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New name of Rota airport unveiled
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Posted on Apr 14 2012
By Moneth Deposa
Reporter
Reporter
Rota officials officially unveiled the new Benjamin Taisacan Manglona International Airport signage during a dedication ceremony held on March 30.
Attended by families and friends of the honoree, the event was also graced by dignitaries and guests, including Rota Mayor Melchor Mendiola and members of the legislative delegation headed by Senate President Paul Manglona, who all expressed their admiration and gratitude to the honoree’s valuable contributions to the growth of the Commonwealth.
It was in September last year when then acting governor Eloy S. Inos signed into law Public Law 17-53 to rename the Rota International Airport to the “Benjamin Taisacan Manglona International Airport” in recognition of his services to the island, the people of Rota, and the CNMI.
Manglona, 74, is the CNMI’s longest serving elected official, having served as a congressman, senator, and former mayor of Rota. He served as the third lieutenant governor from 1990 to 1994 and as Rota mayor from 1998 to 2006.
Delivering his message during the dedication ceremony was Manglona’s son, Theodore, who expressed his father’s sincere appreciation to the people of Rota and the CNMI for the rare privilege of serving them during his long years as a public servant. In his message, Manglona said he is forever grateful to all who recognized the importance of his contributions by renaming the island’s airport in his honor.
A special recognition was also given to Manglona’s departed wife, Magdalena, for her unconditional love and support.
The occasion was also attended by Commonwealth Ports Authority officials headed by executive director Edward Deleon Guerrero. Also in attendance were members of the island’s municipal council, residents, and students.
A friend of the honoree, Eusebio Hocog, also delivered an acclamation of Manglona’s political journey.
