“The budget for the Liberation festivities should not be received as a request; it should be annually budgeted and readily available for the committee to move forward in operating in a timely manner,” he said. Last month, the Saipan legislative delegation re-appropriated and approved the Liberation fund amounting to $45,000 which was part of the $80,000generated from poker fees as appropriated by Saipan Local Law 16-4.
Early this year, Gov. Benigno R. Fitial vetoed the original appropriation bill saying it was not “priority spending.”
It was not known whether the governor signed the appropriation bill over the weekend.
There was no administration official who attended Friday’s event at the Garapan Fishing Base.
Barcinas is hoping for the governor’s approval so that the committee “could look forward to a more effective and productive running of the 2010 Liberation Day festivities.”
He added, “Our political leaders need to recognize this unique need of ours and grant us the funding necessary to showcase our pride and most importantly, to stress the Youth: Our Leaders of Tomorrow,” referring to this year’s Liberation Day theme.
Youth leadership
Education Commissioner Rita A. Sablan, who was the keynote speaker, emphasized the need to develop a youth leadership program in every village onisland.
She challengedthe 10 candidates vying for the 2010 Liberation queen crown to play an active role in helping develop a program for the youth.
“We need to empower our youth, and be part of this community to make a difference in our community,” she said.
Sablan also challenged the mayors of Rota, Tinian, and Saipan to be part of the campaign and not only during the political season.
“We have a duty. Every one of us should nurture our youth,” she said.
She said it is important to prepare the youth to be future leaders.
“We need to engage our youth with local leaders so they can continue to be inspired to be leaders of tomorrow.”
Sablan vowed to help develop youth leadership programs on Saipan and the Northern Islands.
Acting Mayor Vinycia Seman delivered the message of Mayor Donald G. Flores who was in Korea for a student exchange program.
“Over 60 years ago on this very island, our people were held captive after going through one of the bloodiest battles of World War II. Today we are free and we shall remain free. On July 4th, we shall culminate tonight’s beginning in honor of all those who have brought us the freedom we all enjoy today, especially those who died in the process,” Seman said.
Recognition
The Liberation Day festivity was highlighted by the presentation of the 10 Liberation queen candidates.
It was the first appearance of Rota’s Berlani Tayleen B. Apatangand Tinian’s Khrystyne Atalig.
Apatang, who was accompanied by her mother Cecile Ogo Blas-Taimanao, is sponsored by her family as well as the people and municipal council of Rota, while Atalig’s sponsor is Tinian Mayor Ramon M. Dela Cruz. She was accompanied by her auntie Isa Hagishima.
The other candidates are:
• Angela Bermudes Aldan, who represents the Northern Islands; her sponsor is Mayor Tobias DLC. Aldan.
• Sashana Igitol Atalig is sponsored by Tasi Tours.
• Yuri Marie Evarrola Cepeda. Her sponsor is Liberty Plaza.
• Rayna Anabeth Deleon Guerrero Chong. Her sponsor isSunleader and her family.
• Marla Helbert is sponsored by Eileen Kintol and the Palauan Community in Saipan which she represents.
•Josifynn Vivian Quitugua Rasa is sponsored by McDonald’s andPena House.
•Zelma Alyssa Dela Cruz Santos is sponsored by Kai & Bros, Jon Bargfrede of Bank of Saipan, and Mustafa Shakir of Shakir’s Realty.
• Marie Kastel Santos Tambiga is sponsored by Olive Yana of the United Filipino Organizations and the Saipan Marianas Lion Club. She represents the Filipino community on Saipan.
Gordon I. Marciano, 2010 Liberation committee vice chairman, was the masters of ceremony during Friday’s event.
Father Issac M. Ayuyu, parish priest of Mt. Carmel Cathedral, gave the invocation while the benediction was delivered by Pastor Greg Dickerman of the Saipan Community Church.
Gus Kaipat led the singing of the national and CNMI anthems while the Saipan Southern High School JROTC color guards led the posting of the U.S. and commonwealth flags.
Performance
The performers on Friday were Ana Glushko’s Academy, Uncle Ben’s Music and Dance Studio, Alan Ia, I Candy, Inatua, Island Warriors, Rock a Beat Kings, Essor Band and Parker Yobei.
On Saturday, Maluw Band, Pua Hinano, Project Impact, Petro Jazz Band, Paper Dolls, and James Selepeo performed.
Sunday’s performers were Kick Back, Cab Dancers, Kulon Natibu, Chamnolinian Warriors and Talofa Dancers.
The Liberation Committee is still accepting applications for the Battle of the Band.
For more information, call Parker Yobei at 788-8848 or Gordon I. Marciano at 287-1195.
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