Babauta, Manglona and Rota leadership court investment into southern island

Sen. Celina Babauta brought potential investors from Korea and Guam to Rota. Together with Sen. Donald Manglona, Rota island leadership, and the Palacios administration, the delegation toured abandoned hotels, the two piers, and considered the potential for Korean tourists to view the island as a first-class resort destination.

[Author’s disclosure: I participated in this tour as well. A separate company I own, Commonwealth Public Relations, may be participating in this venture as the marketing wing for the program. Neither CPR nor any of the investors are looking for a government contract.]

The following statement from Ms. Babauta’s office provides additional details:

At the invitation of Senator Celina R. Babauta (D) the CEO of InfiniD, Mr. Eunsoo Park and his International Marketing Manager, Ms. Grace Lauren, and Eden Global Corporation Vice President, Mr. John Jung, travelled from Korea and Guam, respectively, to perform site visits of various public and private properties to explore the potential of diversifying their business portfolio and expand their investments on the island of Rota.

On April 15, 2023, Senator Babauta travelled to Rota, CNMI where Senator Donald Manglona coordinated the meetings and site visits for the investors. Investors, Mr. Eunsoo Park, CEO, Ms. Grace Lauren, Global Contact of InfiniD Associates from Korea and Mr. John Jung, Vice President of Eden Global from Guam met with Acting Mayor Jim Atalig and Mr. Antonio Quitugua, DPL Rota District Office.  In Rota, the delegation was able to tour some natural sites such as the Taga Stone Quarry, an ancient Chamorro Latte village and the Songsong Village look out for an aerial view of Songsong village.

“Investors from Korea are interested in investing in our CNMI, and they envision a revitalized tourism industry, particularly in Rota.  These reputable investors expressed a serious interest in providing inter-island air service throughout the CNMI and with the abrupt departure of Marianas Southern Air, it couldn’t have come at a better time.  They have also expressed the importance of reviving the hospitality industry and importing commodities to alleviate the high cost of living. As I promised in my campaign, and as I have committed to the people I serve, my office is working hard to resuscitate our economy from the economic depression the previous administration left us in,” according to Senator Celina Roberto Babauta.  “I am excited that the economy of Rota will experience an infusion of economic activities in the very near future,” says Babauta.

Senator Donald Manglona expressed optimism for the economic rebound of Rota’s economy with increased investor interest in the Municipality.  “I am ecstatic to promote my home island so we can leave a robust Rota for future generations, and I will continue to do what is necessary to accomplish that,” said Senator Manglona

InfiniD is a diverse company with specialties in expo planning, architectural and interior designs, engineering capabilities.  Mr. John Jung is a wholesale importer of quality produce from Korea to a variety of stores in Guam.  He is also a licensed marine / ship captain, airplane pilot and he was the previous Information Technology manager for Hyundai Motor Company in Korea.