The group, which was organized by Rose Ada-Hocog, has 30 members with two co-captains: John Reyes and Eusebio Borja.
“Because of the almost lack of support, many members, including the officers, are going their separate ways,” Ada-Hocog said.
But the group continues to implement beautification programs such as the roadside and the cemetery cleanups.
They are also soliciting in-kind donations to replace what was stolen, broken or needed at the Koblerville Youth Center.
Moreover, they report criminal incidents to the police.
Their services are not limited in Koblerville. Currently, they are now fixing the San Antonio Youth Learning Center.
“I am also working to revive the San Antonio Boy Scout Troop and establish a Girl Scout program for San Antonio and Koblerville,” Ada-Hocog said.
She is likewise meeting with private companies and individuals regarding dance, arts and crafts, as well as self-defense classes that can be offered in the two villages.
She said their group works in collaboration with the DEQ Cleanup Brigade, CNMI parolees and Team Rectify Car Club.
The JROTC program has also been helping with the islandwide beautification projects, she said.
Ada-Hocog said the community should support the task force because their organization is keeping the villages safe.
“This organization is about keeping families together. It is about taking care of each other and making sure that children and families live in peace,” she said.
The ultimate goal, she added, is to create a community where everyone lives together in peace and harmony.
She said they are “operating with the money that is in our pockets and the little handouts that we get. This is the main reason why some members are walking away. We cannot afford to keep subtracting from the little funds we have to keep our families fed and a roof over their head. I am looking into incorporating our group so that I can apply for grants to increase our services to the community.”
Ada-Hocog said it is her goal to create a police reserve program with paid community security and beautification workers, vehicles and equipment for Koblerville and San Antonio.
She is thankful for the support they’re getting from the community.
They’ve received donations from private individuals and Saipan Southern High School for the youth center and beautification projects.
But the lack of resources and the lack of interest continue to be major challenges, Ada-Hocog said.
She said some individuals discourage others from joining Neighborhood Watch groups.
“They’re spreading the rumor that we are a political group. But what is political about trying to help your community? If they don’t want to help their community, they should just admit it and not discourage folks who actually care about the neighborhood and the safety of their community. They don’t need to come up with excuses and at the same time discourage others from stepping up to the plate.”
The CNMI has been good to its people for many years, she added, and “it’s now time that we return the favor.”
As an anti-crime and peace advocate, Ada-Hocog said she teaches her children the importance of taking care of their community and of helping others.
“I strongly believe in our community and I love it with all my heart so despite the lack of resources, scarce support, discouraging remarks and lack of members, I will continue to support and promote the program and find more ways to serve the villages.”
