College of Micronesia and Partner College administrative staff attended the annual National Extension and Research Administrative Officers Conference (NERAOC) 2024 in Wilmington, Delaware, from April 7-10, 2024, as part of their professional development and program.

The annual National Extension and Research Administrative Officers Conference (NERAOC) provides a venue for professional development, information sharing, and networking to state Cooperative Extension, Agricultural Experiment Station, and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) staff. This includes sharing and exchanging current and relevant best practices, discussing policy, obtaining definitive interpretation of regulations, and discussing future issues pertinent to operating the Land-grant University (LGU) system and other cooperating institutions. The NERAOC serves individuals at Land-grant institutions in all regions as defined by the APLU Board on Agricultural Assembly (BAA) Experiment Station Experiment Station Committee on Organization and Policy (ESCOP) and Extension Section Committee on Organization and Policy (ECOP). NERAOC highlighted the Land Grant Institutions partnership with USDA-NIFA and all other communities. The conference aims to strengthen professional development and information sharing, including networking with colleagues nationwide through engaging presentations, hands-on sessions, and round table discussions.

Pictured from left to Right: Engly Ioanis, Livestock Specialist & Acting Associate Director CES, COM; Mrs. Linda Flowers, Head, Capacity Grant Section, NIFA, USDA; Dr. Manoj Nair, Aquaculture Research Scientist & Acting Associate Director AES, COM; Dr. Murukesan Krishnapillai, Research Scientist, Agriculture, COM-FSM on the sidelines of NERAOC, 2024.

Pictured from left to Right are Doman Daoas, CFO, COM; Grace Lorrin, Administrative Assistant, COM; Dr. Manoj Nair, Acting Associate Director AES, COM; Malia Nii, Secretary, CMI CRE; Engly Ioanis, Associate Director CES, COM; and Mrs. Roselle Dogonon, Comptroller, COM-FSM, at NERAOC 2024, Wilmington, Delaware.

COM Land Grant Executive Director Mr. Stanley Lorennij and other staff from the COM Central Office attended the 31st COM-FSM Foundation Day celebrations at PICS High School track and field on April 2, 2024.

The theme for this year’s COM-FSM Foundation Day was sports. The COM Central Office team witnessed the sporting activities of students representing the different states and campuses.

COM Land Grant Executive Director Mr. Stanley Lorennij met with Dr Theresa Koroivulaono on the sidelines of the celebrations. Diplomats from different Missions also attended the celebrations.

Dr. Manoj Nair, Doman Daoas, Haraline Ramirez and Margaret Weital accompanied the Executive Director Mr. Stanely Lorrenij to show COM’s support and commitment to partner colleges.

COM Land Grant Executive Director Mr. Stanley Lorennij in front of the VIP gallery at PICS track and field

COM Land Grant Executive Director Mr. Stanley Lorennij and Dr Theresa Koroivulaono, President COM-FSM enjoying the Student sports at PICS track and field as part of the COM -FSM Foundation day celebrations in Pohnpei

COM Land Grant Executive Director Mr. Stanley Lorennij with Dr Theresa Koroivulaono, President COM-FSMat the COM -FSM Foundation day celebrations in PICS track and field, Pohnpei

COM -FSM Students participating in the Games and Sports at the PICS, track and field in Pohnpei

Pictured from left to Right: Dr. Manoj Nair, Doman Daoas, Executive Director Stanley Lorennij and COM-FSM CRE coordination Trisden Elias at the COM-FSM Foundation Day celebrations in PICS track and field in Pohnpei

Pictured from left to Right: Haraline Ramirez and Margaret Weital from the COM Central Office at the COM-FSM Foundation Day celebrations in PICS track and field in Pohnpei

According to a press release from the Office of the Governor of Pohnpei State on March 19, 2024,

North Pacific Aqua Trading Corporation, represented by General Manager Westcott Panuelo, delivered a compelling business presentation at the Office of Fisheries and Aquaculture (OFA) conference room to Governor Joseph and key stakeholders.

The presentation outlined the corporation’s proactive approach to address concerns regarding foreign exploitation of local natural resources, particularly sea cucumbers, with minimal benefits to local communities and environmental sustainability.

Mr. Panuelo highlighted the increasing demand for sea cucumbers in China and emphasized the historical significance of these marine creatures as a traded commodity in our region, known as beche-de-mer.

The proposed business strategy entails a two-phase approach. The first phase focuses on infrastructure setup, collaboration with COM Land Grant for hatchery support, and community training. The second phase involves expansion and enhancement, with projections of creating over 200 job opportunities.

Acknowledging the importance of government support, Mr. Panuelo stressed the need for regulatory amendments to ensure adherence to best practices and practicality. The corporation plans to establish 50 sea cucumber farms, with 30 located within local communities, offering them a chance to participate in and profit from aquaculture activities.

Furthermore, Mr. Panuelo outlined plans to eventually allow community members to purchase shares in the corporation, fostering local ownership and involvement in the enterprise.

Governor Joseph praised the vision presented by North Pacific Aqua Trading Corporation, aligning with his administration’s goals of addressing food security, fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, and promoting sustainable practices within local communities.

Expressing his excitement for the partnership, Governor Joseph assured Mr. Panuelo and his team, including Mr. Aspen Apis and Enlet Enlet Jr., of the full support and cooperation of the Pohnpei State Government in realizing this ambitious and beneficial initiative.

Also present during the presentation were: Mr. Stanely Lorrenij Executive Director of COM Land Grant, Mr. Clayton Hedson, Acting Administrator of OFA, Mr. Eugene Eperiam, Acting Director of the Department of Resources and Development, Mr. Jorg Anson – Nominee for the position of OFA Administrator and Mr. Mark Kostka – Nominee for the position of Director of the Department of Resources and Development.

News feature source: Press release Office of the Governor, Pohnpei State

Pictured from left to Right from far-left corner: Mr. Westcott Panuelo Mr. Stanley Lorennij , Hon. Stevenson A. Joseph, Governor, Pohnpei State Government, Mr. Mark Kostaka, Mr. Aspen Apis and Enlet Enlet Jr at Pohnpei State Office of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Conference Hall in Pohnpei, March 19, 2024(Picture credit Office of the Governor, Pohnpei State)

A view during the presentation on Sustainable Sea cucumber Aquaculture done by Mr. Westcott Panuelo, North Pacific Aqua Trading Corporation to the group at the Pohnpie State Office of the Fisheries and Aquaculture in Pohnpei on March 19, 2024 ( Picture credit Office of the Governor, Pohnpei State)

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According to a press release from the Office of the Governor of Pohnpei State on March 13, 2024,

Local entrepreneurs Mr. Westcott Panuelo, Mr. Aspen Apis, and Mr. Enlet Enlet Jr. paid a courtesy visit to Governor Joseph to introduce their innovative business venture, North Pacific Aqua Trading. The trio shared their vision of establishing a sustainable enterprise centered around the sale of sea cucumbers, harnessing the rich natural resources of our ocean.

North Pacific Aqua Trading aims to leverage the support of COM Land Grants Nursery and technical expertise on sea cucumbers to create a thriving business that aligns with environmental sustainability. The entrepreneurs expressed their commitment to responsible resource utilization and their desire to contribute positively to the local economy.

During the meeting, the entrepreneurs requested a follow-up session to elaborate further on their business concept and discuss potential collaborations with the Pohnpei State Government. Governor Joseph congratulated the trio for their entrepreneurial spirit, commended their dedication to sustainability, and assured them of his full support.

Governor Joseph shared insights from a prior meeting with COM Land Grant Executive Director Stanley Lorrenij, who hinted at exciting project collaborations on the horizon. The Governor supported the idea of key personnel from the Pohnpei State Government joining the entrepreneurs’ presentation to foster collaboration and enhance the success of North Pacific Aqua Trading.

This promising initiative exemplifies Pohnpei State’s commitment to sustainable development and responsible business practices. As the entrepreneurs prepare for the follow-up meeting, anticipation grows for North Pacific Aqua Trading’s potential positive impact on the local economy and environment.

News feature source: Press release Office of the Governor, Pohnpei State

Pictured from left to Right: Mr. Aspen Apis, Hon. Stevenson A. Joseph, Governor, Pohnpei State Government, Mr. Westcott Panuelo and Mr. Enlet Enlet Jr at Governor’s office in Pohnpei, March 13, 2024, 2024 ( Picture credit Office of the Governor, Pohnpei State)

A view of the meeting between Hon. Stevenson A. Joseph and the North Pacific Aqua Trading Group team at the Governor’s office in Pohnpei on March 13, 2024 ( Picture credit Office of the Governor, Pohnpei State)

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