Rep. Joseph M. Palacios, R-Saipan and a former Aging Office director, initiated the visit.
The visit, he said, was not only to entertain the senior citizens but to listen to their needs.
“We want the elders to know that we always remember them especially during the Christmas season,” Palacios said.
Vice Speaker Felicidad T. Ogumoro, Covenant-Saipan, said they were very excited to meet the manamko’.
Palacios said each lawmaker contributed for the Christmas treat to the manamko’.
Other legislators who joined the event were House Minority Leader Diego T. Benavente, R-Saipan, Reps. Ralph N. Yumul, R-Saipan, Eliceo D. Cabrera, R-Saipan, Raymond D. Palacios, Covenant-Saipan, Rafael S. Demapan, Covenant-Saipan, Joseph P. Deleon Guerrero, R-Saipan, House Floor Leader George N. Camacho, Ind.-Saipan, Rep. Ramon S. Basa, Covenant-Saipan, Antonio P. Sablan, R-Saipan, Sen. Ralph DLG. Torres, R-Saipan, and Senate Floor Leader Pete P. Reyes, R-Saipan.
They were joined by Saipan Mayor Donald G. Flores.
Teresita Sorroza, Senior Citizens Advisory Council president, told congregates they should celebrate Christmas with gratitude whether they are happy or sad.
The lawmakers’ Christmas program was highlighted by a series of performances.
The dining hall was turned into a dancing hall as legislators and congregates danced the cha-cha, while Carolinian and Chamorro music was performed by different individuals.
Among the performers were Palacios, Mondala, Aging Center program director Walter Manglona, congregates Jess Pangelinan, Terry Sitae and Teresita Sorroza.
At least 70 senior citizens were present during the program.
Mondala at the same time expressed her condolences to the family of senior citizens who died last week.
“I feel bad and sorry,” she said.
Those who passed away were Felix Flawau, the former Senior Citizens Advisory Council president, Apolinar Escota, Fortunato Rejano and Charrie Kitiko.
Today, Mondala said the manamko’ will visit the Commonwealth Health Center’s morgue for the viewing of Flawau’s body.
“I was not aware that he was too sick,” she said, adding that Flawau, who had cancer, collapsed at the center on Wednesday last week before he was taken to the hospital. He died on Friday.
Before the lawmakers arrived at the Aging Center, representatives from Transpacific International Inc. distributed 65 boxes of milk to the manamko’.
Mondala said each congregate will receive one box of milk. “It’s very timely that they gave us this healthy milk to enhance our health diet program,” she added.
Glen Hunter, Transpacific International Inc. group business manager, said their product is good for the senior citizens.
“This is our little way of giving back during the holidays,” he added.
The company also distributed boxes of milk to the Commonwealth Health Center, Karidat and the Salvation Army.
