IN celebration of International Women’s Month, the CNMI on Thursday recognized 44 women for their volunteerism.
Special Adviser for Women’s Affairs Shirley Camacho-Ogumoro said the Women Recognition & International Celebration event held on the NMI Museum grounds also honored women entrepreneurs.
Aside from a roadside waving activity, the event likewise featured presentations of different cultures by various women’s organizations in the community.
Women’s Affairs Office Chairwoman Claudia S. Flores said they recognized the “extraordinary women” who volunteer their time to do what they do best “to give back to our community.”
First lady Diann T. Torres, for her part, thanked everyone for their continuous support saying it was wonderful to see different cultural presentations, and different people all “sharing the same island and the same love.”
“Today, we recognize women in volunteerism — women who give their time and effort to make the Marianas a better place,” Mrs. Torres said.
Geri Dela Cruz, Lady Diann Torres Foundation vice president, said the women who were honored on Thursday were nominated by community members who appreciate the women volunteers’ selfless work.
Dela Cruz said they recognized women who have dedicated tireless hours bettering lives through education, environmental advocacy, religion, entertainment, language, and culture, health and fitness, and advocacy for individuals with disabilities.
The women who received recognition for volunteerism on Thursday were: Jessibelle Loomis, Valerie Sablan Naputi, Jacqueline Che, Joann Aquino, Gloria Rasiang, Noriko Akari Baidya, Rita V. Tenorio, Marlene Camacho Cruz, Antonette Peter Nogis, Vivian Peter Nogis, Mary Grace Bautista, Rose L. Igitol, Dee Clayton, Sharina Clark, Frances Mary Manibusan Sablan, Mary Elizabeth San Nicolas, Esther Sablan Fleming, Angelica Warakai Iginoef Mangarero, Laurie Ann Ketebengang, Emma Perez, Lillian Roligat Limes, Laurie Peterka, Dinalynn Norita Kaliga, Elizabeth “Beck” Palacios Olouachel, Marcy Cepeda, Felicidad “Daling” T. Ogumoro, Angelica Iginoef-Mangarero, Susana Tenorio, Erlinda Naputi, Margaret Dela Cruz, Anicia Sonoda, Catherine Attao Toves, Kathy Ruszala, Irene Holl, Helen Sablan, Josephine Sablan, Marcie Tomokane, Antonette Villagomez, Sister Mary Ann Becmer, Carlyn DLG Hofschneider, Rose Wai Chen, Rhine Russel, Angelica Bautista and Michelle Melchor Olita.
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres and first lady Diann Torres, center, join some of the 44 women who were recognized during the Women Recognition and International Celebration event on the NMI Museum grounds Thursday.
First lady Diann Torres and other women representing different cultural groups participate in a roadside waving activity on the NMI Museum grounds Thursday.
Indigenous cultural advocate Frances M. Sablan holds a small Japanese flag as she joins other women from various cultural groups in a roadside waving activity on the NMI Museum grounds Thursday.
Special Adviser for Women’s Affairs Shirley Camacho-Ogumoro delivers her remarks.
Women’s Affairs Office Chairwoman Claudia Flores welcomes the participants of the Women Recognition & International Celebration event on the NMI Museum grounds Thursday.
At the Philippines/UFO booth on the NMI Museum grounds, Gov. Ralph DLG Torres poses for a photo with Alma Pamat of the Bayani or Heroes Association, Angel Lastimado of the Saipan Magahaga Eagles Club, United Filipino Organization president Marcelo Marasigan, Mildred Pabilando and Edmin Elayda of the Saipan Building and Fixing Computer Users Group.
