32nd Annual International PIBBA Conference a Success!

PIBBA Proclamation Signing

Coconut-weaving session:  Using the Indigenous Art of Coconut Weaving to Improve Language Arts and Mathematics Skills
 

PIBBA Exhibit Participants

PIBBA Fellowship in Action!

FSM Delegation during the Opening Ceremony

Calling of the Kulo during the Pa'ok Ceremony

Pa'ok Masters take a pose with PIBBA participants

 

The 32nd Annual International Pacific Islands Bilingual Bicultural Association (PIBBA) Conference held in the beautiful Pacific island of Guam was a success! The conference theme, “Indigenous Rights:  Sacred and Secret ~ Direchon I Taotao Siha: Sagråda Yan Sikretu” was highlighted in each of the conference days from July 21-24, 2013. Each day featured the gathering of everyone singing the PIBBA song, which includes all the languages of the region, such as the following chorus: “Iokwe, Raan Annim, Kaselehlia, Alii, Aloha, Olomwaay, Hafa Dei, Tuwoh, Mogethin, Talofa.”

Among the entities that attended the conference this year are Pohnpei, CNMI, Guam, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Kosrae, and Chuuk.  The mission of PIBBA is to bring these entities together to promote cultural and language activities by disseminating information, involving communities, and encouraging quality education programs through the western Pacific.

The first day of the PIBBA Conference began with a march in the 69^th Liberation Day Parade on Marine Corps Drive.  Each entity wore their PIBBA shirts and waved their flags proudly.  They were later hosted with a welcome dinner hosted at Lemai Café by GDOE CHamoru Studies and Special Projects Division and CHamoru Language Teachers, and Former PIBBA, International President Linda T. Edward and Family and Friends.

The second day of the PIBBA Conference was held at the Latte of Freedom Multipurpose Cultural Center, Hall of Governors Museum, R. J. Bordallo Governors Complex, Adelup.  An opening ceremony included a Parade of PIBBA Family with State and PIBBA Flags, and Song, Opening Chant by Fanlalai’an, Fanohge CHamoru, and Inifresi.  Opening Remarks were made by Rosa Salas Palomo, PIBBA, Guam Chapter President and 2013 PIBBA Conference Co-Chair.  Official Welcoming Remarks were said by Palomo and PIBBA Guam President-Elect, Dr. Arlene Diaz, in behalf of Peter Robert Onedera, PIBBA, International President, 2012-2013 and 2013 PIBBA Conference Co-Chair.  There was also a presentation of the Legislative Resolution by Vice-Speaker Benjamin Joseph Franquez Cruz, Mina’ 32 na Leheslaturan Guam; Keynote Speech by Attorney Julian Aguon, International Human Rights Lawyer, with focus on A Canvas to Cover the Ocean; announcement in preparation of I Pa’ok by Mr. Glenn Manglona; and Plenary Speech by Ms. Theresa Cruz Arriola, FEST PAC 2016 Chairwoman, Guam Visitors Bureau Board Member with focus on Autronesian Languages.  In addition, a special lunch was hosted by the Department of Chamorro Affairs at I Sengsong Chamorro/Chamorro Village.  The day ended with the I Pa’ok, A CHamoru Cultural Experience at the Angel L.G. Santos Memorial (Latte) Park, Hagåtña conducted by Glenn Manglona, Thomas D.Mendiola, Daniel Barcinas with the assistance of Dr. Greg Tainatongo, and Toni ‘Malia’ Ramirez.                                                                  

The third day of the conference was held at Okkodo High School in Dededo.  Continental breakfast was hosted by Senator Jovita M. Taimanao, CNMI.  Exhibits and a special PIBBA Silent Auction were held.  The FEST PAC 2016 Panel began its discussion with Monica Guzman, Chair, Guam Council on the Arts and Humanities; Frank Rabon, Master of Chamorro Dance; Colleen Weller, Visual Arts Subcommittee; Jaweena Sablan Mendiola, Performing Arts Delegate; American Samoa and Solomon Islands; and John Ibanez, Vice Chair, Guam Council on the Arts and Humanities, Co-Chair, Literacy Arts Subcommittee.

Sessions included I Fiñañagon I Fino’-ta Ta’lo, I Hinagong-ña Mo’na, The Conspiracy Behind the Fall of the Soudolours; Ma Adahen I Fino’ Chamorro- Preserving of the Chamorro Language at the Post Secondary Level; K5 – 3^rd Grade Dual Language Arts (DLA) – A Promising Program in Chuuk; The CNMI Public School System Chamorro Heritage Studies Program at a Glance; The Sacred and Secret of Pohnpei Clan; 4-6 Dual Language Arts (DLA) – A Promising Program in Chuuk; Using the Indigenous Art of Coconut Weaving to Improve Language Arts and Mathematics Skills; The Indigenous Hierachy of Responsibility as Associate to Traditional Titles; Teaching Post-WWII Guam History with Chamorro Songs; Funds for the Improvement of Education (FIE) Report; 7-8 Dual Language Arts (DLA) – A Promising Program in Chuuk; Communicating Events, Telling Time by Animals and Plants; Art as Behavioral Intervention; Cultural Handicrafts and Recyclable Materials; Få’in Mariånas (Rice in the Marianas); Culturally Relevant Mathematics Activities; and more.  A special Fiesta Lunch Plate was hosted by Dr. John Ray and Mrs. Serafina C. Taitano and the Young Men’s League of Guam (YMLG) Ladies Auxiliary.

On the final day of the conference the exhibits and silent auction culminated.  The highlight was the 2012 and 2013 Indigenous Teacher of the Year and Pioneer of the Year Awards announced by Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, PIBBA TOY and POY Co-Chair and Senator Shelten Neth, 2011-2012.  The memorable Proclamation Signing by Lt. Governor of Guam, Ray Tenorio, was also held.  In addition, the presentation of appreciation gifts to the delegations were held, as well as the annual PIBBA International Meeting.  The election of the 2013-2014 PIBBA International Officers included President Masa-Aki Emesiochl; Theresa “Ewy” Taitano, Secretary; Rosa Salas Palomo, Treasurer; Frances Sablan, Historian, and Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera, Webmaster.

A historic tour of Guam conducted by Anthony ‘Malia” Ramirez, Department of Parks and Historian, Department of Parks and Recreation, and Recreation Office bus transportation was provided by GPT, assisted by Dr. Greg Tainatongo.  The night ended with a closing ceremony at the Carnival Grounds, Tiyan, and dinner was sponsored by the Mayors Council of Guam.  Moreover, an In Memoriam Candlelight Ceremony was conducted by Teresita C. Flores and Lois Gumataotao, as well as the passing of the Key to Incoming PIBBA, International President by President Peter Robert Onedera.  The closing remarks were made by PIBBA, Guam Chapter President-Elect, Dr. Arlene C. S. Diaz; and the participants enjoyed the sights, sounds, and rides of the carnival grounds until midnight.

Deep gratitude goes out to all PIBBA Conference steering committee members, and all the entities that joined us to make the 32nd Annual PIBBA Conference a memorable event that will always be remembered! Un Dangkulo Na Si Yu’os Ma’ase’! Kalahngan! Kommol tata! Kinissow! Mesulang! Kammagar!