SENIOR citizen Rita Reyes served as Saipan’s honorary mayor on “Manamko’ Takeover Day,” Friday, May 12, as part of the observance of Older Americans Month.
“It made me realize how good our mayor is and how so many are the programs he has been implementing,” Reyes told Variety in an interview.
With Mayor Ramon “RB” Camacho, Reyes attended the adopt-a-place ceremony for Bantalan Sugar Dock Inc. at Sugar Dock on Friday.
“I am not born a public speaker, but I am now,” she said in her remarks which drew applause from the audience.
Reyes said the experience was “humbling” as she also met with different entities.
As for Mayor Camacho, Reyes said, “He is a very humble person. He is very kind and soft spoken. As mayor for one day, I’ve learned to appreciate his good work. I want to thank him for all the programs and the things he is doing for his employees and the community.”
She also expressed her gratitude to Office on Aging Director Walter Manglona.
“I want to thank Walter for all the things he is doing for us seniors. He is such an amazing person,” she said.
Manglona, for his part, said the annual takeover program aims to empower senior citizens and teach them valuable lessons.
“This program will give them some insights about the role they play in our community. It is meant to be an educational activity for our seniors,” he added.
Reyes also has a message for Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang regarding the breakfast meal program for the seniors that will end in June.
“Please extend our breakfast, Governor and Lt. Governor. Please have a kind heart to extend our breakfast meals at the Office on Aging,” she said.
The other senior citizens who participated in the Manamko’ Takeover Day activities on Friday included Lucia Sarda who took over Senate Floor Leader Corina Magofna’s job; Penny Mulleta, who took over Rep. Julie Ogo’s job; and Gloria Kenilao who took over Rep. Angelo Camacho’s job.
Honorary Saipan Mayor Rita Reyes, left, with Saipan Mayor RB Camacho at his office on Friday, May 12, 2023.
