Surrounded by members of the Legislature, their families and other government officials, the seven youth senators emphasized the need for youth representatives in the commonwealth.
“Rise in one voice,” said Shelane Dela Cruz Borja who was elected speaker of the 13th Youth Congress.
It is her second year in the Youth Congress and Borja believes “there is still much work to be done for the youth of the CNMI.”
Confident that this year’s Youth Congress will do many things, Borja of Saipan Southern High School said her mission is to “further voice out what my fellow classmates and friends think about our government and other aspects of our community.”
Manatsu Espiritu Omori, who will chair Youth Congress Committee on Judiciary and Governmental Operations, said he will make no promises “because promises are meant to be broken.”
His father, Takahiro Omori is the assistant general manager of Coral Ocean Point Resort whose application for lease extension may not be renewed this year.
Manatsu Omori, a Marianas Baptist Academy student, said that as a youth senator, he will represent with ‘utmost enthusiasm and integrity the CNMI youth.”
He will evaluate all issues “with a sufficient amount of seriousness.”
Angela Hallig Mamaril, who will chair the Resources and Economic Committee, said they may be “just a bunch of teenagers” but she believes they can do great things.
“That is the beauty of it. We can do so much with just so little,” she said.
Mamaril, a student of Grace Christian Academy, vowed to fulfill her responsibilities and “act as a voice for the youth who long to be heard.”
Elected vice speaker, Audrey Joy Ada of Marianas High School said he will work diligently with the rest of the youth senators to represent the voice of the youth.
Thomas Henry Barcinas Jr., elected floor leader, noted “it’s a rare opportunity for Rota youths to be seated here.”
A student of Rota High School, Barcinas said he will support the youth of the CNMI in the best way he can.
Marquina Mendiola Hofschneider, of Tinian Junior and Senior High School, thanked her family and especially her brother for the guidance they gave her.
Her mission is “to create a bridge between the youth and the CNMI Legislature in the restoration of the economy as well as creating safe and reliable pathways that would guide the youth to achieving their goals.”
Smaller budget
Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos. in his remarks, noted that this year, the Youth Congress members went down from 22 to seven and will “operate on a budget of $25,000 compared to what was originally a $100,000 budget.”
He added, “What has transpired here is essentially a true fulfillment of the intent of creating the Youth Congress — to groom our younger generations to craft and propose sound policy decisions.”
Inos challenged the youth senators to make the most out of the trust bestowed upon them. The decisions facing the commonwealth today, he added “are decisions with results that your generation will inherit.”
“The administration’s goal is to make that a rich inheritance, and the Youth Congress provides you with a unique opportunity to speak on these matters as a collective voice for the young adults of the commonwealth,” Inos said.
“I urge you to educate yourselves on the issues. Young people are known for being passionate and outspoken. You must learn to temper your zeal with respect and knowledge. Do your homework on the issues, and you will be able to speak and act with wisdom and conviction,” he added.
Press Secretary Angel A. Demapan, who was the speaker of the first, second and third Youth Congress, said “these are the days when we have to do with less” as he encouraged youth senators to “defend your rights as youth representatives.”
“Stand up and make the critics understand the importance of the Youth Congress,” Demapan said.
He advised the youth senators to work closely with the media in informing the public how they serve the youth.
Voter turnout in Youth Congress elections has always been low and continues to decline over the years.
