CHIEF Judge Ramona V. Manglona of the District Court for the NMI administered the oath of allegiance to 35 newly naturalized United States citizens on Monday.
The court held a two-part naturalization ceremony for 18 individuals in the morning and 17 in the afternoon.
Those who were naturalized during the morning session were Carmelito Olalia Asuncion, Flordeliza Dela Cerna Bona, Ruth Saludes Borja, Mukesh Murlidhar Devjani, Neha Mukesh Devjani, Mildred Dorado Ebuen, Raul Rico Ebuen, Rowena Ibarra Jocson, Thitiporn Prachuabsook Kubota, Sinruamsap Ieodonkhoi Lisua, Majie De Arabia Maalihan, Lysa Advincula Maratita, Maydeline Vidal Marr, John Michael Alvarado Mendoza, Jonathan Delos Santos Navarro, Mary Ann Florendo Sablan, Phayong Wanphen Santos, and Yin Chunyan.
In the afternoon session, those who were naturalized were Gina Hernandez Aguilar, Arthur Inandan Arada, Jocelyn Alcantara Arada, Evangelyn Hernandez Arizala, Marjorie Pascua Cabay, Jessie Eleria Conde, Marciana Foronda Cruz, Vivian Villavicencio Hofschneider, Dulal Howlader, Jong Hwan Juan Pedro Kim, Pearl Lauritzen, Marie Afreel Visaya Leightley, Maybelle Cruz Palma, Roberto Supena Palma, Angelito Aquino Romero, Jeeraphong Thoensaket and Bonifacio Cantero Jr. Villegas.
Tan Holdings Vice President for Corporate Affairs/Human Resources Catherine Attao-Toves was the guest speaker for the morning session. She talked about the importance of volunteering and giving back to the country of which they are now citizens.
“Although we live in an imperfect world, there are many privileges and freedoms that we, as U.S. citizens, enjoy,” she said. “We have the right to express ourselves, worship as we wish, vote, and pursue ‘life, liberty, and happiness.’ With these privileges and freedoms also comes great responsibility. To name a few, as U.S. citizens, we are responsible to support and defend the constitution, stay informed on issues affecting our community, participate in the democratic process, respect the rights, beliefs, and opinions of others, and participate in our local community,” she added.
Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence Executive Director Maisie Tenorio was the guest speaker for the afternoon session.
In her remarks, Tenorio invited the new citizens to be active in the campaign against domestic and sexual violence.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, she added.
“I’m inviting you to be part of our campaign. This year our theme is ‘Amplify the movement.’ We are calling all members of our beloved community to increase awareness about domestic violence. This is an opportunity for all of us to help victims and survivors find their own path to safety and freedom,” Tenorio said.
Following a naturalization ceremony in federal court on Monday morning, the new U.S. citizens pose for a photo with Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona, the guest speaker, Tan Holdings Vice President for Corporate Affairs/ Human Resources Catherine Attao-Toves, and Patricia Phelan, U.S. Citizenship and Immigrations Services officer.
Following a naturalization ceremony in federal court on Monday afternoon, the new U.S. citizens pose for a photo with Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona, the guest speaker, Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence Executive Director Maisie Tenorio, and Patricia Phelan, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officer.
