SAIPAN — Governor David M. Apatang has declared a Commonwealth State Funeral in honor of the late Honorable Lieutenant Governor Diego Tenorio Benavente, with full honors and ceremonial observances set for Saturday, November 29, 2025.
In a November 21 memorandum issued from the Office of the Governor and co-signed by Lt. Governor Dennis James C. Mendiola, the administration proclaimed the Commonwealth State Funeral “in honor of the Honorable Diego Tenorio Benavente, whose lifetime of public service, humility, and dedication to the people of the Marianas has left an enduring mark on our Commonwealth.”
The state funeral will begin with a departure from Borja Funeral Home at 8:40 a.m. The procession will proceed to the Governor Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe, where the official ceremony is scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Following the ceremony, a public viewing at Mt. Carmel Cathedral will begin at 10:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial is set for 2:00 p.m., with interment to follow at Marpi Cemetery.
According to the memorandum, all elected and regional leaders throughout the Commonwealth are respectfully invited to attend and take part in the observances. Proper and dignified attire is requested for all official participants.
The administration also welcomes members of the general public, community organizations, businesses, and non-profit entities to offer condolences during the public viewing at Mt. Carmel Cathedral and to join the Mass of Christian Burial and interment ceremonies honoring Benavente’s life of service.
The proclamation calls on the community to unite in remembrance of the former lieutenant governor’s leadership, service to the people, and the legacy he leaves for future generations.
