Macanas passed away early this month.
Yesterday, the governor signed the proclamation which declared May as Older Americans Month or Mes Manamko/Maramal Tuufey.
The governor was joined by Senate President Pete P. Reyes, Vice Speaker Joseph P. Deleon Guerrero, acting Aging Office Director Rose DLG. Mondala, and Rota Aging Office program coordinator Josepha A. Barcinas.
Noting that this year’s theme is “Living Today for a Better Tomorrow,” Fitial urged the community to “honor and support” the elderly for their contributions to the betterment of the island.
Fitial said the community can help improve the quality of life of older citizens by educating them about the behavioral changes lifestyle that can reduce the risk of disease, disability and injury.
Reyes, in an interview, said the observance is a significant event in CNMI because “this is the day that we honor our manamko’ and we should not forget their great contributions to the community.”
Reyes said the manamko’ have a lot of special talents that they can share with the younger generation.
In his proclamation, Fitial said older Americans are valuable members of the society.
“The increasing number of baby boomers reaching traditional retirement age highlights the need for increased support of older adults; and our older citizens of today and tomorrow promise to be among the most active and involved older adult populations in our nation’s history,” he said.
The proclamation was read in three languages: Rosalina Navat read the English version; Ana Nakatsukasa, the Chamorro version; and Joaquina Kaniki, the Carolinian version.
Mondala encouraged all senior citizens to take advantage of their programs.
On May 1, she said the manamko’ will have a “fun in the sun” activity at the baseball field of American Memorial Park from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
On May 8, the CNMI will observe Manamko’ Takeover Day when senior citizens are given a chance to assume government leadership positions for one day.
