July 23, 1963: First Micronesian Assistant Budget Officer Appointed

Marianas Press presents “Micronesia Moment.” In this new series, we dig into the archives at the Northern Marianas College to share moments from Micronesia’s history. 

In our first segment, we bring you a story from 62 years ago about John Sablan, the first Micronesian budget officer appointed in the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.

According to the publication Micronesian Reporter published for July-September 1963, “Mr. John A. Sablan of Saipan, thus, holds the distinction of being the first Micronesian in the Territory to hold such a responsible position in budget management. As Assistant Budget Officer he will serve as the principal assistant to the Budget Officer and be in charge of that office when the Budget Officer is away.”

The report added, “Mr. Sablan graduated from Pacific Islands

Central School in Truk in 1954. Upon his return to Saipan from Truk, he joined the staff of the Internal Affairs Office under the Naval Civil Administration as an interpreter and a tax revenue collector. Later he transferred to the Supply Department and in 1955 to the staff of the former Commissary Store of which he subsequently became manager. In October 1962 he transferred to the Headquarters Budget Office where he was employed until appointment to his present position.”

It concluded, “Mr. Sablan is an active participant in local affairs of the Saipan Municipality. He is a member of the Saipan Municipal Legislature and Chairman of the Mariana Islands District Board of Education.”

Want to learn more? Contact  CNMI Archivist Raymond M. Muña  at raymond.muna@marianas.edu and (670) 237-6883.