 First Secretary of the FSM Department of Education Passes AwayPalikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services): January 25, 2010 - Dr. Catalino Cantero, the first Secretary for the FSM Department of Education, passed away on Saturday, January 16th, 2010 in Pohnpei. Dr. Cantero was an instrumental figure in the shaping of education in the FSM nation for more than 15 years. Dr. Cantero is a native of U municipality in Pohnpei and was a graduate of Xavier High School. He went on to earn his BA degree in social psychology from Northern Michigan University, Marquette; a masters in social work from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and a Ph.D. in educational administration from Ohio University, Athens, where he was a Fullbright Scholar. Cantero became the first Micronesian to earn his doctorate degree or Ph.D., the highest award in the educational world, and has devoted his entire life to educational development in the FSM. In his long career in education, Cantero served as the Pohnpei State Education Department scholarship and testing coordinator, an assistant land grant officer for the College of Micronesia, and a consultant to the then Community College of Micronesia president, mainly in the area of federal programs. In 1983 he was selected to be the president of the Community College of Micronesia by the Board of Regents, replacing Resio Moses, who resigned to campaign for governor of Pohnpei. On April 7, 1993, President Bailey Olter administered the oath of office to Dr. Cantero as the first Secretary of the newly created Department of Education. Prior to this he was serving as the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Health, Education and Social Services in the FSM National Government. After his time in the FSM Department of Education, Dr. Catalino Cantero served on the COM-FSM Board of Regents. Dr. Cantero held the traditional title of Aronsed U, and was a well respected member of his community. |