From ‘Let Move Marianas’ to ‘Let’s Clean Up Marianas’

Gov. Eloy S. Inos and Lt. Gov. Jude U. Hofschneider join representatives of the Let’s Move Marianas campaign for a group photo after yesterday’s launching of the ?Let?s Clean Up Marianas? campaign that combines the promotion of healthy living and a cleaner environment. (Haidee V. Eugenio)

A “Let’s Move Marianas” event with an environmental twist is expected to draw more participants by combining the promotion of healthy living with a cleaner environment. Dubbed as the “Let’s Clean Up Marianas” campaign, the CNMI-wide cleanup will be held every quarter starting on April 25 from 3:30pm to 4:30pm.

Amber Lynn Mendiola, Let’s Move Marianas campaign coordinator, gave government agency representatives and the governor yesterday an overview of the combined activity and the need to continue promoting a healthy lifestyle among community members.

Let’s Move Marianas is a campaign aimed at raising public education and awareness about the epidemic of chronic diseases affecting people and encouraging families to adopt much healthier and more active lifestyles.

It is in line with first lady Michelle Obama’s campaign to fight childhood obesity.

Gov. Eloy S. Inos, in the presence of Lt. Gov. Jude U. Hofschneider and Let’s Move Marianas Alliance members and representatives, signed a memorandum yesterday supporting the CNMI-wide “Let’s Clean Up Marianas.”

With the endorsement, the governor approved a one-hour administrative leave for government employees who choose to participate in the quarterly islandwide cleanups.

However, this is conditioned on the following: That the participation is on a voluntary basis and at the discretion of department and agency heads, to ensure that public service is not disrupted; that the one-hour administrative lease is reflected in each participant’s weekly timesheet; and that the organizing committee must ensure that each participant is logged in at the beginning and end of each event.

The roster must be provided to the Department of Finance’s Payroll Section for verification.

Inos said the Let’s Clean Up Marianas is a “great outreach opportunity to promote both a healthier living and a cleaner environment” in the CNMI.

“I am pleased to endorse this effort and encourage the entire community to take pride in the health and cleanliness of our islands by participating in the quarterly islandwide cleanups coordinated through this initiative,” he said.

The governor also commends the Let’s Move Marianas campaign and the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. for their continued efforts in promoting a healthy lifestyle and a clean CNMI.

For registration and more information, contact Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality’s Ben Somol at 664-8500.