Man amkos visit lawmakers

Heralding the start of May as the Older Americans Month, an estimated 70 man amkos converged at the House of Representatives yesterday morning to get a first-hand look at the legislative process, in a session that was conducted in the vernacular in deference to the senior citizens.

Pantaleon Valenzuela, who insisted that he is still young at 72 years old, described the experience as “exciting” and said that he was happy to have been present during the session.

Fermin Dangca, 83, who has been on Saipan for more than 30 years already, said the occasion was a good way to make them feel important. He added that, so far, he is not having any problems and that he enjoyed himself very much during the session.

“I love all the man amkos and hold the staff [at the Aging Center] in great esteem,” said Margaret Metautaman, as she shared betel nut with a friend while watching the proceedings inside the chamber.

Aging Center Director Joe Palacios himself said yesterday’s session with the man amko was intended to give the CNMI’s senior citizens a look at how their elected leaders work as to passing bills and resolutions.

“Some of them never experienced these things so, by bringing them here, they get to understand what the Legislature is all about and what they do, besides being elected and just putting up tents and tables. With this, they get to know how the lawmakers actually conduct business at the Legislature,” Palacios said.

During the session, House Speaker Heinz S. Hofschneider honored the man amkos, saying that today’s leaders owe all that they are now to the teachings and the guidance of the Commonwealth’s senior citizens.

Palacios also told the senior citizens that there is actually a public law that protects them from abuse. “If you feel that you are being neglected, abused or in anyway feel that you are not being taken cared of, please report it to us at the Aging Center office, to the Secretary [of the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, Juan Babauta] or to our elected leaders here in the chamber this morning,” he said.

The House also adopted two resolutions, which they presented during yesterday’s session.

After the session, the lawmakers treated the senior citizens to a catered lunch inside the Legislature building.