Awards, media coverage and recognition for local businesses making names for themselves in the region and beyond
Degelation goes to Manila
Chief Justice Robert J. Torres led a delegation of legal professionals to the Supreme Court of the Philippines and Malacañan Palace late March. The visit aimed to enhance ties, strengthen collaboration, and reinforce the rule of law in both jurisdictions. Through interactions with members of the Philippine Supreme Court: Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo, Associate Justice Midas P. Marquez, and Lucas P. Bersamin, executive secretary and former chief justice; Torres emphasized the importance of sharing best practices and modernizing to enhance the delivery of justice in the Philippines and U.S.
Joint Rescue Sub-Center Guam
The Joint Rescue Sub-Center Guam observed the anniversary of the creation of Rescue Coordination Centers on April 1. The team was nominated for the prestigious Geoff Pagels SAR Professional of the Year Award in recognition of personnel’s efforts and dedication. Throughout 2023, the JRSC Guam showcased its commitment to complex and agile search and rescue operations across the area of responsibility, the western Pacific. JRSC Guam also did a series of SAR communication exercises with the Maritime Rescue and Coordination Center in Vietnam and the Rescue Coordination Center in Japan.
Beckylynn Reyes earns Novogradac Property Compliance Certification
Triple J Saipan Inc., which provides quality affordable housing on Saipan, announced that leasing specialist Beckylynn Reyes earned her Novogradac Property Compliance Certification. This certification underscores Reyes’ expertise in the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit compliance.
The three-day Novogradac Online LIHTC Property Compliance Workshop provided Reyes with the latest information and trends critical to the management of LIHTC properties. The workshop also helped her prepare for the NPCC exam. She took on the course while fulfilling her responsibilities at Triple J Saipan Inc.
NMC president named CEO of the Year
Galvin Deleon Guerrero, president of Northern Marianas College, was nationally recognized as one of four CEOs of the year at the 2024 Asian Pacific Americans in Higher Education National Conference in California. The conference is among the largest gathering of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander educational leaders in the United States. At the conference, people in attendance share best practices, new and emerging trends in higher education, and initiatives, and collaborate on advocacy efforts.
Palau featured in travel magazine
Travel magazine Conde Nast Traveler featured Palau, focusing on how conservation and luxury tourism go hand in hand. In this feature written by Matt Oritle, President Surangel S. Whipps Jr., said to “protect the ecosystem and mitigate the impact of mass tourism, Palau is building a luxury tourism model by courting some of the ritziest names in hospitality.” Oritle also writes that Palauan officials are leaning on another rich resource to create new experiences for visitors: its culture. One program that does that is the Alii Pass, which the Palau Visitors Authority launched. It offers community-led tours with Palauan experts all over the country.
GTA thanks volunteers
GTA thanked volunteers who have given their time and resources to elevate the community year-round. Sharon Davis, vice president of customer experience, was named a community champion for her advocacy across various community initiatives. Additionally, junior achievement mentors Kyle Duenas, Stefanie Ditchen, and GinaRose Cruz were given the president’s volunteer service award for their exceptional dedication to service. GTA supports numerous community initiatives, including Mobile Manamko’, Empowered by GTA, Village Mural Project, Girls Code, Youth Leader, and Mental Health Awareness, alongside its partnership with Junior Achievement, among others.
Luxury jet tour adventure itinerary includes Palau stop
Abercrombie & Kent announced “Wildlife Adventure by Land & Sea: Around the World by Private Jet,” from May 19 to June 11, 2025. The 24-day journey takes off in Hawaii, flies to Palau, Indonesia, Nepal, Seychelles, Namibia, Brazil and Panama. In Palau, travelers can explore the nation’s reefs, see World War II relics, and swim among non-stinging jellyfish.