Past man’amko council officers honored

The Office on Aging under the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs handed out certificates of appreciation to members of the Saipan Seniors Advisory Council from 2010-2011 yesterday morning.

The certificates, signed by DCCA Secretary Melvin Faisao and Aging director Rose Mondala, were given out in recognition of their rendered services and valuable contributions.

The recipients were Teresita Sorroza, Jose Torres, Christiana Michael, Jacoba Asuncion, Paula Mereb, Rosario Ibanez, Alejandra Blas, and Meryalen Conrad.

Of the seven, only Torres was absent. Meanwhile, Sorroza and Michael were the only ones re-elected to the same positions, which are chair and treasurer, respectively.

Aging coordinator Walter Manglona, who presented the certificates, said they recognize outgoing council members but yesterday was the first time that they handed out certificates.

“I think giving out certificates is better because it shows more appreciation for the outgoing members. It’s even more special because the director and the secretary signed them,” he said.

Mondala concurred and added, “We should do this every time we change officers.”

Re-elected chair Sorroza, who was given the chance to deliver remarks to the congregates, reported that the outgoing council left $3,900 in the man’amko’s bank account. The amount, she said, had already been accounted for through monthly reports submitted to Mondala.

“Thank you everyone for giving me another term, which shows that you still have confidence in me in spite of all problems we had last year,” she said.

Sorroza also acknowledged Manglona, the “able” and “very talented” coordinator, and Mondala, the “supportive director” who “talks too much but makes sense.”

She encouraged the man’amko to contribute their time and resources to help in the activities and programs at the Aging Center.

“Please search yourself a little and ask what you can do other than eating breakfast and lunch and playing games here in the center,” said Sorroza.

While she described a majority of the senior citizens as “generous,” Sorroza noted that “our hearts are all the same but not all are big.”

“Now is the time for you to do it for the good of everyone here and not wait until you’re six feet under the ground,” she told the congregates.

Sorroza urged the man’amko to interact with one another. “Congregate means interact. Talk to people and not just sit down idly. Walk around and talk to people for your betterment.”

She also reminded congregates about the importance of respect. “You get respect if you respect yourself and you respect the property of others.”

According to Sorroza, the man’amko can look forward to upcoming projects and activities that include the digital yearbook, a pageant, and possibly inter- or off-island trips.

Sorroza encouraged congregates to approach any of the council members if they have any concerns or just write a letter addressed to the council if they’re too shy.