NMI has new steward for Mañagaha, loses legacy retailer

BY MARK RABAGO
Saipan Correspondent

MAÑAGAHA and I LIYANG, Saipan — Mañagaha Island has a new operator promising upgrades and community focus. Meanwhile, one of Saipan’s longest-running retailers prepares to close under the weight of a deepening workforce crunch.

On Feb. 15, government and business leaders formally marked the transition of Mañagaha’s operations to Sea, Air, and Island Leisure, led by the Tan family. Lt. Gov. Dennis C. Mendiola called the island “the gem of the CNMI,” saying the renovations and renewed stewardship would help drive visitor arrivals and ensure long-term sustainability.

Lt. Gov. Dennis C. Mendiola and Jerry Tan, president and CEO of Tan Holdings, during the soft opening of Mañagaha Island. Photo by Mark Rabago

Jerry Tan, president and CEO of Tan Holdings, said the group assumed full responsibility at 8 a.m. that day, acknowledging the previous concessionaire’s three decades of stewardship before ceasing operations in 2020. He said the new team intends to build on that legacy with improved infrastructure and service.

“Mañagaha is not just for tourists,” Tan said. “Our job is to take care of our people who want to come here.”

Jennifer Tan, executive vice president of Sea, Air, and Island Leisure, said the company had just over a month to prepare after gaining access to the island. She described the reopening as “phase one,” with further upgrades — including new furniture, parasols, and a brand-new kitchen — planned ahead of a larger grand opening.

Jennifer Tan addresses guests on Feb. 15 at the soft opening. Photos by Mark Rabago

“It’s beautiful here. We don’t need to overcomplicate it,” she said, adding that the focus will be on improving service while preserving the island’s natural appeal.

In other news, National Office Supply on Beach Road is preparing to wind down operations, citing the loss of more than half its 25-member workforce within months.

Mary Irene Uy, president, said the decision was not driven by poor performance but by labor constraints linked to the CNMI’s touchback policy and federal immigration uncertainties.

“The main driving force has to do with people,” she said.

Between May and September, nine employees are expected to depart due to touchback requirements. Others face expiring Employment Authorization documents or are relocating to the U.S. mainland. The company anticipates losing 14 workers within nine months, including its entire accounting team.

“This is not horizontal. This is a vertical loss,” Uy said. “It’s a devastating kind of loss.”

Uy stressed the business remains viable. “We are, I believe, still profitable… At the very least, we are holding our own. We are not losing money,” she said.

The announcement has drawn interest from three potential buyers. “By 10:30 this morning, we’ve received three inquiries and interest to buying the business,” Uy said. The company will explore options to keep the store operating under new ownership, she said.

National Office Supply Saipan is separate from its Guam counterpart, though the owners are related. Uy said employees reacted with shock, noting many have spent decades with the company. The firm plans to provide a two-month severance package once operations conclude.

Uy expressed gratitude for years of customer loyalty and said the company hopes to be remembered as a trusted one-stop shop serving Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. mbj