Northern Marianas College Communications Manager Miguel Dandan has received a Flag Letter of Commendation from U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Joshua Lasky in recognition of his leadership and public information service during the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands’ response to two consecutive super typhoons.
The commendation, issued in support of Joint Task Force–Micronesia, recognizes Dandan’s critical role in strengthening coordination among military, federal, territorial and local government partners during emergency response and recovery operations.
“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.
Ahead of Super Typhoon Sinlaku’s landfall, Dandan was asked to support the CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management Office’s public information officer and assist with communications preparations for the anticipated emergency response.
Approximately one week after Sinlaku, Dandan assumed the additional role of public information officer and led the CNMI Joint Information Center (JIC) while continuing to serve as communications manager for Northern Marianas College.
As JIC lead, Dandan coordinated the development, synchronization and dissemination of public information among local, territorial, federal and military partners. He continued in that role through the response to Super Typhoon Bavi, working to ensure that residents and affected communities received timely, accurate and trusted life-safety and recovery information.
“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.”
The letter also recognizes Dandan’s coordination with military public affairs professionals, emergency management officials and interagency partners to deliver clear, consistent communications that enhanced situational awareness and supported mission success.
“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,” Rear Adm. Lasky wrote.
“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,” Dandan said. “This recognition reflects the extraordinary work of our Joint Information Center core team—Ethan Kwon, Victoria Bellas, CJ Bermudes, Lauren Garibay, and Victoria Deleon Guerrero—whose dedication, professionalism and commitment to keeping our community informed made this possible.”
“I also extend my sincere appreciation to the hardworking staff of CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management, led by Special Assistant Clement Bermudes,” Dandan added. “Their steady leadership and tireless work helped guide the Commonwealth through two major storms. Their contributions often occur behind the scenes, but they deserve tremendous recognition for their service to our community.”