I was a member of the manamko’ on Guam way back in 1996. If we had a program for fundraising the island’s lawmakers showed their full support including the governor and Mayor Frank Blas from Tamuning. They would always be there.
The manamko’ on Guam last year gathered at UOG for their party. More or less 500 showed up.
What about here on Saipan? Our coordinator Walter Manglona produced a movie showcasing the talents of the manamko’ so we could raise funds. Mr. Manglona invited all the departments and agencies to our premiere night. Sad to say all the chairs we reserved for our special guests were empty and only Sen. Pete Reyes and his wife showed up.
According to our king of the manamko’, Mr. Jess Pangelinan, Delegate Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan and Congressman Joseph Palacios also support the manamko’ program. What about the others?
I remember also our Christmas program fundraising last year. Nobody among our invited special guests showed up. And now our coordinator and director of our movie, Mr. Manglona, is planning to make a movie again for fundraising. He volunteered to use all his equipment for free. This time he’s going to make a different movie for the manamko’ on Saipan.
But I am worried that it might happen again — the lack of support from our government officials.
I encourage members of the community and our special guests to come and support the manamko’ fundraising activities.
I am proud to be a manamko’ here on Saipan. We have lots of benefits: SSI, Medicare, food stamps, etc. The manamko’ are also VERY HAPPY to hear from our Aging Center Director Rose Mondala that we have two brand new vans for servicing the manamko’ and equipment for baseball and softball AND computers.
Inside the Aging Center we have fitness equipment and a video library.
Biba manamko’ and may the Lord God bless you all!
TEDDY GUIAO
Lower Navy Hill, Saipan
