Felicidad Ogumoro, 74

Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang joined the Marianas in mourning the loss of former representative Felicidad Leiwamal Taman Ogumoro, who passed away on Wednesday at 74.

Ogumoro in 1978 became the first female of Carolinian heritage to be elected to the CNMI House of Representatives representing Precinct 5. She served in the government of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, the private sector, and local government for over 50 years.

It was not immediately learned what caused Ogumoro’s death, but she had underlying medical conditions.

Palacios and Apatang shared the news of Ogumoro’s death in a news statement yesterday, saying it is with profound sadness that they share the news of the passing of a true pioneer and Marianas daughter.

Palacios and Apatang said Ogumoro dedicated her life to public service and whose positive, indelible impact in the CNMI continues to resonate today.

Senate President Edith E. DeLeon Guerrero (D-Saipan) said that she and Ogumoro, whom she described as a beautiful woman, remained friends to the end.

DeLeon Guerrero said her first encounter with Ogumoro goes way back during her publishing company days, when Ogumoro was still publishing a magazine. DeLeon Guerrero said she asked if she could include an article on investments in Ogumoro’s magazine in line with the Women’s Month celebration. DeLeon Guerrero said she wanted to do something for CNMI women and brought in her investment advisor friends to help.

“I will miss her and the foresight discussions we always had when we met or run into each other. May she rest in peace,” DeLeon Guerrero said.

House Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez (Ind-Saipan) also expressed his condolences and prayers to the family.

He described Ogumoro as a trailblazer and a role model to those who got into or want to get into public service.

“I was very fortunate to have served a couple of terms with her,” he said.

The speaker said he always mentions the community center that they opened as one of the highlights of his time in office and that Ogumoro was the lead in that project.

“She was a strong voice for our people. She will be greatly missed. May she rest in peace,” Villagomez said.

In their statement, Palacios and Apatang said Ogumoro was a trailblazing woman whose legacy included her election as one of the first women to serve in the CNMI House of Representatives, her advocacy for the establishment and long-term sustainability of Commonwealth institutions that include the Northern Marianas College, Division of Youth Services, and the Women’s Affairs Office, and other agencies and organizations “that have made a profound difference in the lives of so many residents.”

They said Ogumoro—or “Daling” as she was affectionately called by many community members—was a force for positive change and a relentless champion for the advancement of the women’s movement.

“Throughout her impressive career, she demonstrated unparalleled commitment and passion for the well-being of our people,” Palacios and Apatang said.

As a legislator, they said, Ogumoro spearheaded initiatives that reshaped the islands’ landscape, championing causes that emphasized the importance of education and access to high quality programs and services.

They said Ogumoro’s legislative accomplishments were a testament to her unwavering dedication to creating a better future for the people.

Palacios and Apatang said Ogumoro fearlessly broke barriers, shattered glass ceilings, and inspired countless individuals to dream big and strive for equality, and that her legacy will continue to inspire generations of women to come.

“Let us remember Ms. Ogumoro not only for her remarkable achievements but also for the kindness, compassion, and impactful leadership she brought to every endeavor. In this moment of sorrow, let us come together as a community to honor her memory,” they said.

In December 2021, the House presented a House resolution that paid tribute and commended Ogumoro for more than 50 years of distinguished service to the people of the Commonwealth. Rep. Denita Kaipat Yangetmai (D-Saipan) was the principal author of that resolution.

Ogumoro’s family members received the resolution on her behalf as she had underlying medical conditions at the time. She, however, sent a recorded message.

Ogumoro, in her message that was played in the House chamber, stated she is humbled by the resolution and that when she first returned to serve in the Legislature after a 30-year absence, her mission was two-pronged: to safeguard the right of the CNMI to govern itself and to work to improve people’s quality of life.

In 1980, Ogumoro was elected to serve a second term in the House. During her tenure in the House, she was the author of Public Law 2-19, which established the Division of Youth Services; was a staunch supporter of Executive Order No. 25, which established the Northern Marianas College; and was a member of the House Policy Committee for the new Commonwealth Health Center.

In 1982, she ventured into the private sector and held various programs and management positions.

In 1985, Ogumoro was elected a delegate to the 2nd Constitutional Convention. She was the author of Constitutional Amendment 21, establishing the Office of Special Assistant for Women’s Affairs; Constitutional Amendment 38, making the NMC autonomous and guaranteeing it 1% funding; and Constitutional Amendment 38, making the Public School System autonomous and guaranteeing it 15% funding.

She was elected in the House representing Precinct 3 in 2010. She became a member of the House in the 17th, 18th, and 19th Legislatures.

Felicidad Taman Ogumoro