Proclamation: Announcement of the Passing of the Honorable Ivan Alafanso Blanco – Representative of the 22nd Northern Marianas Commonwealth Legislature

BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS

It is my sorrowful duty to announce officially the passing of the Honorable Ivan Alafanso Blanco, Representative of the 22^nd Northern Marianas Commonwealth Legislature, this afternoon here on Saipan.

Lt. Governor Arnold I. Palacios and I, along with our families and our Commonwealth, extend our deepest heartfelt condolences to his wife Carmen, their children Lilly, JC, +Pierre, Kide, Paige, and the entire Blanco family during this difficult time.

Congressman Blanco was a true statesman in every sense of the title. He was humble, intelligent, and passionate, and he held a deep love for our islands and the people who call them home, especially his beloved Precinct 3. He was a gifted communicator that brought people together and knew how to make anyone feel welcome. He treated everyone with kindness and respect and worked until his passing day to make a better Commonwealth so that our future generations are blessed with an opportunity to have a better life.

He lived his life purposefully and with immense joy, lighting up any room with his warm smile and cheerful greetings. He believed in raising the standard of living in the Marianas by developing our economy responsibly, enhancing our infrastructure, and protecting our environment. He believed in the power of our youth to make a difference and empowered them to be leaders in the future. He also believed in collaboration with our Micronesian brothers and sisters to achieve solutions for our communities across our Blue Continent. 

We just lost a true public servant, who served Precinct 3, the island of Saipan, and the Marianas honorably and admirably. We join our colleagues in the Legislature and our entire community in mourning, as we honor his memory and life of service.

As a mark of solemn respect for the life and service of the Honorable Ivan Alafanso Blanco, Representative of the 22^nd Northern Marianas Commonwealth Legislature, I hereby order, that the flag of the Commonwealth, together with the flag of the United States of America, be flown at half-staff at the Juan Atalig Sablan Memorial Building and upon all public buildings, instrumentalities, and grounds within the Commonwealth until the day of his interment.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand on this 23^rd day of July 2021.

/s/

RALPH DLG. TORRES

Governor

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