Saipan Tribune — Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) came bearing bananas, apples, and assorted fruits to the Office on Aging yesterday as part of his annual donation to the islands’ man’amko—his eighth year in a row.

One of the man’amko, Rosalia Tenorio Sablan, said, “It’s a very generous donation and I know that he appreciates every single one of us on island. He’s a generous guy, a very hard worker, and the people of Saipan trust him.”

Another man’amko, Jesse, said, “I’m very happy! I never eat fruits so this will be the first time I’m having some. He’s [Sablan] very generous, and I appreciate him working on several issues on island such as food stamp that will benefit a lot of people.”

Sablan himself said, “One day I will be as old as they are—actually I already am since I have a [senior citizen] card. The man’amko have been working hard since I was just a child. It reminds me that one day I’ll be in their shoes and I, just like everybody, would want someone to take good care of me at that time.”

The donation consisted of an assortment of fruits wrapped tightly for the convenience of the elders.

Also present at the event was Office on Aging director Walter Manglona. “I just want to thank the congressman for spending time to come here and visit the elders. I’m sure his presence means a lot to the man’amko and of course it means a whole lot to us for him to do that time and time again.”

“Whenever we receive gifts from the community, especially when it comes from our leaders, we are always very appreciative, plus we advocate for a healthier diet for our elders anyway. I am very appreciative today because it wasn’t just a donation. It was a donation with the congressman spending time to visit our elders and I’m very fortunate to witness a great contribution for the man’amko,” said Manlona. “I also want to wish Tinian and Rota a happy Thanksgiving as well. I know pretty much everything that goes on at both sites and I always do whatever I can to help, but sometimes the people there just need a visit which is why I’m prioritizing this coming year to go and catch up with these elders.”