Charles S. Chieng

Charles Sigfred Chieng (born 27 June 1954) became the ninth governor of Yap State, Federated States of Micronesia, on 9 January 2023.

He entered the University of Guam (UOG) to study Political Science, then transferred to the University of Incarnate Word in Texas where he earned his B.A. in Political Science and a B.A. in Secondary Education. He then moved to Washington D.C. pursuing a further degree in Urban and Regional Planning at University of the District of Columbia (UDC)

Chieng ran in the 2022 election for governor of Yap State against the incumbent governor Jesse Salalu and former Cabinet official James Gartamag Lukan. Chieng won the three-way election with a 44.2% plurality of the vote corresponding to 1,630 votes.

Campaign Platform

In his campaign, Chieng pledged to:

• Maintain sound, cooperative, and productive intra-relationships among governmental branches and departments, as applicable, during term in office
• Continue, and/or create greater transparency and community engagement in governmental decisions and positions
• Review, develop and adapt a regional and urban development plan for the State of Yap while refurbishing her horizontal/vertical infrastructures as her quest for economic development efforts continue; review State salary scale; and facilitate growth in the private sector
• Facilitate Yap GDP growth by at least 1% and review Yap State marine/land issues in coordination with the FSM National Government.
• Preserve and protect Yap State interests in the FSM and international dealings
• Support the Yap State Constitution, governmental reform, capacity growth, and encourage governmental work ethic via accountability and targeted programs

Administration

Political and Public Engagement: Governor Chieng issued Executive Order #2023-02, establishing a Task Force to advise him, lead public awareness campaigns, and foster political education regarding a review of Yap's Political Status under Yap State Law 11-27.

Legislative and Public Collaborations: He has been involved in numerous legislative initiatives, including advocating for transparency in revenue dispersing and working toward a goal of achieving 100% internal revenue by 2026. Governor Chieng has also discussed collaborations with the U.S. military concerning infrastructure projects, such as runway and dock expansions.

Infrastructure and Economic Development: Governor Chieng highlighted the Yap State Infrastructure Development Project, which included significant endeavors like the Ganir Bridge and Northern Road. He has urged collaboration between the government and the private sector to promote financial balance and enhance Yap State's economy.

International Relations and Conferences: Governor Chieng played a role in fostering relationships with international partners, acknowledging foreign diplomats' contributions, and attending conferences like the State and National Leadership Conference (SNLC). The SNLC saw resolutions related to climate change funding, decentralization of infrastructure projects, transparency in fuel prices, and extending financial deadlines. See Arngel Formula.

Lieutenant Governor

Lieutenant Governor Francis Itimai is the Lieutenant Governor of Yap State, and was elected on a ticket with Governor Chieng. Itimai frequently appears at official state events and meetings alongside Governor Charles Chieng. Lt. Governor Itimai has been involved in key discussions and events, including his mention of the ongoing progress of the increase of the salary law due to the outdated Public Service System Rule (PSSR) during a cabinet meeting presided over by Governor Chieng on July 18th, 2024.

Cabinet

The cabinet of Governor Charles Chieng of Yap includes several key officials from various departments:

Director of the Department of Youth and Civics Affairs: Alex Gilfiley.

Chief of Finance at the Office of Administration: Irene Laabrug.

Director of the Office of Planning and Budget: Julius Tun.

Acting Director and Chief of Workforce Enrichment Division at the Department of Resource and Development: Bernard Gorong.

Director of the Department of Public Works & Transportation Joe Giltug.

Director of the Department of Education: Dominic Fanasog.

Director of the Department of Health Services: Maria Marfel; followed by Acting Director Cinderella Lefagopal.

Attorney General: Joses Gallen, succeeded by Viliame Tuinadi Lagonilakeba

Chief Litigator at the Attorney General Office: Jesse Ralgmar.

Office of Administration Chief of Supply and Procurement: Patricia Ruecho.

Department of Youth and Civic Affairs Proxy Public Information Officer: Jovanna Nabetam.

Key Executive Agency Heads

Alex Gilfiley has several roles within the Administration: He serves as Director of the Department of Youth and Civics Affairs. Gilfiley also lead the Public Education Committee, which includes Directors Joseph Giliko, Maria Marfel, and Dominic Fanasog as members. This committee is part of a task force organized to execute mandates outlined in Governor Chieng’s Executive Order 2023-02. Gilfiley is also a member of the Election Committee, which is led by the Election Commissioner, Christopher Buchun. Through these roles, Alex Gilfiley plays a significant part in civic affairs, public education, and electoral processes within the governance structure of Yap State.

Gilfiley has been extended additional roles through Executive Order No. 2025-04 Re: Establishing Task Force On US Military And Government Operations in Yap. He has been appointed to the "Task Force on United States Military and Government Operations and the Operational Control Letter" as well as the so-called "Negotiation Team" created by the Order.

Viliame Lagonilakeba, the Attorney General, is a former powerlifter. He is neither Yapese nor and Outer Islander, but a native of Fiji. He earned a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the The University of Fiji in 2019. Lagonilakeba served as Assistant Attorney General of Yap until he rose to the position of Attorney General in mid-May of 2025. He has been appointed to the "Task Force on United States Military and Government Operations and the Operational Control Letter" as well as the so-called "Negotiation Team" created by the Order.

Thomas Gilwuyoch Tun is the Director of the Office of Administrative Services (OAS) in Yap State. He was officially sworn in on November 25, 2024, during a ceremony held at the Governor’s Office. This event was attended by various esteemed officials, including Honorable Lieutenant Governor Francis Itimai, Honorable Governor Charles Chieng, and Chief of Justice Cyprian J. Manmaw, among others. Tun’s appointment to the position was introduced and adopted on October 7, 2024, by the 11th Yap State Legislature.

Relations with FSM National Government

Governor Chieng highlighted challenges faced by Yap State, such as the COFA Treaty and changes to the Arngel Formula. His advocacy is for Yap State representatives to work closely with the FSM government to synchronize infrastructure project developments, supporting a State Master Plan for their efficient implementation under fiscal constraints. Additionally, during a diplomatic note from the U.S. Embassy to the FSM, Governor Chieng was informed of a U.S. military flight scheduled to arrive in Yap, aimed at supporting the Seabees for specific construction efforts. This flight was intended to transport supplies and personnel for the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion, also known as the Seabees.

Relations with US Officials

Governor Charles Chieng of Yap has engaged in various discussions and activities related to the United States. During a courtesy meeting with the U.S. Ambassador, Ambassador Jennifer Johnson, there was a focus on opportunities for continued collaboration and strengthening ties between the U.S. and Yap. Ambassador Johnson reaffirmed the United States' commitment to supporting the economic and social well-being of Pacific Island communities, emphasizing the importance of maintaining open and active communication. In addition, during Governor Chieng's State of the State address, he expressed gratitude to foreign dignitaries, including the U.S. Ambassador to the FSM, highlighting the contributions and pledges made to support Yap State. Governor Chieng has also discussed collaboration with the U.S. military, addressing potential projects like runway extension and dock expansion. He recommended setting up a working group to address land matters related to military involvement in Yap. Subsequently he issued Executive Order No. 2025-04.

US Expansion of Runway on Yap

Governor Charles Chieng of Yap has addressed several aspects related to military activities within the state. He has emphasized the importance of collaboration with the U.S. military concerning local infrastructure projects. Specifically, Chieng mentioned discussions about the runway extension and dock expansion to address safety concerns. These plans include a recommendation for the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) National Government to establish a working group with state representatives to address land matters associated with military involvement.

Engagement with China

In August of 2024, Chinese Charge d’Affaires ad interim Zhang Weitao met with T.H. Charles Chieng, Governor of Yap State. According to the PRC, Governor Chieng "sincerely thanked China for its long-term selfless assistance to Yap, and said that he will study the resolution of the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee to learn from China’s successful development experience. Chieng stressed that Yap State adheres to the policy of “friend to all, enemy to none”, and will continue to abide by the one-China principle, deepen friendly cooperation with China and promote the continuous development of bilateral relations."

China's donation of solar lamps and torches to Yap outer islands, announced November 18, 2024, was characterized by the PRC as "supported by T.H. Charles S. Chieng and T.H. Francis Itimai, governor and lieutenant governor of Yap State, [and] especially by Council of Pilung and Council of Tamol."

Health Issues

As on May 2025, Governor Charles S. Chieng is absent from Yap due to medical treatment overseas. During his absence, the Lieutenant Governor is to be carrying out his duties and responsibilities to ensure the smooth functioning of the government. Governor Chieng is "focusing on his health to return stronger and continues to express gratitude to the Lieutenant Governor, Cabinet Members, and all government parts for their teamwork during his absence".