Colonia, Yap, April 25, 2024 — At 10 AM, Governor Charles Chieng presided over a cabinet meeting at the Governor's Office. Attendees included the Director of the Department of Youth and Civics Affairs, Alex Gilfiley; the Chief of Finance at the Office of Administration, Irene Laabrug; the Director of the Office of Planning and Budget, Julius Tun; the acting-Director and Chief of Workforce and Enrichment division at the Department of Resource and Development, Bernard Gorong; the Director of the Department of Public Works & Transportation, Joe Giltug; the Director of the Department of Education, Dominic Fanasog; the Acting-Director of the Department of Health Services, Cinderella Lefagopal; and the Chief Litigator at the Attorney General Office, Jesse Ralgmar.
The meeting covered a range of departmental issues, including updates on ongoing projects and departmental initiatives. Director Laabrug provided updates on several key areas, including discussions regarding the minimum wage and a review of the April 8th meeting. Also noted was the pending status of the FY22 audit, awaiting the draft report. Furthermore, it was noted the execution of the FMIS contract and highlighted a kick-off meeting held that morning, April 25th, regarding the fee balance. Director Gilfiley briefed on the outcome of the town hall, the status of the request for a new transmitter and the technical team's arrival, and the status and purpose of the requested generator.
Additionally, updates on the FSM 17U games activities remain ongoing, and an upcoming meeting with the Sports Council, the budget and program for Youth Summit, the FBI arrival to bring training and youth awareness, the Historic Preservation Office(HPO) ongoing work with the community, Website data analytics spike to almost 100k interactivity, and Public Information Officer(PIO) building networks—the Election Office's status on the upcoming referendum and new strategies, including mail-out and public education. Lastly, expectations were shared regarding one military arrival expected in May, and a scheduled meeting with the Joint Committee Meeting(JCM). Director Tun shared the Budget Division status and deadlines of the FY24 budget, FY25 budget, and the annual implementation plan accompanying FY24, in addition to the FY25 supplemental budget by the Governor's request to straighten out. As well as upcoming meetings regarding the FY24 and FY25 budgets progress.
Furthermore, the Planning Division's ongoing projects status on the Strategic Development Project(SDP) for the state's, H2 departure with people to conduct an assessment, and IOM progress in testing water supply and looking for funds. Chief Gorong discussed Workforce Enrichment Division funding for the Yap Women's Association(YWA) training workshop, Scholarship continues to accept applications, Land Resource ongoing programs and projects such as the surveying, Marine Resources sea bed research remain ongoing, and projects still in the process including assessments in coral reefs in the summer.
The Agriculture and Forestry Division programs and projects are ongoing and they sell over 100 seed packets and local produce. Chief Ralgmar shared an update on the new Assistant Attorney General(AAG) sworn in and involvement in the Health Summit in Pohnpei, as well as ongoing recruitments from the Outer Islands and budget status. Director Fanasog provided updates on school schedules, graduation, and upcoming events. He also discussed preparations for the Micronesian Education Teacher(MET) Conference and emphasized the department’s focus on student performance and program quality. Director Giltug shared updates on various fronts, including sea( e.g. number of cargo, yacht, tanker, and more arrival) and ground transportation, community repairs, and infrastructure projects remains ongoing. He also outlined the implementation of safety measures at various sites, including the dump site.
Lastly, Acting Director Lefagopal released the fee schedule for recommendations and sought feedback on space requirements.
Furthermore, the cabinet meeting is scheduled to only stream live on the last Thursday of each month on the Yap State government's Facebook page to ensure transparency.
(For further inquiries, please contact the Governor's Office at (691)350-2108 or DYCA at (691)350-2168. Thank you.)
Comments