Yap Delegation attend State & National Leadership Conference in Pohnpei

Friday, August 16, 2024// DYCA PIO

A delegation from Yap State, led by Honorable Governor Charles Chieng, is currently attending the State and National Leadership Conference (SNLC) in Pohnpei, alongside notable Yap State Legislature Vice Speaker Theodore Rutun.

During his official visit, Honorable Governor Chieng of Yap State paid a courtesy call to His Excellency President Wesley Simina of the Federated States of Micronesia. The meetings included notable attendees such as Honorable Vice President Aren B. Palik, Acting Attorney General Leonito Bacalando Jr., President’s Chief of Staff Jane Chigyal, and Vice President's Special Assistant Arie Skilling. Additionally, Honorable Vice Speaker Rutun, DYCA Director Alex Gilfiley, OPB Director Julius Tun, Senator Pius Talimeisei, Legal Counselor Genevieve M. Mangefel, and Budget Officer Noimilynn Pigao were present. While the week-long conference continued, Governor Chieng also extended courtesy calls to Ambassadors and representatives from the U.S., China, Japan, and Australian Embassies.

During the SNLC conference, four key resolutions were adopted by the SNLC, focusing on critical national issues:

1. Environmental and Climate Change Funding: Expressing support for increased allocation of Compact funding, through the Annual Implementation Plan (AIP), toward establishing a nationwide program to address environmental and climate change challenges within the first five years of the Compact period.

2. Decentralization of Infrastructure Implementation: Supporting a bill to amend Title 55 of the FSM Code to decentralize the implementation of infrastructure projects under the Compact.

3. Transparency in Fuel Prices and Utility Tariffs: Expressing appreciation for the role of the National Petroleum Corporation and State Utilities, while calling for a review and increased transparency in fuel prices and utility tariffs.

4. Extension of AIP Funds Deadline: Endorsing a request to seek JEMCO’s approval for an extension of the deadline on the automatic sweep of unspent FY24 AIP funds.

   
   

Governor Chieng acknowledged notable government officials in his opening remarks, expressing gratitude for Yap State being part of the conference. He emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, stating that the efforts discussed at the SNLC are crucial for the "....greater ends for our FSM Nation and [its] citizens." So, today, August 16th, the week-long conference will be coming to end with a closing reception and remarks from the FSM HE President Simina, Hon. VP Palik, and all the heads of each state. Afterwards, the Yap delegation will start to make their way back home.

(For more information, please contact the Yap State Government Office at 350-2801 or DYCA PIO at 350-2168.)