Efraim Atalig
SENATE Vice President Donald M. Manglona has introduced Senate Commemorative Resolution 23-9, honoring the late former Rota Mayor Efraim Manglona Atalig and recognizing his service to the people of the CNMI.
The resolution stated that in 2014, Atalig, “with [a] passion for helping to resolve the matters of his beautiful home island,” made “a selfless decision to run for mayor and was humbled by the votes of his people to serve as Rota mayor from January 2015 to January 2019.”
“Knowing he still had much to do, he pursued a second term and was blessed by the trust of the people to humbly serve once more as their mayor from January 2019 through January 2023,” the resolution added.
After his tenure, Atalig, remained committed to serving his people by working tirelessly to address the critical infrastructure needs of Rota in his capacity as the capital improvement program manager under the Office of the Rota Mayor until his untimely passing on Nov. 21, 2024.
“With a deep love for his community, Honorable Efraim Manglona Atalig extended his skills beyond the office to the people of Rota under a multitude of roles, such as chairman of the Bisita Luta/San Francisco De Borja Fiesta Promotion in October 2001 and 2004, chairman of the Public Service Recognition Week/Labor Day Activities in May 2004, chairman of the 1st Annual Sweet Potato Festival in February 2011, and chairman of the San Isidro Fiesta in March 2012.”
As a proud son, brother, and father from Rota, Atalig “has selflessly served and devoted his knowledge and skills to the people of Rota for more than 30 years. He has played an instrumental role in moving the Commonwealth forward and leaves behind a legacy of true service to his beloved island community of Rota,” the resolution stated.
Atalig passed away on Nov. 21, 2024 at Rota Health Clinic after a vehicular accident on San Francisco De Borja Highway. He was 64 years old.
