Whole-day activities mark DYS’ 30th anniversary

The Division of Youth Services under the Department of Community & Cultural Affairs marked its 30th anniversary with a whole-day event at the Garapan Community Center on Saturday.

The event began with a parade where several marching units participated, including the Saipan Southern High School JROTC, Umang Glee Club, Uncle Ben’s group, DYS Summer Camp participants, G-Rollers, Chuuk Catholic Youth, Bangladeshi Association, Saipan Awaodori, and the Solee D’s Dance Group.

The parade came to an end by the community center where a program and the 3-on-3 basketball game took place.

DCCA secretary Melvin Faisao, in his remarks, said that DYS has been promoting the well-being of children, youth, and families in the community since it was established in 1981.

He acknowledged the commitment “of those families in the CNMI who have stepped up to take care of children needing a safe and stable place to call home” and the DYS staff for their “untiring efforts to uphold the mission of DYS.”

Faisao urged today’s youth to continue empowering themselves, challenged all parents to continue guiding their children, and challenged DYS to continue planning, coordinating and implementing programs designed to provide developmental and rehabilitative services to children and families in the community.

In an interview, director Laura T. Ogumoro said DYS has done a lot in its 30 years in the community.

“I believe that our achievements have occurred because of the partnerships that we have with other service providers and the support of the community,” she told Saipan Tribune. “Our overall mission is that families become stronger.”

Ogumoro added that her vision for DYS in the next 30 years is to empower more families, making them productive and able to give back to their community.

As part of Saturday’s event, DYS handed certificates and awards to foster parents and outstanding youth nominees for their contribution to the community.

Certificates were presented to Leo and Rosario Babai, Sebastian and Josephine Tajibmai, Victorino and Alice Igitol, and Pius and Gina R. Yaroitemal as tokens of appreciation for caring for children in need.

Ten youth nominees were also given their certificates for their commendable leadership qualities and serving as a role model for other youth in the community.

They are Alvin Arcega, Juan Quitugua, Jr., Andrea Camacho, Czarina Mae Posadas, Angel Ray Guerrero, John Ciner, Mark Venus, Clea San Nicolas, Alyn Reed Camacho, and Kycel Butters.

Guerrero, in his inspirational remarks, referred to Mother Theresa’s quote when he said that the greatest disease in the society today is being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for.

“We all have hearts that beat the same. So take some of that beat and spread it somewhere… You never know who you will be helping but it’s that feeling of being able to share a little bit of love to someone else, that has a satisfaction above no other,” he said.

After the program, different groups did performances as part of the entertainment lineup. The event also featured some 17 booths and exhibitors.