PUBLIC servants, parents, and fellow community members gathered at the Kagman Community Center on Friday for signing of the proclamation declaring February as the 17th Parent Leadership Month.
Department of Community and Cultural Affairs Secretary Joseph Deleon Guerrero gave the opening remarks, followed by a proclamation reading led by parent-leader Suzie Torres Elieisar.
The proclamation was then signed by Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios. “In this small community,” he said, :we have a lot of children [who] are school-aged or teens…. We need to recognize people that put out extra efforts to accommodate and to guide our young adults in our community, even children…. Today…is a recognition of all these people across the Commonwealth, whether you’re in government or whether you’re public schools or private schools, and also non-profit organizations.”
According to the proclamation, “Parent leadership is successfully achieved when parents receive the support and training, in addition to shared responsibility, expertise and leadership in the planning, implementation, assessment and evaluation of policies, practices, and programs affecting families and communities.”
It notes that a number of diverse CNMI public and private entities have joined the DCCA-DYS Parent Education Program to plan and implement activities in promoting this year’s theme: “Strengthening Families through Parent Leadership,” or Amamawal Familias sangi Ammwelil lil me saam” in Carolinian, or Nina Metgut Familia siha ginen I Fuetsan Manai’na in Chamorro.
Those present for the ceremony also had the opportunity to participate in a “Mindful Minute” session to de-stress and re-center.
The parent’s pledge was then recited by parent-leader Julie Camacho.
Every parent pledged to set a good example for their children, as well as to show their children love and affection every day through words and physical affection.
They also pledged to listen to their children and to let them know that what they say is valued, in addition to praising their children’s accomplishments and efforts towards accomplishments.
Parents likewise pledged to have realistic expectations for their children, allow their children to make their own mistakes and learn from those experiences, avoid being too critical or focusing on their children’s shortcomings, encourage their children to meet new challenges and have new experiences.
Moreover, they pledged to respect their children as individuals, even if they, the parents, do not agree with their children.
Lastly the parents pledged to enjoy their children, make time to share interests, appreciate one another, love their children unconditionally, and let their children know that they are lovable, worthwhile, and valuable human beings.
Division of Youth Services Administrator Vivian T. Sablan, for her part, recognized each of the 53 2021 parent-leader nominees who act as mentors for other parents through leadership roles, such as actively engaging in school functions and community events, as well as advocating for the health, safety, and welfare of CNMI children and families.
Parent-leader nominees must also contribute to program development and family empowerment activities.
This year’s parent-leader nominees are Nolyn Villagomez and Tess Villanueva from Saipan Southern High School; Angie Mister and Tina Goodwin from Marianas High School; John Gonzales from Kagman High School; Esterlista B. Camacho and Ana B. Lizama from Francisco M. Sablan Middle School; Mildred Ebuen and Karen Manuel from Hopwood Middle School; David Cepeda and Sharina Clark from Mount Carmel School; Yolanda Dela Cruz and Ekaterina Megino from Tanapag Middle School; Melissa Halder from Chacha Ocean View Middle School; Joseph Muna and Suzie Torres Elieisar from William S. Reyes Elementary School; Anna Liza Padernal and Rosielyn Holgado from Oleai Elementary School; Jocelyn Kaneshi and Justise Quitugua from Kagman Elementary School; James Kennedy W. Benjamin and Eleanor Agulto Aguon from Gregorio T. Camacho Elementary School; Chun Li and Gail Daida Atalig from Family2Family Health Information Center; Josie Mamaril and Roselle Dela Rosa from the Saipan Head Start Program; Leo G. Pangelinan and Matilde H. Bermudes-Basa from Da’ok Academy; Kerri Bauer and Grace Jo from Grace Christian Academy; Paulo Restauro and Thalia Hofschneider from Tinian Elementary School; Carolina San Nicolas and Lorelyn Estrada from the Tinian Head Start Program; Elton John Aguon, Carmina Benitez, Kelly Pangelinan, and Zabrina Mae Shai from Smart Start Nurturing Center; Griselda Calvo and Amber Taitano from the Rota Head Start Program; Ricksita Atalig and Erma Ogo from the Rota Grace Christian Academy; Angie Anna M. Hocog and Jonovan Lizama from Sinapalo Elementary School; Maria Nova N. Emata and Jennet Esquerra from Rita Hocog Inos Junior Senior High School; Rowena V. Coloma, Perlina Tinio, Marvin BUston, and Catherine S. Tenorio from Green Meadow School; Asapmar Ogumoro and Margie B. Hernandez from Loving Hands Daycare; and Reina Camacho from REQ Daycare Center.
Banners featuring each of these nominees can be found along Beach Road, by the Gov. Froilan C. Tenorio Beach Road Pathway.
“The most lasting legacy we can give our children is our time, not the money, not the materialism, and phones and whatnot. It’s the… time from the heart,” said parent-leader and master of ceremonies John Gonzales. “It truly takes all of us — a village — to raise every single child.”
Parent-leader Suzie Torres Elieisar, for her part, said as a parent-leader, she advises her fellow parents to please stay actively involved with their children’s education, and to make time for, love, and nurture their children.
“Try hard to engage in any activities that they have in and out of school,” she said.
Kerri Bauer, another parent-leader, encouraged parents to take the time to talk to their children’s principals and teachers to inquire about what they need and how parents can help them, whether it be through monetary donations, school supplies or things of the sort.
Parent-leader Mildred Ebuen then mentioned the exciting activities for Parent Leadership Month, including Zumba classes from 6 to 7 p.m. every Tuesday and Friday at the Koblerville Youth Center.
There will also be a Mental Health and Wellbeing Fun Day from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Tun Kindu Baseball Field on Rota on Thursday, Feb. 25.
The final activity for Parent Leadership Month will be a motorcade at 9 a.m. on Saturday, 27 beginning at the CPA field to honor the parent-leaders of the CNMI.
Community members gathered at the Kagman Community Center on Friday for the Parent Leadership Month proclamation signing ceremony.
Photo by K-Andrea Evarose S. Limol
Government officials take the parent’s pledge on Friday at the Kagman Community Center in honor of Parent Leadership Month.
Photo by K-Andrea Evarose S. Limol
From left, Rep. Angel Demapan, Speaker Edmund Villagomez, Lt. Gov. Arnold Palacios and Rep. Vicente Camacho pose for a photo following the signing of the Parent Leadership Month proclamation Friday.
Photo by K-Andrea Evarose S. Limol
Parent-leaders participate in a “Mindful Minute” exercise on Friday at the Kagman Community Center.
Photo by K-Andrea Evarose S. Limol
