Saipan Mayor Ramon “RB” Camacho greets senior citizens during a lunch event he hosted at the manamko’ center on Monday, May 15.
Senior citizens pose with Saipan Mayor Ramon “RB” Camacho and his staff at the manamko’ center on Monday, May 15.
TO celebrate Older Americans Month, Saipan Mayor Ramon “RB” Camacho hosted a luncheon at the Office on Aging Monday, May 15.
“I wanted to do something nice for the manamko’ in honor of Mes Manamko’ or Older Americans Month. I’ve always liked the program that they have for our elderly and I wanted to provide more opportunities for engagement through conversations over a hearty meal,” Camacho told Variety in an interview.
He said he believes that senior citizens, like all individuals, deserve love, care and respect.
“In our cultures, respect for our elderly is very important. Our elderly are often the center of our big families and they help keep the family together and in check. They are seen as examples and role models to follow, especially for our youth,” he added.
“We are the good individuals we are today because of the elders who gave us life and raised us to be the individuals we are today,” the mayor said.
“They are also the storytellers of our culture and advice givers. They are a living history book for our people. Therefore we must cherish and celebrate them because of their roles in our family, community, and culture,” he added.
Senior citizens interviewed by Variety said they enjoyed a sumptuous meal and were grateful to the mayor.
Cynthia Attao, a staff member of the manamko’ center, said she dressed up for the event and was thankful for the mayor’s presence.
“Everyone’s happy and having fun,” she added.
Another senior citizen said she was touched by the generosity of the mayor. She described Camacho as a “down-to-earth person.”
“The mayor does not hesitate to reach out his hand to us for a handshake — I feel honored,” another senior citizen said.
