CNMI mourns loss of Ross Manglona

The Palacios-Apatang administration and the people of the CNMI are mourning the loss of Ross Hugh Songao Manglona, resident executive of the Office of Indigenous Affairs, who passed away on Monday at the age of 47.

Funeral/memorial service will be at the Mount Carmel Cathedral Church on Saipan on Monday, Dec. 4, at 8am, and at the San Francisco de Borja Church in Songsong, Rota, on Dec. 6, Wednesday, at 10am.

The cause of Manglona’s passing was not immediately disclosed.

Gov. Arnold I. Palacios said he and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang mourn the loss of a friend and a dedicated public servant who tirelessly championed the cause of protecting and preserving the indigenous Chamorro and Carolinian culture and heritage.

“In Ross’s passing, we not only lose a valuable member of our cCabinet but also a steadfast advocate for our people,” said the governor in a statement.

Palacios said Manglona’s contributions at the Northern Marianas College, Northern Marianas Technical Institute, and the Office of Indigenous Affairs, as well as his unwavering commitment to preserving the rich tapestry of the Chamorro and Carolinian heritage, are unparalleled.

“Let us honor his memory by continuing the important work he started. The CNMI community offers it prayers for his eternal rest and for his family during this difficult time,” Palacios said.

500 Sails co-founder and executive director Pete Perez said yesterday that Manglona was the director of 500 Sails’ Cultural Maritime Training Center until his health began to fail.

Perez said Manglona was an incredibly talented man who knew how things worked and got things done.

He said Manglona’s passion was his community and his work aimed to improve peoples’ lives and to protect the indigenous heritage—both Chamorro and Refaluwasch (another term for Carolinian).

“A life well lived doesn’t cover it. He used every minute that he had left to help the community that he loved,” Perez said.

Frances M. Sablan, a former Commonwealth Election Commission board chair, said Manglona and his staff partnered with the Commonwealth Arts Council to have artisans conduct presentations in schools during Cultural Heritage Month.

Sablan said their local organization, Inetnum Kutturan Natibun Marianas/Kkoor Aramasal Marianas (a local cultural group) shared office space with Manglona at the Indigenous Affairs Office.

“He was a hardworking, determined, focused, and vocal leader. He is truly missed,” she said.

Palacios appointed Manglona to serve as the resident executive of the Office of Indigenous Affairs last February. The Senate confirmed his appointment last March.

Manglona previously served as the director of Continuing Education & Workforce Development for the Northern Marianas Trades Institute, and as a dean for the NMC-Cooperative Research Extension and Education Service. He also served as director of the Cultural Maritime Training Center at 500 Sails.