THE members of the 18th Youth Congress were sworn in on Saturday with Tinian Junior/High School’s Cielo Citlalli G. Long elected as speaker.
The other Youth Congress members are Kagman High School’s Liekeila’akata T. Iakopo, vice chair; Mount Carmel School’s YuriHana DLG Sasamoto, floor leader; Dr. Rita H. Inos Junior/Senior High School’s Abriette T. Manglona, secretary; and Marianas High School’s Easton Dela Cruz.
CNMI lawmakers led by Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez, Senate President Jude U. Hofschneider as well as Mayors David M. Apatang of Saipan, Edwin P. Aldan of Tinian and Efraim M. Atalig of Rota, joined the parents and relatives in witnessing the youth leaders’ oath-taking and their organizational session in the Senate chamber.
Youth Congress coordinator Luis John Castro said Long is the first youth senator from Tinian elected as Youth Congress speaker.
Castro, a former House member, said he was very proud of the youth senators.
“Since I was 16, the Youth Congress has been a part of my life. From voting in my first election, to serving as a youth senator, watching my sister become one herself, being a congressman supporting their growth, to now being an employee of the Youth Congress, it has always been a constant presence in my life,” he said.
“I was proud to see my niece, YuriHana, my nephew, Easton, and the three other dynamic young minds take their oaths and add to the rich history that is the Youth Congress. I hope the energy, intelligence and passion you possess will make this a productive and fruitful term. Proud of all of you and I wish you the best of luck, youth senators,” he added.
The Youth Congress can introduce and pass bills that are then forwarded to the governor and the presiding officers of the Legislature “for disposition.”
Long said her mission is to not only lead with force, but with passion. “Everyone deserves to be heard especially when they feel as though no one is listening,” she said.
She believes that the CNMI’s youth should be given the opportunity to extend their concerns without the possibility of ridicule, and she hopes to send a message that empowers all young individuals to seek the assistance that is needed.
“I hope to inspire the youth to yearn for much more than they can imagine; to put their leadership skills to test,” she added.
Iakopo’s mission is “to stand as an active advocate for my respective school, all while paving a path with other young intellectuals for the greater good of our home.”
She also said that her objective “is to illustrate my competence for this position by remaining conscientious, selfless, and compassionate, as it is my purpose to serve and prioritize my community with an open mind.”
Sasamoto’s mission is to create and provide better resources for the youth in four key developmental areas — intellectual, physical, psychological and emotional, and social development.
She said having more and better resources widely available and freely accessible to the youth of the CNMI sets them on the path to achieve excellence and establishes a strong foundation for the future.
Manglona said she wants to ensure that the youth are always a part of decision-making process in the government. “I look forward to working together with my fellow Youth Congress senators and the youth of Rota to identify critical issues facing our youth, and address them in the best way possible,” she said.
For Dela Cruz, youth representation will be his mission. “We want to be seen, heard, and listened to. The needs of the youth are fluid and ever changing, especially with our ‘new normal’ because of the Covid-19 [pandemic],” he said.
“As our community continues to transition, I will ensure that our voices are heard, that I bring attention to the issues we are passionate about, bring attention to innovative solutions the youth come up with and bridge the gap between the generations in our community,” he added.
Arley Long, the mother of the new Youth Congress speaker, said she just wanted to congratulate all the youth senators. She remembered that when she was at their age, “I was so shy.”
“So I want to commend every single one of them especially my little girl,” Mrs. Long said. “I admire her drive, and I admire her motivation. She’s so intelligent.”
Philip Mendiola-Long said he, too, was very proud of his daughter. “Immensely, deeply and whatever adjectives you can add to the word proud — that is what I feel. It is one of those things when you see your daughter grow up. She was a little baby and then she strived to become a leader and get elected by her peers. To be become the leader she wants to be is really a wonderful feeling.”
From left, Youth Congress Floor Leader YuriHana Sasamoto, Secretary Abriette Manglona, Youth Sen. Easton Dela Cruz, Youth Speaker Cielo Long and Youth Vice Speaker Liekeila’akata Iakopo pose for a photo after the inauguration of the 18th Youth Congress in the Senate chamber on Saturday.
Photo by Victoria Ann Deleon Guerrero
