By Emmanuel T. Erediano
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
CNMI parents who took meaningful leadership roles in addressing issues affecting children were recognized at the 2026 Parent Leadership Summit, hosted by the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs’ Division of Youth Services at Aqua Resort Club on Saturday.
The parent leaders, nominated by their children’s schools or institutions, include:
• Marvin Buston, Pure Love Daycare
• Arlene Reyes, Koblerville Elementary School
• Lisa Marie Guzman, Green Meadows School Gualo Rai
• Melisha B. San Nicolas, Admiral Herbert G. Hopwood Middle School
• George Cruz, Gregorio T. Camacho Elementary School
• Baybie Hocog, Marianas High School
• Nuna R. Macaranas, Garapan Elementary School
• Meena Benavente, Kagman High School
• Ivan Wong, Family to Family Health Information Center
• Joann Pangelinan, Tinian Elementary School
• Mai Chong Mendiola, Mount Carmel School
• Stormy Salas, Kagman Elementary School
• Su Jin Mettao, William S. Reyes Elementary School
• Michael Mancao, Smart Start Nurturing Center
• Valerie Reyes, Francisco M. Sablan Middle School
• Tina Mesngon, Sinapalo Elementary School
• Zabrina Mae Chai Cruz, Smart Start Nurturing Center-Navy Hill
• Lily Chun, Family 2 Family Health Information Center
• Dr. Benjamin Seman, Chacha Ocean View Middle School
• Valeri Aguon, San Vicente Elementary School
• Mary Cocaine Loren Mariano, Oleai Elementary School
• Estella Igisomar, Daok Academy
• Mark Manglona, Rita Hocog Jr. & Sr. High School
• Mira Sablan, Tanapag Middle School
• Mary Jane Ayunon, Tinian Jr. & Sr. High School
• Sandy Leon Guerrero, Green Meadows Chalan Kiya
• Dorsha Guinto, Saipan Southern High School
DYS Administrator Vivian Sablan said the summit serves as a platform to discuss pressing issues affecting children in the CNMI. She explained that the annual event allows DYS to communicate key topics to parents and address “what is happening out there that is affecting the family.”
“At the same time, the summit is the CNMI government’s opportunity to recognize parent leaders for their advocacy work and support, whether in school, at home, or in the community,” Sablan said. “On Saturday, DYS took a moment to honor them and engage them to further advocate for child safety by recruiting other parents so we can all work together toward a common goal: family preservation and keeping our community healthy and safe.”
Community Development Specialist Maria Olopai said about 150 participants, including the 26 parent leaders, attended the summit, making it the largest turnout to date. She thanked partner organizations that set up booths for participants, including the Medicaid Agency, Public School System, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Council for Developmental Disabilities, Center for Living Independently, and Northern Marianas Protection and Advocacy Systems, Inc.
Among the topics discussed were alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, as well as the consequences of underage drinking and vaping. Resource persons included Lalani Fritz and Arlyn Arboleda from Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. Community Guidance Center; Marvin Tebit, Melissa Bauleong, and Francis Deleon Guerrero from the Department of Commerce Alcoholic Beverage and Tobacco Control; and Jane Tudela from the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation.
Parent leader Arlene Reyes, in her opening remarks, told participants:
“Your leadership and commitment are the foundations of our success. Your efforts make a real difference in the lives of our children, our students, and our schools. Parent leadership is crucial because we bridge the gap between home and school, fostering a collaborative environment where our children, our students, thrive.”
She added, “It takes a village to raise a child, but a village doesn’t just appear out of thin air. It has to be built, defended, and nurtured. You are the ones who turn a school into a community. You are the ones who turn a policy into a practice that actually works for families.”
Valerie Reyes, president of the Parent Teacher Student Association of FMS and treasurer of the PSS Parents Advisory Council, said the summit “is valuable for everyone because parent leaders take what they learn home and share it with their families. The summit empowers parents to advocate for their children and helps them become the parents they may not have expected to be. But when you speak as a parent advocate, it becomes who you are today. It’s a great learning experience for all parents and the entire community.”
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
