Sablan: I will have your best interests at heart

Last Saturday in the presence of family, friends, and community leaders, Soledad Maria Tudela Sablan, an 11th grader at Saipan International School, became the newest member of the 19th CNMI Youth Congress during the body’s fourth regular session held at the House Chamber of the Hon. Jesus P. Mafnas Memorial Building on Capital Hill.

Taking the oath of office from Youth Congress speaker Vinnie Juan Q. Sablan (Kagman High School), Sablan will serve out the term originally held by former youth senator Filomenaleonisa M.T. Iakopo, who was elected during the Youth Congress elections held last March.

Sablan is the daughter of Jason and Shirley Sablan.

She is also the granddaughter of former Senate president and lieutenant governor Jesus R. and Annie T. Sablan and former Commonwealth Ports Authority executive director and board member Roman I. and Ana M. Tudela. Among the members of the Legislature who witnessed the ceremony were acting House speaker Joel Camacho, Rep. Blas Jonathan T. Attao, and Rep. Thomas John “T.J.” Manglona.

In addressing the crowd gathered, the new senator expressed excitement on her new task, and a willingness to grow while on the job. “I am the newcomer of the group, the amateur, the freshwoman—but I am a fast-learner and excited to continue the work, “ said Sablan in a statement given following the signing of her oath of office.

In her remarks, she also thanked her predecessor for her can-do spirit and invaluable contributions to the body in the early months of the term. In addressing the challenges facing our community affecting the Commonwealth’s youth, Sablan said, “There are many issues that we as members of our community are confronted with on a daily basis. We see opportunities for improvement in education, healthcare, sports and fitness, the environment, etc. There will never be a universal approach to addressing every issue and to finding ways to do things better, but through a democratic process and a diplomatic approach, we will all find satisfaction because at the end of the day we will get it done!” Sablan cited her work with such student organizations as the CNMI Speech & Debate Team and SIS Rotary Interact Club as inspiration for her to accept the appointment, using the Rotary Clubs motto of service above self as the driving force of her work in office.

In addressing her colleagues, Sablan thanked them for helping orient her on their past and future projects for the term and for their desire to leave the Marianas better than they found it, “If there is one thing I sense in this group, it is that we all hunger to improve our standard of living. We all want what’s best for the person to our right and to our left. We all know that when the going gets tough, the tough will have to get going and we will rise above every occasion because that is what we were all elected to do.”

Along with thanking her family and school administrators, Sablan also thanked her fellow Geckos for, “entrusting me with this position and for giving me the opportunity to be your voice in (the Youth) Congress. I will always have your best interests at heart.”

During the public comments section of the session, acting Speaker Camacho congratulated Sen. Sablan and expressed looking forward to working with her in her time as a youth senator.

In a congratulatory letter sent prior to her swearing-in, speaker Vinnie Juan Q. Sablan expressed to senator Sablan, “I am more than confident that you will bring about so many positive contributions and growth to our community. Your role as a senator carries with it great responsibility, and I have no doubt that you will serve the youth of the Marianas and work efficiently with honor, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to the well-being and future of our young citizens.”

On top of that, during session the Youth Congress speaker expressed confidence that his new colleague will work diligently in collaboration with the other seven members who make up the Youth Congress.

“As you embark on this new journey, I have no doubt that your wisdom, integrity, and hard work will shine through helping to empower, encourage, and advocate for the youth of our Commonwealth. I look forward to witnessing the positive impact you will have on our community and for our youth,” said senator Ayden Sean C. Yumul (Grace Christian Academy).

Tinian Jr.-Sr. High School’s senator Ysabella Palacios congratulated Sablan by saying, “Judging by what I’ve heard and what all of your other colleagues have said about you, I just know that you will do such a great job.”

Senator Mickyiel Josh B. Cabrera of Saipan Southern High School expressed his and his constituents’ congratulations and well-wishes to Senator Sablan.

The CNMI Youth Congress was created through Public Law 8-27 authored by the late vice speaker Jesus P. Mafnas, and was later repealed and re-enacted by Public Law 17-22. Its purpose is to prepare the CNMI’s youth for the challenges of the future, giving them the power to create policy aimed at bettering the lives of their peers through legislation. Since the inception of the Youth Congress, six youth senators have been elected to public office, with four elected to the House of Representatives, one to the Senate, and one elected mayor.

In the six months since the 19th Youth Congress senators have been in office, they have introduced three bills, adopted 12 resolutions, organized community outreach and donation events, and have discussed issues at the table with their counterparts in the Legislature, and agencies such as the Saipan Mayor’s Office, the Office of Youth Affairs, the CNMI Public School System, and various central government agencies. (Youth Congress)