Senator Merlyn Abello-Alfonso represents Pohnpei’s first Congressional Election District in the Federated States of Micronesia’s 23rd Congress. She’s the Chairwoman of the Congressional Special Committee on Climate Change and Environmental Issues. She’s also part of the Health and Social Affairs, and Transportation and Communications committees. She’s the second woman elected to the Congress. Before politics, she ran a pharmacy and clinic. She studied biology and medicine in the Philippines, then worked at the Pohnpei State Hospital. She’s been active in civic organizations and served as the Honorary Consul of the Philippines to the FSM. Senator Abello-Alfonso is also a business owner and medical director. She’s a mother of three.