Previous Story
Local personalities stand at different end of counter
|
Posted on Sep 18 2004
Several government officials and staff pitched in and contributed their time in promoting prostate cancer awareness by serving as celebrity baggers at two stores on Saipan yesterday morning.
Dubbed Celebrity Bagging, the event drew a solid supporting cast that included Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela and his staff, Rep. Ray Tebuteb, Rep. David Apatang, Rep. Benjamin Seman, Women’s Affairs Office director Emi Palican, members of the Department of Public Health staff, and even Miss CNMI-World Tracy Del Rosario.
Many customers at Price Costco and Dolphin Wholesale in San Jose had smiles on their faces as they interacted with the dignitaries while making their stop at the cashier counters.
“It’s pretty cool that they’re taking time out of their schedule to do this,” said customer Michael Camacho. “I mean, it’s for a good cause…they’re just trying to make the people, especially men, aware of prostate cancer and how they can prevent it, and it looked like they were having fun interacting with everyone, so that’s good. We need to see something like that from our leaders.”
The event is just part of several events planned for Sept. 12-25, which has been declared through a joint-proclamation by Tudela and Commonwealth Cancer Association president Hans Mickelson.
Another bagging event is scheduled on Saturday, Sept. 25, from 9am-1pm at the two locations.
Others that will be taking part in the event are Department of Community and Cultural Affairs Secretary Juan L. Babauta, Northern Marianas College president Antonio Deleon Guerrero, and Rep. Claudio Norita.
Other events planned include presentations on the deadly cancer by two doctors and three nurses from the Commonwealth Health Center.
From 1997 to 2003, the CNMI DPH registered an estimated 25 men who were diagnosed with prostate cancer, with seven succumbing to the cancer in 1997.
Individuals interested in the Celebrity Bagging activity may contact Joyce Songsong at 236-8728/28 to sign up.
Those interested in having an awareness presentation may contact Chris Kapileo at 683-0050.
