Over 70 take advantage of Back-to-School Free Haircut

ROTA—Rep. Julie A. Ogo (Ind-Rota)’s office sponsored Back-to-School Free Haircut Project in collaboration with the Saipan Magahaga’ Lady Eagles Club for children returning to school last Sept. 17.

The event was a major success with over 70 students participating in the event. Ogo’s office provided for the airfare and accommodation of the volunteer hairstylist from Perfect Image (Michelle), Mommyla Salon (Sharmaine), and Barbie’s Beauty Salon (Barbie, Rota) who provided the haircut services free of charge.

Also greatly deserving of appreciation are the Rota Mayor’s Office led by Rota Mayor Aubry Hocog, 19th Rota Municipal Council members and staff, and the Department of Community & Cultural Affairs Office, Division of Youth Services (DYS) for logistics assistance and for providing the venue for the event. In addition, a special thank you goes out to the parents and guardians who participated by bringing their children and wards to the event.

The people of Rota, welcomed the event with open arms, especially at a time when commodity prices continue to rise such as a 50-lb sack of rice costing almost $80 in Rota. The haircut may have been a small service, but on Rota, economic hardship is more acutely and often felt when disaster and economic challenges hit the Commonwealth.

“I am especially touched by our people’s appreciative reaction, as I realized that this may have been an insignificant event to many outside of Rota who don’t feel the financial pressure that our people are facing daily with the rise in the cost of living,” said Ogo.

“With the imminent implementation of the increase on landing fee proposed by the Commonwealth Ports Authority, we will see escalated challenges ahead, and therefore, I am currently seeking information from the CPA to find out the intended increases and exploring ways to subsidize and simultaneously seek assistance from Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan to have Rota and the Commonwealth as areas for Essential Air Services,” she added. (PR)