AS public offices, we rely heavily on our stakeholders to make the events we sponsor meaningful to the public. It is only through the numerous good deeds of our people and selfless contributions made by members of our business community that we are able to participate in events like the Liberation Day parade which was recently held. This year’s parade was a huge blast for the members of our team and we congratulate the Kagman Agricultural Farms and Producers Association and the Department of Corrections as they came out victorious in their respective competitions.
Although our float didn’t come out on top in the competition, our team came in with a jubilant attitude and left accomplishing the main goal behind the endeavor and that was to demonstrate that collaboration and unity are alive and well in the Marianas. Our float showcased both Chamorro and Refaluwasch cultures through both artistic display and cultural dance. Our kids upon reaching the grandstand were obviously exhausted but found the unyielding strength to entertain the countless dignitaries present with the most invigorating performance we’ve ever witnessed from youngsters enduring extensive hours of intolerable heat and humidity. This mind you was all being accomplished by our local youth without once hearing a single complaint or even a blank stare of frustration. So our utmost praise and gratitude go out to you outstanding Chamorro, Refaluwasch, and Domatsuri performers that participated in the “Inafamauleg – Tipiyeew” float sponsored by the Office of the Governor.
We, collaborators, would like to extend our thanks to our staff from the Carolinian Affairs Office, the Women’s Affairs Office, the Youth Affairs Office, and the Indigenous Affairs Office for working after hours, during austerity, and during the holiday to make our float something worth showcasing to the general public. We would also like to thank the following kind individuals and/or entities for their assistance and support in making this event a memorable one for all of us in one way or another:
• LauLau Bay Golf Resort
• Hawaiian Rock Products
• CNMI Homeland Security & Emergency Management
• 500 Sails
• Christian “Bucky” Manzanares
• Chamolinian Cultural Village Inc.
• Sen. Corina Magofna
• Councilwoman Carmen Pangelinan
• Mr. Joe Lutulimar and Mrs. Melissa Litulumar
• Ruben Family (Chalan LauLau)
• Rep. Malcom Omar
• Rep. Angelo Camacho
• Rep. Vincent “Kobre” Aldan
• Rep. Julie A. Ogo
It was a highly delightful experience for our team and we eagerly look forward to participating again in subsequent years. Thank you again CNMI and we wish to bid all of you in our community a very Happy Liberation Day again!
Sincerely,
ROSS MANGLONA
Indigenous Affairs Office
FELIX NOGIS
Carolinian Affairs Office
BARBARA T. SABLAN
Women’s Affairs Office
DELBERT PUA
Office of Youth Affairs
