(MV) — Pacifica Insurance Underwriters, Inc. was established at a time when the fledgling local economy has just opened its doors to investors. Many pivotal events took place that led to the development of the islands’ economic and business landscape.
The founders’ mission was to give islanders the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of insurance. From its post-Second World War reconstruction work to the new era that dawned for the Northern Mariana Islands and its people, Pacifica Insurance Underwriter’s Inc. led an illustrious history that bore witness to the struggles and triumphs of the Marianas and its people.
Pacifica Insurance Underwriters, Inc. was a part of the CNMI’s development—With insurance, PIUI was there to help investors in their quest to build, grow and prosper in a variety of industries that translated into jobs and improved standard of living for the people of the CNMI.
Here’s a look back.
70’s
Pacifica Insurance Underwriters, Inc. (PIUI) signed a managing general agency agreement with Tokio Marine & Fire Insurance Limited (TMF) to offer insurance coverage for fire and allied (property), liability, fidelity and surety bonds, marine hull and cargo, erection and construction insurance, and others.
Roman S. Palacios was the first president of Pacifica Insurance Underwriters, Inc.
Tatsuri Ariizumi was the first general manager.
PIUI joins the Saipan Chamber of Commerce, which was co-founded by the late Jose ‘Joeten’ Camacho Tenorio and was elected as the non-profit’s first president.
Signs a broker agreement with sister company Nanbo Insurance (Guam) to support the property and casualty coverage needs for individual and commercial risks in the Marianas.
80’s
Pacifica Insurance Underwriters, Inc. elected Norman C. Tenorio as president and chief executive officer. He is currently the company’s chairman of the board of directors.
PIUI hires Estanislao ‘Stan’ Waki as its general manager to help manage every facet of the company.
PIUI signs a managing general agency agreement with Pacific Guardian Life to offer term and whole life policies, individual and commercial group plans.
Pacifica and TMF join the Northern Marianas Insurance Association, the CNMI’s only property and casualty insurance organization, to work with industry leaders and stakeholders.
90’s
Pacifica Insurance Underwriters, Inc. recruits Jessica Sablan to assist with claims and underwriting. She is one of the oldest tenured employees with vast knowledge of PIUI’s services. She was recently promoted as operations manager overseeing underwriting and claims.
2000’s
Pacifica Insurance Underwriters, Inc. signs managing general agency agreement with Century Insurance Group to offer insurance lines for automobiles, fire and allied (property), liability, surety bonds, and others.
PIUI signs sub-agency agreement with Calvo’s Selectcare (Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire) to offer health insurance coverage to both small and large commercial groups.
PIUI signs a general agency agreement with Global Insurance to offer surety, performance, and payment bonds.
PIUI renews its managing general agency agreement under the newly formed Tokio Marine Pacific Insurance Limited, Tokio Marine North America to offer the same lines from its original agreement with TMF.
PIUI hires Shirley Tudela Sablan to take over the position of general manager and executive vice president. She is now the company president and chief executive officer.
PIUI hires Gloria Jane Madarang as an accounting manager to help manage the company’s finances. She still holds the position today.
PIUI signs agent agreement with Aetna Life & Casualty (Aetna International) to offer health insurance to both small and large commercial groups.
PIUI signs agent agreement with Maritime Mutual to offer insurance coverage to ship owners and boat charterers.
PIUI signs a broker agreement with National Hole in One to offer coverage to golf tournament organizers and other sporting events.
PIUI established Pacifica Art Contest (PAC) to help nurture and support local talent, and the arts. To date, it has recorded over 2,000 art pieces from a variety of mediums. Its first winning artists were Jaden Castro from Saipan International School and Abby Racoma from Saipan Southern High School. This year, 2023, PAC is celebrating 10th Year.
PIUI established Pacifica Go Green, a pioneering and innovative environmental protection and sustainability initiative in the CNMI.
PIUI introduced 2023 introduced the CNMI’s first ever commercial electric vehicle (EV) charging station.
PIUI logo is officially patented and trademarked by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
PIUI signed a broker agreement with Takagi & Associates, MGA for AIOI Insurance
PIUI signed broker agreement with Gallagher, one of the nation’s largest insurance brokers with access to syndicates at Lloyd’s of London
PIUI signed broker agreement with Dual, one of the leading insurance brokers in the nation with access to syndicates at Lloyd’s of London.
