SAIPAN — Northern Marianas College Communications Manager Miguel Dandan has received a Flag Letter of Commendation from U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Joshua Lasky, recognizing his leadership and public information service during the CNMI’s response to two consecutive super typhoons.
The commendation, issued in support of Joint Task Force-Micronesia, recognizes Dandan’s role in strengthening coordination among military, federal, territorial and local government partners during emergency response and recovery operations.
Ahead of Super Typhoon Sinlaku’s landfall, Dandan was asked to support the CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management Office’s public information officer with communications preparations. About a week after Sinlaku, he assumed the additional role of public information officer and led the CNMI Joint Information Center while continuing as NMC’s communications manager, a dual role he carried through the response to Super Typhoon Bavi.
“Mr. Dandan played a vital role in the development, synchronization, and dissemination of timely, accurate, and trusted public messaging,” the commendation letter states. “His efforts ensured affected communities received essential life-safety information while reinforcing public confidence in the unified response.”
“Through exceptional professionalism, initiative, and dedication, Mr. Miguel Dandan provided critical public information support that strengthened coordination between military, federal, territorial, and local government partners throughout emergency response and recovery efforts,” Lasky wrote.
“The College is deeply proud of Miguel’s recognition and his communication leadership during and after two of the most powerful storms that have hit the CNMI this year,” NMC Interim President Frankie Eliptico said.
Dandan credited the JIC core team: Ethan Kwon, Victoria Bellas, CJ Bermudes, Lauren Garibay and Victoria Deleon Guerrero. “I am deeply honored to receive this commendation from Rear Adm. Lasky and grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of the CNMI during these challenging response operations,” he said, adding his appreciation for the HSEM staff led by Special Assistant Clement Bermudes: “Their contributions often occur behind the scenes, but they deserve tremendous recognition for their service to our community.”
