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06/18/2025—A total of 269 participants from Saipan, Tinian, and Rota graduated from the Governor’s Broadband Bootcamp last week, with 229 completing the 19-week program last June 14 on Saipan alone, marking a milestone in the CNMI’s push to build a local, skilled digital infrastructure workforce.
Held at World Resort Saipan, the graduation ceremony celebrated the third and fourth cohorts of an initiative designed to prepare residents for careers in the fiber optic and broadband deployment industry.
Funded by the CNMI Broadband Policy and Development Office through the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment grant program, the bootcamp provided intensive hands-on and classroom instruction. It was implemented by Northern Marianas College, Northern Marianas Technical Institute, Island Training Solutions, and the CNMI Department of Labor.
“This milestone represents more than just certification—it marks a significant step forward in building local expertise in fiber optic and broadband technologies,” read a statement from Glenn Hunter, special assistant for the CNMI Broadband Policy and Development Office. “Participants gained not only technical skills but also critical soft skills like time management, customer service, and professional readiness.”
Hunter added that the program supports Gov. Arnold Palacios’ vision to expand broadband access and fuel the growth of a robust digital economy across the Marianas.
Krissa Deleon Guerrero, lead outreach coordinator from the CNMI Office of Broadband Policy and Development, said in her welcome remarks that Governor’s Broadband Bootcamp was the realization of that vision for a more connected and forward-looking Commonwealth.
“Gov. Palacios saw broadband as more than wires and signals. He saw it as a bridge to opportunity, a lifeline for education, and a foundation for growth. His foresight and belief in the power of broadband connectivity planted the seed that became our office. And it's because of that vision that we now have the opportunity to shape a stronger, more resilient future for the CNMI,” she said.
Since securing funds from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, she said the Office of Broadband Policy and Development has asked itself one key question—how can we make sure our people are part of this development?
“We didn't want to simply build broadband infrastructure. We wanted to build local capacities. We wanted to create opportunities that would empower individuals right here in our islands to be the ones installing, maintaining, managing, and innovating with the technology that will shape our future. We recognize that meaningful progress isn't just about faster internet. It's about creating pathways for people to grow their skills, explore new careers, and ultimately contribute to the transformation of their own communities.”
In his keynote remarks, Palacios said everyone in the CNMI should be tired of telling ourselves, “oh we can't do this, we don't have the labor skills.”
“Well, I stand here today very, very proud that we've done this for ourselves. We've done this for our community, and yes, this is going to happen either later on this year or into next year. But this is going to be transformative and you are going to be part of this. We are all going to be part of this.”
Palacios added that the promise of the Governor’s Broadband Bootcamp is already paying dividends as Citadel Pacific, Ltd. is eyeing establishing a data center on Tinian.
“As we speak, Citadel, which is the mother company of IT&E, is putting together a tremendous plan to put a data center on Tinian. And many international companies are already putting plans together to put fiber optic from across the world, especially in Asia, into the Commonwealth directly. We're looking at potentially four or five fiber optic cables to land in the Commonwealth. So, those are the things that are going to happen. So, we need to prepare ourselves,” he said.
From January to May 2025, 301 students enrolled in six bootcamp cohorts across the islands. Tinian’s 17 graduates completed their program last June 10, and Rota’s cohort graduated 23 last June 12.
One of the graduates from Saipan, Jacob Deleon Guerrero Sablan, said the experience transformed his career outlook. “I’ve learned so much—not just about broadband networks and fiber optic deployment, but also emotional intelligence and customer service. I’m looking forward to using what I’ve learned to help our community grow.”
Adan Alfre Aquino Manlulu, a participant in the program on Tinian, said the bootcamp has been an incredible journey of learning and growth.
“The knowledge and skills I gained in fiber optic technology and broadband networks have empowered me to contribute directly to improving connectivity in our community,” Manlulu said. “Beyond the technical training, the program’s focus on soft skills like time management and customer service has prepared me to serve our people with professionalism and dedication. I’m proud to be part of this initiative that will help bring better broadband access to Tinian and support the island’s future development.”
Monique Boyer-Sablon, director of NMC’s Community Development Institute, who emceed the ceremony, said the initiative was made possible through “the strength of collaborative partnerships” among government, academia, and industry, including local providers IT&E and Docomo Pacific.
NMTI CEO Jodina Attao then especially gave a big shout out to broadband instructor, Christian Camacho.
“He taught close to 300 students, something I've never done in the 12 years of my teaching career. Of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life, that's not easy. He practically lost his voice during the first week of class from repeating lessons two to three times a day, but he didn't stop there. “
Attao said Camacho is now a certified instructor through the National Center for Construction Education and Research as an electronic systems technician with NMTI, but said he’s not the exception.
“He's the example of what's possible when you follow through. So, challenge yourselves, build your capacity so that wherever you go, capacity goes with you. Just know that the CNMI's digital future isn't being written in Washington or Silicon Valley.”
NMC president Dr. Galvin Deleon Guerrero emphasized the bootcamp’s deeper meaning as it’s about connections between islands, between institutions, between families, and most importantly, “between you and your future.”
“You formed bonds with each other. You connected together. And you also came into the program with important connections from your family and your friends and your loved ones that provided you with the support network that you needed to make it through this program. Those connections are also equally important because you could not have done it by yourself. You needed your cohort members. You needed your family. You needed your friends. You needed your loved ones. So, give a big round of applause to yourselves and to everyone that connected to help you achieve this.
Graduates are now certified in fiber optics and broadband infrastructure and are ready to support upcoming broadband projects—including multiple new fiber-optic landing stations and data centers planned for the CNMI in the next year.
By Mark Rabago
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