By Moneth G. Deposa
Variety News Staff

SENIOR citizens took over the CNMI government on Friday as the commonwealth celebrates Older Americans Month.
A total of 56 manamko’ were assigned to various government agencies.
Named acting governor was Pacita Angeles, 72, who described her experience as “fun and the chance of a lifetime.”
Angeles started the day, along with other manamko’, by meeting Gov. Benigno R. Fitial at the administration building.
“We first met with the governor and joined him in some activities including a proclamation signing and a meeting with the zoning board,” she said. “At the same events, we were introduced to some of his cabinet members and guests.”
Because of Fitial’s busy schedule, Angeles said she didn’t have much time to talk with the governor.
“I am so happy to see and learn some things about the job of the Big Boss of the CNMI,” she said, adding that she was also introduced to the governor’s staffers who provided her with information about their functions.
Last year, Angeles acted as the director of the Aging Office.
“It’s a new experience for me and I enjoyed learning more about the governor’s functions,” she said.
Acting as lt. governor was 64-year-old Asuncion Jacoba, who said that although she didn’t meet with Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Villagomez, “I had a nice day in his office.”
Jacoba said it was the first time she had participated in Takeover Day, which was organized by the Aging Office.
“I was excited (this morning). I had a wonderful experience,” she said.
The acting Senate president was 74-year-old Francisco “Frank Sato” Dela Cruz who said that despite not meeting with the other lawmakers, except for Senate Floor Leader Felix T. Mendiola, Covenant-Rota, “I enjoyed my day here.”
Last year, he was the acting lt. governor.
“The staffers were accommodating — they showed me around the building and I met the other employees. Unfortunately, our lawmakers were busy with meetings and I didn’t meet with them,” Dela Cruz said.
He said he wanted to ask Senate President Joseph M. Mendiola, Covenant-Tinian, about “the real situation of the commonwealth.”
Dela Cruz added, “I wanted to know about our economic status and the fuel surcharge which continue to punish the people…but he was in a very important meeting.”
According to the Senate president’s office manager, Chris Castro, the acting Senate president was briefed about the office’s function and how a bill becomes law.
“I think Mr. Dela Cruz would be a good Senate president. He’s eager to know and learn about things. He’s fabulous!” said Castro, adding that they share information with the senior citizens “so they could better understand the functions of the Legislature.”
Other senior citizens who participated in Takeover Day included Ed Litulumar, attorney general; Antonio Santos, House speaker; Sitae Terry, Office of Personnel and Management; Susana Santos, Office of the Public Auditor; Benita Cepeda, the Public Defender’s Office; and Jesus Pangelinan, education commissioner.