Rota leaders, residents overwhelmingly support nomination of Noel M. Calvo to Commonwealth Economic Incentive Authority

ROTA, Nov. 6, 2025 — The Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Government Investigations held a public hearing at the Mayor's Office Conference Hall in Tota on Nov. 6 to consider Governor David M. Apatang and Lieutenant Governor Dennis C. Mendiola's nominee, Noel M. Calvo, for a seat on the Commonwealth Economic Incentive Authority board representing the 1st Senatorial District. The hearing opened at about 10:22 a.m., and the committee recorded multiple oral endorsements and seven written testimonies in support; no written or oral testimony in opposition was received.

The hearing focused on Calvo's background and his vision for CEIA. "I humbly and I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to speak before you today as a nominee for the board of directors of the Commonwealth Economic Incentive Authority," Calvo told the committee after being sworn in. He described 21 years in the Department of Public Safety, experience preparing departmental budgets and testimony at budget hearings, and private-sector experience operating family businesses and working in casino security.

Calvo told the committee his "vision for serving on the [CEIA] is to really responsible stewardship" and said he would work with other board members to "create a foundation ... for future sustainability of businesses to assist and give them good initiative incentive" so enterprises would stay open and provide local jobs.

Local officials provided early and repeated endorsements. "Mr. Calvo brings a unique and comprehensive skill set that aligns perfectly with the mission of CEIA to attract investment, support small businesses, and enhance economic growth within our Commonwealth," Mayor Aubrey Hocook said. Jonathan H. Lizama, chairman of the Rota Municipal Council, Dean Manglona (chief of staff for the mayor), and a string of business and civic leaders also spoke in support, citing Calvo's community ties, leadership and combination of public- and private-sector experience. The committee clerk noted seven additional written testimonies in support, including submissions from the lieutenant governor's office and local department heads.

Committee members pressed Calvo on immediate priorities and legal foundations for CEIA. The floor leader asked, "What or how do you see yourself coming into the board ... what are your goals or objectives once confirmed, when you first meet, as a board with your counterparts from Tinian and Saipan?" Calvo replied he would promote transparency, work with municipal and commonwealth agencies, and focus on policies that help businesses sustain operations beyond short-term tourist cycles.

Senator Manny T. Castro urged an aggressive focus on diversifying the local economy, reducing regulatory burdens for start-ups and improving the customer experience for visitors. "Don't be intimidated," Castro told Calvo, advising him that he will often be the only public-sector representative in rooms dominated by business appointees and that local perspective matters when negotiating incentives and regulations.

Members also recommended Calvo review Chapter 14 of the Commonwealth Code, which governs free-trade zones and the CEIA's powers. The floor leader and other senators discussed the dormant state of the authority, the board's nine-member composition and the need to fill vacancies so Rota and Tinian have effective representation. Committee members urged coordination with the Commonwealth Development Authority, the Department of Public Lands and SITA on identifying potential public land for free-trade zones and to plan for infrastructure such as roads, power and sewage.

The committee closed public comment after the oral testimony and directed that the record include oral remarks and seven written endorsements; no written opposition was reported. Chairman Senator Francisco Cruz said all testimony would be included in the committee's recommendation to the full Senate. There was a preliminary motion earlier in the session to adopt the hearing agenda, which was moved, seconded and carried; no confirmation vote on Calvo was recorded in the hearing transcript.

If confirmed by the full Senate, Calvo would join a board that committee members said needs staff and regulatory work to begin issuing incentives and licenses. The committee did not take a final confirmation vote at the hearing and will forward its report, including oral and written testimony, to the full Senate for consideration.

— Reporting from Rota by the Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Government Investigations hearing record.