By Moneth G. Deposa
Variety News Staff

THE islands’ senior citizens will be honored this month as the nation celebrates Older Americans Month.
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial yesterday proclaimed May as Mes Manamko’/Maramal Tufeey and urged citizens to honor and support the elderly and those who care for them throughout the month.
This year’s theme is “Making Choices for a Healthier Future.”
“I urge all to promote and participate in activities that contribute to helping older Americans make choices for a healthy and rewarding future in publicly reaffirming our islands’ continuing commitment to honor older American, our manamko’/tufeey,” the governor said at the Aging Office in Chinatown yesterday.
The CNMI is home to more than 2,000 citizens who are 60 years of age or older.
“We have an average of 70 to 90 who come daily to our office,” Aging Office director Howard Macaranas said. “About the same number as our homebound clients. All of them deserve to be recognized and honored this month — the reason we have a lineup of activities for them to enjoy.”
Among the highlights of this month’s celebration is the whole-day conference for the elderly on May 25 at the Fiesta Resort & Spa Hotel. Representatives of various health providers will facilitate the event.
On May 11, the Aging Office will conduct the traditional “takeover day” when the manamko’ visit different government offices.
The annual manamko’ king and queen fundraiser is set for May 30.
Proceeds from this year’s event will be used for the visit of about 50 senior citizens to Guam before the end of the year.
“They are also excited about their annual Managaha trip,” Macaranas said.
He added that despite the CNMI’s economic difficulties, the elderly still receive donations and assistance from the community.
The other guests during yesterday’s proclamation signing included Department of Community and Cultural Affairs Secretary Daisy Villagomez-Bier, her Deputy Secretary Melvin O. Faisao, Public Health Secretary Joseph Kevin Villagomez, and Chamorro/Carolinian Language Policy Commission Executive Director Dave Omar.