SAIPAN — Gov. David M. Apatang delivered a tribute to late former Lt. Gov. Diego Tenorio Benavente at a state funeral Saturday, honoring the longtime public servant’s contributions to the Commonwealth and the broader Micronesian region.
Benavente, who died Nov. 20 at age 66, served as the sixth lieutenant governor of the CNMI from 2002 to 2006 and was a three-term speaker of the House of Representatives.
In his remarks, Apatang highlighted Benavente’s extensive public service career that spanned more than three decades, mostly in government. The governor noted Benavente’s work as a board member and chairman of the Pacific Islands Development Bank, where he strengthened the institution’s financial position and advocated for regional development.
Apatang said Benavente maintained close ties with leaders across Micronesia, including the Federated States of Micronesia, and served as an ambassador promoting shared regional goals.
The governor addressed Benavente’s widow, Vicky Iriarte-Benavente, and their children directly, extending condolences on behalf of the Commonwealth. Lt. Gov. Dennis James Mendiola joined Apatang in the tribute.
Apatang acknowledged the demanding nature of elected office, noting that public servants often bring their work home throughout the week. He praised Benavente’s loyalty to public service and the sacrifices required for such dedication.
The state funeral was held Saturday morning at the Governor Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe. After his term as lieutenant governor, he returned to the legislature, serving until his retirement in 2011.
Beyond his CNMI service, Benavente was active in regional affairs through the Association of Pacific Island Legislators and the Pacific Islands Development Bank.
Below are the full remarks from CNMI Governor David M. Apatang:
Good Morning, Buenas Dias, Hafa Adai, and Tirow. Our culture and traditions long recognized that we grieve with our community for the loss of a family member. This culture and tradition are dear in our hearts and it has survived our tradition from a very small community in our beginning after the war to our present-day commonwealth.
Mrs. Vicky Iriate-Benavente and children of our beloved late former Lieutenant Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and former Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Northern Mariana Commonwealth Legislature, please know that you have us to support you in this very difficult time. We grieve with you and continue to pray for your strength this time of your loss. On behalf of the people of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Lieutenant Governor Dennis Mendiola and I extend our sincere condolences to you and your family.
The Commonwealth lost a member of her family who worked very hard to make our Commonwealth a great place to live and work for everyone. Senot Honorable Diego Tenorio Benavente worked more than half of his life, most of it in the public sector. Throughout his public career, he served in various capacities, most notably as the Speaker of the House of Representatives and as a Lieutenant Governor of our great Commonwealth.
He was a board member and Chair of the Board for the Pacific Islands Development Bank, where he made tremendous contributions to increase its finances, strength, and solidify its viability in addition to representing the CNMI. He served as an ambassador for the FSM, advocating for shared goals. We’ll miss a great statesman, son of our Northern Mariana Islands, whose name is well known in our Commonwealth, and a dear friend who worked to the end.
You know, the life of an elected official is unlike others, where at the end of the day, one goes home and leaves the issue of the day at the office, and as elected representative and Lieutenant Governor, I am sure he brought home his work seven days a week. That took strength and enormous effort. And for that, I say, Si Yu’us Ma’ase, Ghillisow, Diego for being the loyal public servant that our Commonwealth expected of you. The work you undertook and the sacrifices you made were not easy.
Diego, you are now in our father’s home. We will pray for you. Si Yu’us Ma’ase, Ghillisow and thank you for your contributions to keep our Commonwealth safe, a pleasant place to live and work, and being a loud voice of our people in our nation’s Congress and White House.
Thank you, Lieutenant Governor Benavente, from the people of the Commonwealth. We will miss you very much. Un dankulu na Si Yu’us Ma’ase.
Watch the full remarks on the NMI News Service Facebook and YouTube.
