. Tama na pong ipaglaban ninyo kung saan ang pinapaniwalaan ninyo sa buhay pero huwag na huwag po ninyong gagamitin ang aming mga magagandang ginagawa dito sa Islang ito, kami po ay kinikilala at nirerespito ng mga tao na naniniwala sa aming mga ginagawa.

PAALALA lang po namin sa lahat nang mga tao na kailamanman hinde kami kinikilala at hinde rin po kami renirespito sana pagpalain kayong lahat nang ating panginoon diyos. Maraming salamat po.

FMI Cleanup at Lau-Lau Bay Road

2009-05-16T19:32:00.000-07:00

FMI Sent over two hours on Sunday cleaning up Lau Lau Road from the Cross-Island intersection down towards the beach. These pictures were taken along the Road down below the where the old restaurant road joins Lau Lau Road. The drainage areas had been used by some people as a dump site. They had dumped their personal or business trash along side the road and then covered the trash with branches and other green items as an attempt to hide the trash. Our Trash warriors could smell (as could anyone using the Road) the trash and found the illegal dump. Anyone with information on the dump please let DPS know as it is illegal.

We will make sure to really wacth this area and to make sure also that no one can get away with this illegal dump!

FMI Weekend Cleanups

2009-05-15T01:34:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow (Saturday) the FMI will start the weekend of cleanup activities at 07:30 around the San Vicente School campus. We will be working inside and outside the campus on various cleanup and drainage clearing projects. We will have everything a parent or volunteer may need to help us clean up both the Island and SVES!

This coming Sunday the Friends of the Mariana Islands will be undertaking our monthly cleanup of the Lau-Lua road from the Cross-Island road intersection down towards the beach. The FMI will provide the trash bags and gloves to any volunteers who find the time in their day and the room in their heart to help cleanup our Island.

See you on the 16th at San Vicente School and on the 17th at about 7:30 at the intersection!

May 9, 2009 ISA Drive FMI monthly cleanup

2009-05-11T17:56:00.000-07:00

2009 FMI Mother's of the Year

2009-05-11T17:40:00.000-07:00

OUR 2009 FMI MOTHER'S OF THE YEAR!
From Left; Mrs. Rose Adams, Middle; Mrs. Sitsit Abe, From rigth; Melecia Marquez

Island Wide Cleanup Award Winners

2009-05-06T21:52:00.001-07:00

Saipan, (CNMI) – Two elementary schools and a government agency that provides early intervention services for infants and toddlers are one hundred dollars richer today as Beautify CNMI! handed out prizes to groups participating in last month’s island-wide cleanup.

Garapan Elementary School received $100 for the photo they submitted of their entire student body right before cleaning up their campus and the surrounding neighborhood. They won the contest for the photo with the most volunteers.

“I told some of the staff that we won and they were really proud,” remarked Dale Roberts, Vice Principal of Garapan Elementary.

In the contest to take a photo of the biggest pile of collected garbage, San Vicente was declared the victors. ACT President Betty Miller was on hand to accept the $100 on behalf of the students.

“We had a lot of support from the parents on our cleanup day and they deserve a lot of the credit,” said Miller about winning the contest category.

Each of this year’s 61 participating groups also had their names put into a random drawing to win $100. William S. Reyes 5th grader Shizuka Takayama pulled the name of the Children’s Developmental Assistance Center during a press event at the Marianas Visitors Authority office on Wednesday.

“Everyone who participated in this year’s island-wide cleanup deserves a hearty thank you,” said Angelo Villagomez of Beautify CNMI. He added, “the Kramis family also deserves a big thank for their generous donation making these prizes possible.”

Award winners: Roberts and Miller with the $100 checks for their schools. Saipanda is also pictured.

The 2009 island-wide cleanup had the participation of 4,140 volunteers from 61 groups and over 13.5 tons of litter was removed from the streets and beaches of Saipan. The Rotary Club of Saipan, Division of Environmental Quality, Marianas Visitors Authority, and Marianas Tourism Education Council coordinated the event.

Beautify CNMI award nominations deadline on Friday

2009-05-03T22:57:00.001-07:00

The deadline to submit nominations for the annual Beautify CNMI Steward and Beautify CNMI Champion awards is this Friday, May 8.

The awards are given out to recognize the individuals or groups who have been environmental leaders during the past 12 months. There are two award categories, the Environmental Steward and the Environmental Champion.

The Environmental Steward award recognizes a person or group that leads the community in activities that help protect our environment in a variety of ways. This individual or group has demonstrated the need to take pride in our islands and to take care of the place we all call home. They serve as an example for others, especially the next generation, to follow.

The Environmental Champion award recognizes a person or group that exemplifies the Beautify CNMI spirit. Those qualities include volunteerism, cooperation, innovation, creativity and the ability to infect others with the Beauty Virus. The Environmental Champion is a role model for others to follow. They bring environmental issues to the forefront of public consciousness. They make things happen and effect change.

The 2007 Environmental Champion winners were Bree Reynolds, Kathy Yuknavage, and Carl Brachear. The winners of the 2007 Environmental Steward award were Adam Sablan and Friends of the Mariana Islands.

The 2008 Environmental Champion winners were Nava Khorram, Marites Castillo, Katie Busenkell and Rose Callier of PAWS, Mike Tripp of Marianas Dive, and Aqua Resort Club. The winners of the 2008 Environmental Steward award were Friends of the Marianas Islands, Marianas Dive, Paseo de Marianas Promoters and Max Aguon and the Pantalon Boys.

To nominate an individual or group, submit a written nomination explaining why that person or group deserves recognition. You can make as many nominations as you like, but individuals and groups can only be nominated for one award category. Nominations must include the award category the nominee is being considered for, a well written argument detailing the reasons why this nominee should be considered, and contact information for the nominee and for the person making the nomination.

Send nominations to Angelo Villagomez at angelovillagomez@gmail.com or mail them to PMB 360 BOX 10001; Saipan, MP 96950 or call 285-6462 for more information.

Cleanup at the Airport Road up to MOBIL Station San Vicente

2009-04-26T16:56:00.000-07:00

Airport Road Cleanup

2009-04-19T16:46:00.000-07:00

This coming Sunday Friends of the Mariana Islands will be on the road again picking up trash along the Airport Road up to MOBIL Station at San Vicente Elem. School (ISA Drive Rd).

We would like to welcome our new FMI member Ms. Inocencia Lausin. She is now a very active on our Environmental activities. Thank you Ms. Lausin for joining our group!

Lau-Lau Beach Cleanup for the month of April 2009

2009-04-19T15:18:00.000-07:00

Friends of the mariana Islands had successfuly done another cleanup at Lau-Lau Beach yesterday morning. Thanks to Mike, Ising, Melly, Precy, Camilo, bro. Ruben, and Betty.

We also would like to thank DEQ and Mr. Joe Kaipat for supporting us by picking up our trash and giving us the trash bags including gloves.

Students of San Vicente Elem. School

2009-04-19T14:55:00.000-07:00

Cleanup at San Vicente Elem. School

2009-04-18T05:02:00.000-07:00

It's another busy day for the Friends of the Mariana islands group for we had to help the San Vicente Elem. School for thier Schedule Island Wide Cleanup this morning. Thank you so much to all the parents, students and my hardworking FMI member volunteers Camilo, Jun, Melly and Betty Matson.

Maraming-maraming slamat po sainyong lahat!

Ang aming grupo na Friends of the Mariana Islands ay may Beach Cleanup bukas nang umaga sa Lau-Lau Beach, Ito ay magsisimula nang alas otso nang umaga (8:00 am, tomorrow morning). Kung nais ninyong sumama sa aming Beach Cleanup, tumawag lamang sa numerong ito 285-8980. Maraming salamat po.

New volunteers

2009-04-17T14:09:00.000-07:00

Sharmin

Rupert

Joel

From the bottom of our heart we thank you all for your support!

FMI had a very successful Island Wide Cleanup this morning

2009-04-16T18:52:00.000-07:00

THANK YOU VERY MUCH TO SHARMIN, JOEL, JEFFRY AND RUPERT FOR THE SUPPORT.

FMI will be joining the Island Wide Cleanup

2009-04-11T06:30:00.000-07:00

On behalf of Friends of the Mariana Islands (FMI), I'm calling for all the Filipino Group and other Nations here in Saipan to please come out and show your support to the Community, Let's all be UNITED for once, CLEANUP is one way of showing that we really do care for the Environment of the island. Anyone can be a part of Beautify CNMI! so, please come in Join us on April 17, 2009. It's Important to show to the community that we are a part of theme too specially when it comes to the Environmental Volunteer works. Anyone that is willing to join please registered to DEQ or Contact Mr. Angelo O. Villagomez at 285-6462.

Thank you and We really do appreciate the person or any group who will be participating on this Island Wide Cleanup.

Sign up for the Island Wide Cleanup

2009-04-03T00:26:00.001-07:00

I am working with the Division of Environmental Quality, Marianas Visitors Authority, Rotary Club of Saipan, and Marianas Tourism Education Council to coordinate an island wide cleanup for April 17, 2009.

The concept for the cleanup is simple: If several thousand people spend just a couple of hours doing something to improve the islands on the day of the cleanup, the following morning the islands will look pretty nice.

This will make our islands look pretty snazzy in time for Earth Day and for Tourism Month in May.

The coordinators are asking people, businesses, government agencies, schools, and homes to spend an hour or two doing a cleanup at anytime on Friday, April 17, 2009. If you want to adopt a beach that is great, but we are encouraging people to adopt the area near their place of business. Governor Fitial has agreed to allow ALL government agencies to participate during working hours. More information on that should be forthcoming from DEQ and the Governor's Office.

I hope you can participate. I've created a simple signup sheet that will help us track our activities. If you would like me to send you one, please email me at angelovillagomez at gmail dot com. After you fill it out, please either fax or email it back in.

Island Wide Cleanup sign ups begin

The first 50 people have signed up for the Island Wide Cleanup slated to take place on April 17, 2009. The Saipan Mayor’s Office and the Office of Personnel Management were the first organizations to turn in their sign up sheets.

The Office of Personnel Management has adopted the Garapan Fishing Base and has pledged to recruit 20 volunteers to help beautify the area. Likewise, the Saipan Mayor’s Office has adopted Beach Road from Afetnas to Koblerville and has pledged 30 staff for roadside trash collection.

“Our first two signups adopted the roads and areas near their offices. This is what we envisioned when we started planning this cleanup,” said co-organizer Joe Kaipat of Division of Environmental Quality. “We hope to get at least 5000 volunteers this year,” he added.

According to the organizers, the goal of this year’s island wide cleanup is to recruit at least 5000 volunteers to spend a few hours beautifying the islands, whether it is by picking up litter on a road or beach, painting over graffiti, planting a few trees, or participating in some other activity.

The cleanup organizers are encouraging participants to adopt a spot near their homes, offices, or schools, although some organizations will adopt beaches and/or tourist sites.

The organizers are encouraging the community to get involved as much as possible.

Event co-organizer Angelo Villagomez said, “It would be great if we could get a few families to adopt the roads near their homes. We want people to take ownership and responsibility for the upkeep of their areas of the island.”

The Marianas Visitors Authority is providing funds for garbage bags, rubber gloves, and some paint and the Division of Environmental Quality has pledged to assist with transferring solid waste collected to the transfer station in Lower Base. Supplies, if needed, will be available for pickup at the Division of Environmental Quality.

Division of Environmental Quality, Rotary Club of Saipan, Marianas Visitors Authority, and Marianas Tourism Education Council are the co-organizers of the island wide cleanup.

For more information on the how to participate in the cleanup, contact Joe Kaipat at 664-8500 or Angelo Villagomez at 285-6462 or via Email at angelovillagomez@gmail.com.

Link to this blog

2009-03-02T23:40:00.001-08:00

During the 11th Micronesians in Island Conservation Retreat I was tasked with taking over the learning network's blog found at http://mic-network.blogspot.com. I've fiddled with the template and the colors a little bit here and there over the last two weeks and I'm liking the new look.

My first change was to turn the background from a solid green to a picture of two fishermen in an outrigger canoe. What says connecting islands better than a canoe?

I also added a Sitemeter counter, some frequently asked questions, contact information, and changed things around a bit so that the site is easier to navigate (at least to me). In the past I've done a few widgets for organizations I've done work with (i.e. a logo that links to your website). I used that code to add logos that link to Friends of the Monument, Micronesia Conservation Trust, and Beautify CNMI. I'll add a few more logos as work progresses on the blog, including the html code so that you can link to those websites, too!

As for the color scheme, I offer the fact that I am color blind as an excuse.

I encourage you to add a link to the Micronesians in Island Conservation blog. In the upcoming months we should be adding some great conservation stories from the whole of Micronesia. You heard it here first.

Micronesia Challenge on Facebook

2009-03-02T15:31:00.001-08:00

Are you a member of Facebook? Would you like to be the envy of all your friends? There is now a Facebook Fan Page and a Facebook Group for the Micronesia Challenge. Join today!

Both the Fan Page and the Group allow users to post comments on a discussion board, upload photos and video, suggest links, and leave comments. The Fan Page allows the administrator to write notes or, as I prefer to do, syndicate a blog feed. I am syndicating the Micronesians in Island Conservation blog until there is a Micronesia Challenge blog. The thing I like best about both is that the administrator has the ability to send messages to every member of both the Group and the Fan Page. This will come in handy, especially once the membership gets into the thousands.

Additionally, the Fan Page links to Fan Pages for the Micronesian governments that have signed onto the Micronesia Challenge: Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands. It also links to a Fan Page for Beautify CNMI, an environmental coalition in the Marianas supportive of the Micronesia Challenge. I will link to other non-profits working on the Micronesia Challenge once someone sets up their Fan Pages. (Pehaps we can do this at the next MIC retreat or maybe the next steering committee meeting?)

So what are you waiting for? Log into Facebook and join the Facebook Fan Page and the Facebook Group for the Micronesia Challenge.

FMI recieved the 2009 Mobil donation

2009-03-01T13:37:00.000-08:00

Continued support from Mobil Oil Mariana Islands, Inc. for the FMI 2009 Cleanup Project

As 2009 begins the Friends of the Mariana Islands (FMI) has been awarded an environmental restoration cleanup project funded by Mobil Oil Mariana Islands, Inc. along the Lau-Lau road from the Bay up to ISA Drive.

The $2,000.00 Mobil Oil Mariana Islands, Inc. donation will be used by the Friends of the Mariana Islands (FMI) for the supplies needed by the FMI Volunteers. The volunteers sincerely appreciate the support of Mobil Oil Mariana Islands, Inc. in this undertaken. Without the support from Mobil that environmental restoration cleanup project will not be possible. The FMI hopes for continued support from Mobil Oil Mariana Islands, Inc. in future project once we again demonstrate our abilities and dedication on the 2009 for an environmental restoration cleanup project along Lau-Lau Bay Drive.

The FMI would again like to acknowledge the years of support from Mrs. Cecile B. Suda; Manager of Public Relations & Government Affairs of Mobil Oil Mariana Islands, Inc. and wish her well with her retirement plan. We also very much appreciate the support of our new friends at Mobil Oil Mariana Islands, Inc.

On behalf of Friends of the Mariana Islands (FMI) we would like to thank Mobil Oil Mariana Islands, Inc. for their untiring financial support for our Environmental Cleanup.

Beautify CNMI Email List

2009-02-19T16:22:00.000-08:00

I've spent the last two weeks getting Beautify CNMI back up to speed. I've started a Beautify CNMI Facebook fan page and I've updated the email list. We'll have activities all year in 2009. If you would like to be added to the email list, please email me at angelovillagomez at gmail dot com or call me at 285 6462 and I will add you.

ISA DRIVE CLEANUP

2009-02-08T14:57:00.000-08:00

FMI Members had done ISA Drive cleanup! Thank you very much for all the members who have given their volunteer times. Happy 2nd Years Aniversary to FMI Members! May we all be bless with a good health and more success for 2009!

Birthday Greetings to our Little Princess!

2009-02-04T04:08:00.000-08:00

Betty loves to do modelling, sing and dance. At her age of three she also love reading books. She's a very sweet little girl. We love you very much Betty. May God bless you with a good health always. Happy Happy Birthday Pricess Betty and may you have many many more Birthdays to come.

2009 FMI activities

2009-02-04T03:17:00.000-08:00

Cleanup Schedules
February 8, 2009
2nd Sunday of the month;
ISA Drive (From Airport Rd up to Botanical Garden)
Meeting Place: Front of San Vicente Elem. School
Time: 8:00 am

February 15,2009
3rd Sunday of the month
Lau-Lau Bay (Northwest of the part of Lau-Lau Beach)
Meeting Place: First Pavilion at the Lau-Lau Beach
Time: 8:00 am

Anyone who's willing to give there volunteer time by helping FMI with the cleanups of the Island just Bring your own water, snack, Family and Friends.

FMI is a group of people happy and friendly!

Thank you very much

FMI and MOBIL Adopted places

2008-11-24T22:23:00.000-08:00

On behalf of FMI, I would like to inform the community that we had just finished the MOBIL Oil Mariana Islands, inc. Drainage's cleanup Project. The ISA Drive Rd and Lau-Lau Beach would be adopted by the FMI/MOBIL beginning December 2008. Thank you very much MOBIL for the untirring support to the Friends of the Mariana Islands.

FMI December 2008 Cleanup Schedules

2008-11-24T21:59:00.000-08:00

1st Sunday of the month - December 7, 2008
Place: Garapan Tourist District
Meeting Place: Memorial Park at the Parking lot

Time: 8:00 am *for every cleanup this is the assembly time*

2nd Sunday of the month - December 13, 2008
Place where we do the cleanup; ISA Drive Road to the Stop light at the NMC.
Meeting Place; Java Joe DAN-DAN.

3rd Sunday of the month - December 20, 2008
Place where we do the cleanup; Lau-Lau Beach
Meeting Place; San Vicente Village Office of the FMI

If anyone is interested to give their effort to the community services and want to do volunteer, please contact me at 285-8980.

Link to the Friends of the Monument blog

2008-10-11T23:16:00.000-07:00

Would you like to help spread the word about the Friends of the Monument blog? Just copy and paste the following code into your blog template!

The federal workshops on Saipan are just over one week away! There are ways that you can help to support the monument. Click HERE for more information.

FMI Members updated

2008-10-09T17:28:00.000-07:00

Name - Position
Marites Aquino Castillo - President/Chairwoman
Radino S. Garcia - BOD Secretary
Presila Emiliana Ramboanga - Treasurer
Melecia P. Marquez - Business Manager
Maria Lourdes Bansil - Auditor
Francisco Flores Jr. - Marshall
Leonides Bansagan - BOD Member
Camilo Laoeng - BOD Member
Rene A. Vergara - BOD Member
Francisco Flores Jr. - BOD Member
Ruben Bachicha - BOD Member/Spiritual Advisor
William P. Matson - BOD Member/Special Advisor
Angelo O. Villagomez - Special Advisor
Rosalinda Adams - Spiritual Advisor
Lewie Adams - Spiritual Advisor
Ciaralyn C. Apostol - Member
Aden Albior - Member
Rey A. Castillo - Member
Teresita David - Member
Charina Manabat - Member
Diomedes Nartea - Member
July Ann Nartea - Member
Carl Jomel Nartea - Member
Lilia Pagaduan - Member
Lynda Perez - Member
Joan Santos - Member
Federico Tamayo - Member
Queenie Tamayo - Member
Yvis tamayo - Member
Teresita A. Vergara - Member
Ermilita Fernandez - Member
Kaela Mae Milliano - Member
Salvador Sellabe Jr. - Member
Venus Acera - Member
Nieves Casta - Member
Armando G. Paramio - Member
Roberto P. Castillo - Member
Betty Aquino Matson - Member

FMI Environmental Project for 2008

2008-10-09T16:43:00.000-07:00

FMI members at work

2008-09-30T17:22:00.002-07:00

Airport Road

2008-09-30T16:58:00.000-07:00

Ang aming samahang Friends of the Mariana Islands ay nagsimula na namang muli sa pangatlong project na ini-award ng MObil Oil Mariana Islands, Inc. Lubos ang aming pasasalamat sa tiwala at suporta na ibinibigay ng Mobil sa aming grupo at ganon din nagpapasalamat kami kay Mrs. Cecile B. Suda sa walang sawang pagsuporta niya sa aming environmental na gawain. Mabuhay po ang Mobil at FMI!

Mobil funds a 2008 Drainage Clearage Proposal From Friends of the Mariana Islands (FMI)

2008-09-25T18:13:00.000-07:00

For the third year in a row the FMI has demonstrated its ability to carryout cleanup projects on the Island of saipan in a rapid and efficient manner and as such has been funded again by Mobil Oil Mariana Islands, Inc. to undertake yet another project. The FMI project is located along Isa Drive, from Airport Road up through to the Botanical Garden. Beginning this weekend the FMI will start cleaning all of the drainage areas connected to the ISA Drive starting first in the Botanical Garden area. We ask the public to be extra vigilant in the ISA Drive Road and please watch out for the FMI members volunteer who are cleaning and clearing these areas of our Island. All members of the public are invited to assist in the efforts this weekend.

Thanks to the news paper and the public in general for your cooperation.

We would like to Thank Mobil Oil Mariana Islands, Inc. for the untiring support to the FMI Group!

FMI Pictured during cleanup at Garapan

2008-09-15T16:44:00.000-07:00

Gitna mismo ng kalsada sa Garapan Tourist District

Ang nasa larawan siya walanang iba kunde ang aming spiritual advisor at isa rin sa aming BOD member. Brother Ruben Bachicha

Ikinagagalak naming ipakilala ang aming mga bagong membro sila Ginoong Jr. at Ginang Rose. Kuha ito noong Linggo araw ng aming paglilinis sa may Garapan along the Drainage tabe mismo ng Garapan Elem. School

FMI Garapan Tourist District monthly cleanup!

2008-09-12T03:49:00.000-07:00

Calling all people in the CNMI who would like to give their time for community service! On behalf of our group Friends of the Mariana Islands (FMI), we would like to invite you all to our Beautify CNMI! monthly cleanup. If anyone is interested please come and join us this coming Sunday (9/14/08), will be meeting at the Memorial Park, Parking area around 8:00 A.M. Bring your Family, Friends and let's all volunteer for the purpose of a good environment in the CNMI!

Stop Turtle Poaching in the Marianas

2008-09-11T23:16:00.001-07:00

I received this message from MINA today:

NOAA needs your help. NOAA is offering Rewards for Information on Sea Turtle Poaching!!!!

NOAA’s Fisheries Service Office of Law Enforcement is offering up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of persons poaching endangered sea turtles in the Territory of Guam and in the Commonwealth of Northern Marianas Islands.

Turtle poaching is an ongoing problem in the Guam area. In recent months, NOAA special agents have investigated cases involving the sale and consumption of meat and eggs of protected sea turtles.

Turtle experts believe that turtle poaching is a significant contributing factor to the reduction of indigenous sea turtle populations around the Pacific islands.

The Endangered Species Act of 1973 protects all six species of sea turtles in the United States. Endangered species include the indigenous Green Sea Turtle and the Hawksbill Sea Turtle, which are commonly found in and around Guam and the Northern Marianas Islands. Under the ESA and its corresponding regulations, it is illegal to take, possess, sell, deliver, receive, import, export, carry, transport, or ship any endangered species. A violation of the Endangered Species Act can result in civil penalties of up to $25,000, and criminal fines of up to $100,000 and imprisonment up to one year.

Anyone with information is asked to call one of the following numbers:

Special Agent Charles Raterman (Guam) 671-472-7200
Pacific Islands Division (Honolulu, HI) 808-541-2727
Office for Law Enforcement - National Hotline: 800-853-1964
Guam Customs & Quarantine Service - MITF: 671-475-6331
Guam Division of Aquatics and Wildlife – DAWR: 671-735-3991
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - Guam 671-647-6064
NOAA understands and predicts changes in the Earth’s environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and conserves and manages our coastal and marine resources.

go to:
http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2008/20080729_seaturtle.html

The Master List Redux

2008-08-17T18:00:00.000-07:00

The Master List of Saipan bloggers has been updated over on The Saipan Blog.

There are currently over 140 Saipan bloggers along with almost 20 Coconuts Abroad.

Bloggers are requested to add a link to the Master List as it is the most comprehensive list of Saipan (and Tinian and Rota) blogs.

Betty Pick Up Trash at Kobler Substation

2008-08-07T14:15:00.000-07:00

Two other active members of the Friends of the Mariana Islands together with most youngest FMI Member and volunteer of Beautify CNMI! Betty Matson, She's always happy and ready to go! She love to clean the Island, pick up trash and have fun.

Cleanup Schedules for up coming weekeend

2008-07-21T15:25:00.000-07:00

Friends of the Mariana Islands at ang iba pang mga kasamahan sa Beautify CNMI ay muli na namang magsama-sama sa darating na sabado (Julio 26) para ipagpatuloy ang paglilinis sa Kobler Substation.

Sa Linggo (Julio 27) ang Friends of the Mariana Islands ay nasa Ton Juaquin Doi Road para maglinis sa mga drainages.

FMI Cleanup

2008-07-11T14:33:00.000-07:00

Sunday - July 13,2008
Ngayong linggo ang Friends of the Mariana Islands ay nasa Finasisu para maglinis sa isang project. Sa July 20 ang aming grupo na Friends of the Mariana Islands ay nasa Kobler Substation para maglinis.

Sa larangan ng sports ang FMI 1st Inter-color basketball league ay malapit na magtapos at sa ngalan po ng aming grupo taus puso po kaming nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng tumangkilik lalong-lalo na sa mga sponsored ng mga bawat team na sumali sa aming patimpalak. Magkita-kita po tayo sa gabe ng Martes sa ADA GYM!

FMI members get together and dance with the Philippines national dance "Tinikkling"!

2008-06-04T14:12:00.000-07:00

Look what we found at the Drainage during our cleanups!

2008-06-04T14:04:00.000-07:00

FMI members removed grass along the road at Tun Joaquin Doi Rd.

2008-06-04T13:56:00.000-07:00

Lau Lau Beach Cleanup

2008-05-30T23:20:00.000-07:00

Radino Garcia is BOD Secretary and one of the most active member of FMI. He's a very responsible Officer and BOD member.

Who will be the next President?

2008-05-30T23:11:00.000-07:00

FMI 1st Meeting

2008-05-30T23:07:00.000-07:00

FMI Cleanup Isa Drive

2008-05-29T23:30:00.000-07:00

FMI monthly activities schedules

2008-05-29T18:36:00.000-07:00

1st Sunday of the month - June 1, 2008
Garapan Tourist District - Meet us at the AMP Parking Lot at 7:45 AM.
The Cleanup start at 8:00 AM.

Every Saturday start on June 7, 2008 Friends of the Mariana Islands will be at Tun Juaquin Doi Road. This is the 2007 Major Drainage Project of FMI from Mobil that we already had finished working on it, but as we past bye we saw the Drainage area had tall grass that really need to be remove. Anyone that willing to help us for this cleanup, you're all welcome to join the FMI Group for the schedule cleanup events. Our work should be start at 8:00 AM. We really appreciate all the support to the FMI.

2nd Sunday of the month - June 8, 2008
ISA Drive: From Botanical Garden to NMC Stop Light
Meeting place: Front of the San Vicente Elem. School
Time: 7:45 AM
The Cleanup start at 8:00 AM

3rd Sunday of the month - June 15, 2008
Lau-Lau Beach
Meeting Place: FMI Office located at San Vicente Village, back of San Vicente Elem. School.
Time: 7:45 AM
The cleanup start at 8:00 AM

FMI Group would like to Invite all non-profit Organization most specially to the Filipino Community to join in the monthly cleanup activities! We encourage you to adopt a beach or road of your choice. Thank you and we hope to see you and any of our cleanup activities.

Ada Gym cleanup

2008-05-29T18:16:00.000-07:00

Our Group Friends of the Marianas Islands Had done the cleanup at the Ada Gym (Inside the Basketball Court) last Sunday morning. Thank you very much BOD Secretary Radino Garcia for your dedication to our community services.

It's a pretty colors

2008-05-27T03:35:00.000-07:00

It's a beautiful Orchids from my Garden

2008-05-27T03:34:00.000-07:00

MHS Volunteered activities

2008-05-27T03:18:00.000-07:00

Ito ang aming larawan ng aming Grupo na Friends of the Mariana Islands together with Former Rep. Jacinta M. Kaipat

2007 Kobler Substation Tree Planting

2008-05-27T02:42:00.000-07:00

Beautify CNMI Meeting

2008-05-27T02:27:00.000-07:00

2007 Beautify CNMI! USEPA Awardee

2008-05-27T02:13:00.000-07:00

2007 FMI ISA Drive Cleanup

2008-05-27T01:54:00.000-07:00

Beautify CNMI Group!

2008-05-27T01:46:00.000-07:00

Napasarap balikan ang mga alaala ng nakalipas lalo na pag naging maganda ang takbo ng grupo, kahit anong gawin ng iba hinde kayang pantayan ang samahan at katatagan ng bawat grupo.
Beautify CNMI will always be in our hearts.

2007 FMI Cleanup at Garapan

2008-05-27T01:33:00.000-07:00

2007 FMI Cleanup at Lau-Lau Beach

2008-05-27T01:30:00.000-07:00

Ada Gym cleanup

2008-05-26T16:16:00.000-07:00

Noong nakaraang linggo petsa 25 ng Mayo ang aming grupo Friends of the Mariana Islands ay naglinis po ng Ada Gym Court. Maraming salamat sa aking mga kasamahan na sila BOD Secretary Radino Garcia, Mely, Precy, Ciaralyn, Jun Flores at iba pang mga memebro's ng FMI.

Sa susunod na linggo petsa uno ng Junyo ang Friends of the Mariana Islands ay nasa Tourist District Garapan para sa muling paglilinis.

FMI lau lau beach cleanup

2008-05-17T17:29:00.000-07:00

It's was raining this morning while we are picking up trash at lau lau beach. Our group Friends of the Mariana Islands had enjoyed the weather.

Ngayong hapon at around 3:00 P.M. ang aming grupo ay nasa Ada Gym para sa aming palaro na Basketball at the same time kami rin ay naglilinis ng kapaligiran (loob at labas) ng Ada Gym.

FMI members get together at the airport!

2008-05-16T23:01:00.001-07:00

Our beloved friend had left this morning to the Philippines for good. Beth is one of the most active member of Friends of the Mariana Islands and also one of the backbone of the Beautify CNMI! She has to go back home for her family needs, specially for her daughter. We love her and we will miss her so. God Bless You Ate Beth!

FMI monthly activities schedules

2008-04-28T17:59:00.000-07:00

Our FMI schedules 1st Inter-color basketball league at ADA GYM!

April 30, 2008 FMI 1st Inter-color basketball league at Ada Gym,
start at 6:30 PM to 10:30 P.M.

May 2, 2008 FMI 1st Inter-color basketball league at ADA GYM,
Start at 6:30 to 10:30 P.M.

May 4, 2008 FMI 1st Inter-color basketball league at ADA GYM,
Start at 3:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M.

May 7, 2008 FMI 1st Inter-color basketball league at ADA GYM,
Start at 6:30 P.M. to 10:30 P.M.

May 9, 2008 FMI 1st Inter-color basketball league at ADA GYM,
Start at 6:30 P.M. to 10:30 P.M.

May 11, 2008 FMI 1st Inter-color basketball league at ADA GYM,
Start at 3:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M.

May 14, 2008 FMI 1st Inter-color basketball league at ADA GYM,
Start at 6:30 P.M. to 10:30 P.M.

May 16, 2008 FMI 1st Inter-color basketball league at ADA GYM,
Start at 6:30 P.M. to 10:30 P.M.

May 18, 2008 FMI 1st Inter-color basketball league at ADA GYM,
Start at 3:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M.

May 21, 2008 FMI 1st Inter-color basketball league at ADA GYM,
Start at 6:30 P.M. to 10:30 P.M.

May 23, 2008 FMI 1st Inter-color basketball league at ADA GYM,
Start at 3:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M.

May 25, 2008 FMI 1st Inter-color basketball league at ADA GYM,
Start at 3:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M.

May 28, 2008 FMI 1st Inter-color basketball league at ADA GYM,
Start at 6:30 P.M. to 10:30 P.M.

May 30, 2008 FMI 1st Inter-color basketball league at ADA GYM,
Start at 6:30 P.M. to 10:30 P.M.

Schedules for the games of the Championship will be announce before the end of May 2008, watch for all the games! We're Inviting Everyone to please come and watch, and support our Filipino and CNMI (local) basketball team,

FMI Monthly cleanup schedules for Beautify CNMI!

May 3, 2008 ------ 1st Saturday of the month ---- Garapan Tourist District Cleanup.
Start at 8:00 A.M. until volunteer works is done!

May 10, 2008 ------ 2nd Saturday of the month ---- ISA Drive (Botanical Garden) to NMC Cleanup. Start at 8:00 A.M. until volunteer works is done!

May 11, 2008 FMI Mother's Day Celebration! There will be a pot luck for our group and also we would have the Great Mother of the Year 2008! We're inviting all our friends to please come and join us on this day.

May 17, 2008 ------ 3rd Saturday of the month ---- Lau-Lau Beach Cleanup.
Start at 8:00 A.M. until volunteer works is done!

Friends of the Mariana Islands will always be thankful to everyone who's supporting our Beautification Project. On behalf of FMI I would like to Thank those Basketball Teams that had intered our FMI 1st Inter-Color basketball league, MARAMING-MARAMING SALAMAT PO SAINYONG LAHAT, SPECIALLY TO THOSE MAJOR SPONSOR'S OF EACH TEAM.

THANK YOU FOR THE UNTIRRING SUPPORT TO THE FMI!

ISA Drive cleanup 2nd Sunday of the month

2008-04-22T23:28:00.000-07:00

Every 2nd Sunday of the month ang Friends of the Mariana Islands ay sama-samang naglilinis sa ISA Drive up to NMC.

Beautify CNMI! TRAILER

2008-04-22T22:22:00.001-07:00

This picture was the beginning of the worked for Beautify CNMI Trailer. Brother Ruben one of the FMI Spiritual Adviser had really volunteered his time to worked on this trailer, also three of the FMI members help him to worked on this trailer during weekends.

FMI 1st Inter-color Basketball League

2008-04-22T21:58:00.001-07:00

FMI Member tunay kang mapagmalasakit lalo na sa inang kalikasan. Ikaw ang FMI member of the month! CONGRATULATION Mrs. Marquez! hinde maiwasang mamulot nang basura kahit saan man kami magpunta sapagkat kalinisan ng kapaligiran ang lagi naming inaalala.

Ito ang aming committee sa unang palaro sa Basketball at kasama po nila dito aming mabait at masipag na commissioner Mr. Boy Garcia. Maraming salamat po sainyong pagsuporta sa aming palarong basketball.

1st Sunday of the month Cleanup

2008-04-22T21:30:00.001-07:00

Ito ang kuha ko sa mga kasamahan ko sa FMI habang naglilinis sa Garapan Tourist District. Kasama din namin dito ang mga taga Kimpachi Restaurant at ang mga iba pa naming kasamahan sa Beautify CNMI! Maraming salamat sa walang sawang pagsuporta sa aming grupo lalong-lalo na sa Beautify CNMI!

FMI Mobil Project

2008-03-31T17:29:00.000-07:00

For the second year in a row the Friends of the Mariana islands (FMI) Thanks Mobil Oil Mariana Islands, Inc. for its support for an Environmental Drainage cleanup project. Last Thursday Mrs. Cecile B. Suda and Mr. Alex Brecia were presented with the perpormance and financial reports of the project, as well as certificate of appreciatiopn to Mobil Oil Mariana Islands, Inc. by FMI President/Chairwoman Ms. Marites A. Castillo. The project was complated over nine weekends only because of the efforts of the FMI volunteers. In hopes for continuing support from Mobil Oil Mariana Islands, Inc.

Ms. Castillo also presented Mrs. suda with a proposal to continue with a new environmental project by cleaning the drainage areas of Isa Drive from the Airports Road intersection up past to San Vicente. Without the supplies and other support provided by Mobil Oil Mariana Islands, Inc. donation the volunteers would not have been able to bring the environmental works on Tun Joaquin Doi Road to a successful conclusion.