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(UTULEI: Monday, February 8, 2010) – Governor Togiola Tulafono today welcomed home Domata Peko, Rey Maualuga and Jonathan Fanene of the Cincinnati Bengals.

In welcome remarks at the Office of the Governor, Governor Togiola lauded the three NFL players on their achievements in the National Football League, which has put “American Samoa in the limelight.”

In a special presentation, Domata Peko, on behalf of his teammates, the Cincinnati Bengals and the people of Greater Cincinnati, presented to Governor Togiola a check in the amount of $40,500 as their contribution to the American Samoa Disaster Relief Fund.

(UTULEI: Saturday, February 6, 2010) – Governor Togiola Tulafono on his weekly radio program –Mo Lou Silafia– gave a disaster update on the Permanent Housing Construction Program, the National Emergency Grant, and Disaster Unemployment Assistance that it was “moving along and going very well.”

Permanent Housing Construction Program

Governor Togiola said Construction Orders have been issued for three applicants. Fourteen applicants have had their Land Use Permits approved, while 32 are awaiting Site Inspection Requests.

The Construction Orders for houses for the three applicants are for two 2-bedrooms, and a 1-bedroom.

(UTULEI: Saturday, January 30, 2010) – Governor Togiola Tulafono today on his weekly radio program gave an update on the Territory’s disaster recovery and rebuilding efforts.

Permanent Housing Construction Program

(UTULEI) – Governor Togiola Tulafono today on his Saturday morning radio program announced the Permanent Housing Construction Program to be launched on Monday, and more than 900 workers have been hired with 700 positions remaining to be filled.

(UTULEI) – Governor Togiola Tulafono has announced the availability of attorneys employed at the Office of the Governor to assist members of the community affected by the earthquake and tsunami in their disaster-related claims for benefits through federal and local government offices.

In a General Memorandum dated December 11, 2009, Governor Togiola said the free legal assistance from the Post-Disaster Legal Aid Team is only for families whose annual income does not exceed $15,000. Cases that are determined to be “fee-generating” will be referred to the American Samoa Bar Association (ASBA) attorneys that are in private practice.

(UTULEI) – Governor Togiola Tulafono today, on his weekly radio program aired on KSBS-FM 92.1, gave a disaster recovery update on electrical power and generator connection, caring for locals, and tents distribution.

Governor Togiola also reported on the outreach program in the villages, FEMA individual assistance, temporary classrooms, the National Emergency Grant, Disaster Unemployment Assistance, briefings by FEMA and ASG on permanent housing options and transportation to Manu’a.

(UTULEI) – Governor Togiola Tulafono today announced the Territorial Tsunami Memorial Service will be held on December 16th at Malaeoletalu in Fagatogo, as the prelude to the start of the annual Territorial Christmas Program.

Governor Togiola said the theme of the memorial service is "The Spirit of Survival: Moving On" and is an event to pay tribute and respect to those who died in the disaster.

(UTULEI) – Philippines Consul General Leoncio Cardenas paid a courtesy call on Governor Togiola Tulafono on November 25, 2009 to express the sympathy of the people of the Philippines for the loss of lives from the earthquake and tsunami of September 29th.

“The thoughts and prayers of the people and government of the Philippines were with you from the time of the disaster and will continue to be with you through your recovery and rebuilding efforts,” said Consul General Cardenas, who arrived from Honolulu on November 22nd with three members of his staff.

 Consul General Leoncio Cardenas, based in Honolulu, said it was important for to be proactive and take the initiative to travel to American Samoa to provide assistance to citizens of the Philippines during the disaster.

“We were very concerned about how much more expensive it would be for people to travel to Honolulu to access consular services and therefore, we decided to assemble a team for consular services and travel to American Samoa,” said Consul General Cardenas. “I wish to invite you, Governor Togiola, to call on my office in Honolulu for any assistance that you need.”

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(UTULEI) – Governor Togiola Tulafono today, in a conference call, accepted a donation of $16,250 from Governor Felix Camacho and the people of Guam as part of their tsunami relief efforts in Hagatna.

Governor Camacho, on the phone from his office at the government complex in Adelup, was joined by American Samoans, who have been long-time residents of Guam – Mrs. Flo Galea'i Sanchez, Ms Lisa Maiava, and Mr. Joe Leasiolagi, whose mother Aionamu Leasiolagi died in the tsunami at the Territorial Administration On Aging Senior Citizens Center in Pago Pago, where she was a program participant.