GOVERNOR Ralph DLG Torres on Tuesday declared February as Parent Leadership Month in the CNMI.
Joining the governor at the proclamation signing ceremony at the Tanapag Youth Center were Division of Youth Services Administrator Vivian T. Sablan, Northern Marianas Housing Corporation Corporate Director Jesse Palacios, Reverend Father Isaac M. Ayuyu, as well as other CNMI officials and community members.
A number of diverse CNMI public and private entities have joined the DYS Family and Youth Enhancement Program, or F&YEP, to plan and implement activities in promoting this year’s theme: “Strengthening Families through Parent Leadership,” in Refaluwasch: “Amamawal Familiasch sangi Ammwelil lil me saam” and in Chamorro: “Nina Metgut Familia siha ginen I Fuetsan Manai’na.”
DYS Administrator Sablan gave opening remarks, followed by a reading of the proclamation by DYS program worker Patricia Laniyo.
The proclamation notes that Parents Anonymous Inc., the premier family strengthening outlet founded by Jolly K. and dedicated to the prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, is celebrating its 53rd anniversary.
Parents Anonymous Inc. in the CNMI initiated Parent Leadership Month in February 2004 to recognize the extraordinary courage and tenacity of parents who have reached out to make improvements in their families and communities.
“Meaningful Parent Leadership occurs when parents gain the knowledge and skills necessary to function in meaningful leadership roles and present a ‘Parent Voice’ to help shape the direction families, programs and communities take,” the proclamation reads.
“Parent Leadership is successfully achieved when parents receive the support and training in addition to shared responsibility, expertise and leadership in the planning, implementation, assessment and evaluation of policies, practices and programs affecting families and communities.”
CNMI Parents Anonymous Inc., under the DYS, was commended for “their outstanding leadership in building and empowering parent leaders and professionals to strengthen and support families and communities through evidence-based Parents Anonymous Inc. services.”
Governor Torres has called on all CNMI residents to recognize, honor, and celebrate parents for this critical leadership in their homes, in our communities, and in all international arenas.”
He added, “I encourage everyone to participate in the activities scheduled throughout the CNMI in the observation and celebration of Parent Leadership Month and the 53rd Anniversary of Parents Anonymous Inc.”
Prior to closing remarks by parent leader Rowena Coloma, DYS social worker Maria L. Olopai read this month’s calendar of events in celebration of Parent Leadership Month, followed by a blessing of the Tanapag Youth Center by Rev. Fr. Isaac Ayuyu.
Last fiscal year, F&YEP, served 581 parents for Parenting Classes, Parents Anonymous Inc. Groups, and other events.
It also served 352 individuals in its children and youth program.
The 2021 Parent Leadership Awareness Month served 53 Parent nominees, 41 parent nominees for Saipan, and four parent nominees for Tinian and 8 parent nominees for Rota.
Following the proclamation of February as Parent Leadership Month, Gov. Ralph DLG Torres poses for a photo with Division of Youth Services Administrator Vivian T. Sablan, Northern Marianas Housing Corporation Corporate Director Jesse Palacios, Rev. Fr. Isaac M. Ayuyu, Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez, Rep. Leepan T. Guerrero, other officials and stakeholders at the Tanapag Youth Center.
