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Tribute to Macaranas during Conference on Aging
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Posted on May 15 2009
The man’amko will be dedicating a special tribute to the late Howard Iglecias Macaranas at next week’s Conference on Aging.
Part of the observance of Older Americans Month, the conference will be held Friday, May 22, at the Aqua Resort Club Saipan.
Over a hundred participants and guests are expected to gather for this important annual occasion, set from 9am to 1:30pm.
This year’s theme is “Living Today for a Better Tomorrow.”
Macaranas was the director of the Office on Aging until he died of a stroke last April 16. He was 44.
This would be an opportunity for the man’amko to pay a tribute to “an extraordinary and inspirational man whose spirit will remain with us always.”
Acting director Rose Mondala said Macaranas died at a most critical time when the people whom he was serving were celebrating a special month primarily dedicated to the older citizens.
Less than two weeks before his death, a proclamation was signed by Gov. Benigno R. Fitial, declaring the month of May as Older Americans Month/Mes Man’Amko/Maramal Tufeey in the CNMI.
There are currently 4,766 citizens age 55 and over who make the CNMI their home, including Chamorros, Filipinos, Chinese, Americans, Koreans, Japanese and Americans.
Dr. Jana Wilgus will be the keynote speaker during the conference while Fitial and Secretary Cecilia T. Celes of the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs are expected to deliver inspirational messages.
The event is jointly sponsored by DCCA, Office on Aging and the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation.
