THE 22nd Legislature on Wednesday adopted Joint Resolution 22-2 commending the life and legacy of the late Rep. Ivan James Alafanso Blanco.
Blanco’s daughter, Lily Ann, attended the joint session and witnessed the adoption of the resolution to honor her father who passed away on July 23, 2021 at the age of 44.
With House Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez and Senate President Jude U. Hofschneider presiding over the joint session, all the 19 House members and nine senators unanimously adopted J.R. 22-2, which was co-sponsored by all members of the 22nd Legislature.
Prior to the adoption of J.R. 22-2, the 22nd Legislature adopted Speaker Villagomez’s J.R. 22-1, which sets the rules for a joint session.
Rep. Joel Camacho got emotional as he introduced J.R. 22-2. He offered a technical amendment to include information that in 2006, Blanco began his professional career as federal grants manager of the Federated States of Micronesia’s Department of Finance, and that in 2007, he served as auditor of the FSM Office of the Public Auditor in Palikir, Pohnpei.
Senate President Hofschneider, for his part, recalled the admirable character that Blanco demonstrated during the recent budget process.
“He was always looking out to the best interest of the people he represents,” Hofschneider said as he asked his colleagues to remember the good times they had shared with Blanco, and “try to emulate some of the characteristics that he had to move forward…this Legislature.”
“To my dear colleague, Representative Blanco, it’s been an honor. Please continue guiding us. Thank you for the friendship and thank you for the service to the CNMI. We definitely will miss you,” Hofschneider added.
An equally emotional Speaker Villagomez said: “It has been a tough week for all of us. And the next two days will be really tough for all of us,” referring to the Mass of Christian Burial set for Friday at Mount Carmel Cathedral at 11 a.m.
“Let’s remember all the good times and his service to the people of the CNMI and the region,” the speaker said.
Blanco’s service to the CNMI government began in 2010 as director of the Central Statistics Division of the Department of Commerce. He later became deputy secretary of Commerce and served as the grants manager of the Office of Grants Management before he was appointed special assistant for communications and protocol.
A Republican, Blanco was elected Precinct 3 representative in 2016 and chaired the 20th House Committee on Judiciary and Governmental Operations. He was reelected in 2018 and chaired the 21st House Committee on Ways and Means. He was elected again in 2020 and served as the 22nd House minority leader.
The joint resolution also recognized Blanco’s other notable contributions to his community.
Rep. Ivan Blanco’s daughter, Lily Ann, center, holds the picture of her father, as she, her aunt Grace, third left, and Blanco’s secretary, Mercy, second left, pose for a photo with members of the 22nd Legislature after a joint session in honor of the late Precinct 3 representative on Wednesday in the House chamber.
