Northern Marianas College’s Cooperative Research, Extension, and Education Services- Family, Community, and Youth Development Program, in partnership with the Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services and CNMI Homeland Security Emergency Management, successfully delivered a series of disaster preparedness and response trainings across the CNMI.
Rosabelle Surla has been selected to serve as the lead collegiate facilitator for the 2026 National 4‑H Conference, marking her second consecutive year on the facilitator team and reinforcing the CNMI’s ongoing leadership in this national program. Surla brings extensive experience in youth development and public service, including leadership roles as 4‑H Marianas State Youth Council public relations officer and overall lead camp counselor at Camp Maga’lahi, where she mentored peers and helped organize programs that build skills and confidence for youth.
Strengthening food and nutrition security through healthy habits, Northern Marianas College’s Cooperative Research, Extension, and Education Services recognized 249 Expanded Food, Nutrition, and Education Program or EFNEP adult participants for Program Year 2025 at the CNMI-wide Year-End EFNEP Recognition Ceremony.
4-H Marianas is investing in youth leadership thanks to the support of Tournament of Champions! The 4-H Marianas program was awarded $3,000 by the TOC on Nov. 24, 2025. The donation is intended to support the program’s positive youth development initiatives offered through 4-H Marianas. The funds will directly support key initiatives, including the youth events to be hosted by the 4-H Youth Island Council and the upcoming 2026 Camp Maga’lahi. The check was presented to the 4-H Youth Council members by TOC representatives Marian Aldan-Pierce, Vicente “Ben” Babauta, and Ray Camacho.
The Northern Marianas College Cooperative Research, Extension, and Education Services Agroforestry program held their workbook launch on Rota for its new book, “Regenerative Agroforestry in Action in the Marianas: A Guide for Creating Abundant Food Forests,” at the Rota Mayor’s Office on November 12, 2025. Free copies were distributed to attendees while the authors accepted questions and comments. This event follows the Saipan and Tinian book launches, held on September 26, 2025 and October 18, 2025, respectively, concluding an island-wide published volume made for the CNMI.
To strengthen agriculture in the Commonwealth, Northern Marianas College’s Cooperative Research, Extension, and Education Services (NMC-CREES) has launched a project to introduce and test several tropical fruit varieties from Malaysia. Led by NMC-CREES, the initiative aims to expand the islands’ food supply, support local farmers, and create new opportunities for communities across the CNMI. By diversifying what can be grown locally, the project also supports long-term food security and regeneration for the region.
