Felicidad “Daling” Ogumoro
FORMER House Vice Speaker Felicidad Taman Ogumoro passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024. She was 74.
According to her son, Kodep Ogumoro-Uludong, she died of peritoneal cancer at 7:45 p.m. at home, surrounded by her family.
A dedicated public servant and community leader, Ogumoro was fondly known as Daling.
In September, she received a Spotlight Award from the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies during the 5th Annual APAICS Women’s Collective Summit in Washington, D.C. She was honored “for breaking barriers and for outstanding leadership in elected office,” and was recognized for her work in the community through addressing poverty and uplifting women, and as the first female of Carolinian heritage to be elected to the CNMI House of Representatives.
The 22nd House of Representatives also paid tribute to Ogumoro by adopting House Resolution 22-10, introduced by Rep. Denita Yangetmai for her more than 50 years of distinguished service to the people of the Commonwealth.
Ogumoro’s career in public service included contributions to education, workforce and economic development, advocacy for the islands’ women and youth, and work in various non-profit and political organizations.
Her commitment to education was evident in the various positions and roles she had held: pre-school principal, education board member, co-founder of the first early college admissions program, scholarship board member and as a legislative advocate for the establishment of the CNMI’s community college.
At the birth of the Commonwealth government in 1978, she was one of only two women elected to the House of Representatives in the First CNMI Legislature. She was also a member of the Second House, and of the 17th, 18th and 19th when she also served as vice speaker.
During her tenure, she authored and co-authored significant legislation, including bills related to public education, cultural preservation, healthcare, the empowerment of women, and the recognition of ancestral rights.
Just as significant were the two constitutional amendments she authored, which were subsequently ratified by voters, to guarantee funding for the islands’ public schools and college, and establish a Women’s Affairs Office.
Ogumoro was a member of various government and non-government organizations, including the Public Lands Advisory Board, the Board of Education, the Saipan Chamber of Commerce, the CNMI Scholarship Board, the Humanities Council, the Northern Marianas College Foundation, and the Commonwealth Zoning Board. She also held leadership roles in the United Carolinians Association, the Marianas Alliance of NGOs and the CNMI Women’s Association.
Her son Kodep said throughout the years, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and extended family, coordinating get-togethers with them, and providing guidance and support when needed.
“She holds fond memories of her loving husband, the late Micronesian journalist Francisco ‘Cisco’ Uludong, and parents, the late Daniel Rogolifoi and Estefania Taman Ogumoro. She owes much of her dedication to and work for her community to the love and support she received from them, her children and extended family,” Kodep said.
Trailblazer
Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez expressed his sincere prayers, sympathy and condolences to the Ogumoro family. He said her passing is a huge loss to the community.
Villagomez said the first time he sought an elected public office was in 2009 when he ran with Ogumoro on the Covenant Party ticket in Precinct 3. They both won.
He said Ogumoro always had the best interest of the people of Northern Marianas descent in her heart, and always stood up for their rights.
“I’ve had the honor and privilege [of] working with her for three terms…. We really worked well together,” Villagomez said, adding that the establishment of the Garapan Community Development Center, was mainly Ogumoro’s idea.
Even when she was no longer in office, Ogumoro kept serving the community through the Commonwealth Women’s Association, he said.
“She was a mentor to me. Even before she ran for public office, she was the founder of the high school I went to — the Northern Marianas Academy,” he said.
“We were very blessed to have someone like her in our midst, and to have a leader like her who served the community with integrity — a trailblazer and a role model,” the speaker said.
Indelible impact
For their part, Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang issued the following statement:
“It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of a true pioneer and Marianas daughter, Felicidad ‘Daling’ Ogumoro, who dedicated her life to public service and whose positive, indelible impact in the CNMI continues to resonate today.
“Today, along with the rest of the people of the CNMI, we mourn the loss of a trailblazing woman whose legacy included her election as one of the first women to serve in the CNMI House of Representatives, her advocacy for the establishment and long-term sustainability of Commonwealth institutions that include Northern Marianas College, the Division of Youth Services, and the Women’s Affairs Office, and other agencies and organizations that have made a profound difference in the lives of so many residents.
“Ms. Felicidad Ogumoro, or ‘Daling’ as she was affectionately called by many community members, was a force for positive change and a relentless champion for the advancement of the women’s movement. Throughout her impressive career, she demonstrated unparalleled commitment and passion for the well-being of our people.
“As a legislator, she spearheaded initiatives that reshaped our islands’ landscape, championing causes that emphasized the importance of education and access to high-quality programs and services. Her legislative accomplishments were a testament to her unwavering dedication to creating a better future for our people.
“Ms. Ogumoro fearlessly broke barriers, shattered glass ceilings, and inspired countless individuals to dream big and strive for equality. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations of women to come.
“Let us remember Ms. Ogumoro not only for her remarkable achievements but also for the kindness, compassion, and impactful leadership she brought to every endeavor. In this moment of sorrow, let us come together as a community to honor her memory.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
