“COMING together, the goal here is to bring the whole community, and show our elders that we care,” said Precinct 3 Republican House candidate Grace “Pitu” Sablan, referring to the donation drive she initiated for the Manamko’ Center in Garapan which was burglarized last month and lost many items used for its daily operations.
It was heartbreaking to learn that the Manamko’ Center was burglarized, Sablan said.
“If you look at our history and culture, our elders are the pillars of our community,” she added. “Who we are and our identities are linked to our elders. Can you imagine that someone or a group of individuals would come in and burglarize the center? That speaks volumes of disrespect for our elders.”
Sablan noted the outpouring of donations and support for the Manamko’ Center from other elected officials and organizations.
“We want our elders to know that it is not about political parties or political associations,” she said. “It’s about letting the elders know that we are here for them, that we are going to protect them and provide for them, and we are going to rally together to help them.”
She added, “We have generous donations that came in and that speaks volume of who we are as a community — that we care, and we will take care of our elders.”
Joining Sablan on Saturday in delivering the donations for the manamko’ were Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, first lady Diann T. Torres, Senate Floor Leader Vinnie Sablan, Precinct 3 Republican House candidates Alfredo Saures and Carl Hocog as well as other community organizations.
“We are here to show support and show we care,” the governor said.
“Before the [burglary] incident, our elders were fundraising to donate some items to Rota and Tinian,” Mrs. Torres said.
“Can you imagine how heartbreaking that is? They came in and took every item,” she said, referring to the burglars.
“Our elders are a very important part in our lives, they bring out who we are, as the younger generation, and we are giving back,” she added.
“It is insulting and shameful,” the governor said, referring to burglary. “We are here to give more than what they have lost, and to show how much love and respect we have for them.”
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, first lady Diann T. Torres, Senate Floor Leader Vinnie F. Sablan, Republican Precinct 3 House candidates Alfredo Saures, Carl Hocog, Grace Sablan pose for a photo with senior citizens on Saturday. The group led by the governor and other community groups donated several items to the senior citizens.
Floria James of ACH Chuuk CNMI Association hands over their monetary donation to Saipan Seniors Advisory Council President Genia Draper on Saturday. Also in photo are Jackie Villagomez and Senate Floor Leader Vinnie Sablan.
Donations for the Manamko’ Center arrived Saturday.
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, first lady Diann T. Torres, Senate Floor Leader Vinnie F. Sablan and Republican Precinct 3 House candidates with the manamko’
