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Fitial proclaims May Older Americans, Tourism Month
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Posted on Apr 29 2009
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial yesterday separately signed two proclamations declaring May as Older Americans Month and Tourism Month.
At the Office on Aging in Garapan, the governor said the community can improve older citizens’ overall quality of life by helping them make behavioral changes in their lifestyle that can reduce the risk of disease, disability and injury, and gain better access to care.
He said the community should also give the elderly more options to avoid placement in nursing homes and remain at home as long as possible.
The CNMI is home to 4,766 citizens age 55 and over.
“I urge all citizens to honor and support older adults and those who care for them,” the governor said in his proclamation, with Senate President Pete P. Reyes and Rep. Joe Deleon Guerrero by his side.
Susana N. Santos, 71, said she’s happy that the governor visited the Office on Aging for the proclamation signing. She added that the service at the center has been sufficient for her and other elderly.
“I have been coming here at the man’amko center for six years. I enjoy dancing, playing bingo and baseball,” she told Saipan Tribune.
Tourism is everybody’s business
The governor, in his second proclamation signing yesterday, said this year’s theme for Tourism Month is “Tourism is everybody’s business,” now that it is the only industry in the CNMI.
Tourism, he said, is of vital importance to the CNMI’s people, creating opportunities for employment, economic prosperity, international trade and cross-cultural understanding.
Marianas Visitors Authority managing director Perry Tenorio presented the governor and Senate President Reyes t-shirts promoting Tourism Month. The monthlong celebration includes the annual food festival on May 2 and every Saturday of the month.
Also present at the brief ceremony were MVA board members and agency partners.
